Bands rock Rothes in dad's memory
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A ROCK gig in honour of a local man has seen cash rolling in to aid motor neurone disease research.
Rock For MND Scotland, held at The Grant Hall in Rothes in memory of Craigellachie music lover James Combe, smashed last year's total by raising £2006 for the charity – with the sum expected to climb a little yet.
The crowd enjoyed a sold-out evening, on Saturday, September 14, of top-class local music from students of Moray Music Lessons, MacTa and The Fireflies.
The students struck the first note with Mark Robinson performing a solo blues harmonica spot. He was followed by Ross Hendry (11), Erin Grant (12), Fraser MacDonald (15), Rowan MacDonald (12) and Sorcha Thompson (17) playing a few songs. Tutor Tom Morris accompanied his students on stage, as well as performing with both bands.
Also multi-tasking on the night was Angus Lawson, sound engineer and MacTa keyboard player. The dancefloor was packed as MacTa delivered a flurry of high-tempo hits before The Fireflies closed the night with a mix of classic rock and soul.
Harris Combe joined The Fireflies on drums to perform "I Don't Want A Lover" and "Don't Stop Believing", to cap a very special night in memory of his dad.
Local businesses including Glenfarclas, Walkers Shortbread, Springfield Homes, Tesco, Gordon & MacPhail and Glen Grant Distillery donated generously to raffles and an auction, helping to top last year's total of £1854.
Organiser Mark Aldridge said: "This event only succeeded due to the generosity of the performers, local businesses and, of course, the good people of Moray for turning up to support a great cause.
"Days after the gig saw the passing of the former Rangers and Dutch international footballer Fernando Ricksen at 43 years old after a long battle with MND – and just reinforces how terrible this disease is and how bravely people battle it.
"We hope the funds raised can do something to help in the fight against MND, and we hope to repeat the event next September."
The Fireflies, alongside bands In This Life, Blue Gum Ears and The Fragz, will perform for a Halloween fancy-dress fundraiser on November 2 to aid Friends of Neonatal at Buckie's British Legion branch. Tickets, costing £10, are available on 074947 66635.
