Here is a band from South West London, with an eclectic mix of young musicians united by a man called Bill Marney. At day, he is a social worker engaged in the community. On a Tuesday night however, he gathers the band at their community-hall–turned-practise room for jam sessions lasting three hours.
Formed by Bill around twenty or more years ago, Banned from Sainsbury’s beginnings roots back to teaching a few guitar chords to a group of youths in a juvenile prison (where Bill had worked as an officer). The band had constantly evolved until today, where Bill leads Banned from Sainsbury’s as a project to offer kids the opportunity to pick up any instrument and learn it.
Currently, the band is comprised of a main vocalist, a bassist, two guitarists, a drummer and myself as the keyboardist; all in KS3, 4 and 5 from different secondary schools in Wandsworth.
In February 2020, the band had performed a gig at the Young Clapham Gala, at the Leonardo Royal Hotel. It was a resounding success for the band, especially having practised two times before the gig. The set list was comprised of Bob Dylan’s ‘Baby Blue’, Oasis’ ‘Live Forever, ‘Rockin’ in the Free World’ and ‘Medicine’, the latter being an original song written by the band. The keyboardist had also provided an instrumental solo for the guests as they entered. Both performances were received with great support from the audience.
During the lockdown, the band has gotten together to practise and perform at a reduced number. In April, the drummer, guitarist and myself arrived at John Bosco school to perform a set to the pupils still attending school during the pandemic, because of their parents being key-workers or being classed as vulnerable. Socially distanced, we had performed Adele’s ‘Someone Like You’ and Oasis’ ‘Live Forever’, which revealed a singing capacity in myself. It was fantastic entertainment for the kids and teachers on their lunch break.
Being part of a group that you can return to and perform with has never been so rewarding. Josiah, the band’s drummer stated, “Being in the band has helped me be more confident and understand that music is more fun when you do it as a group”, whilst Teddy, guitarist and youngest of the band claimed, “I have learned things about music I have never known and it’s a lovely experience each time”. Music has a brilliant way of bringing people together, and even more when you get to showcase your talent to an audience.
Banned from Sainsbury’s hopes to continue performing once the pandemic eases off. Traditionally, the band has performed at Weyfest, so we hope to perform in 2021. For now, we practise at home.
