York really Rocked at the Barbican on Saturday night raising £15,000 for York Against Cancer (YAC)

Sunday, 24 July 2022 15:43

By Barbara Constable

For the 5^th time York Rocks Against Cancer put on a spectacular live show at the York Barbican on Saturday night. An audience of over 700 people were constantly up out of their seats dancing and clapping from the first number right through to the end of the show.

The sheer guts and determination of Ian Surgenor brought together again local musicians and celebrities who volunteer their time and energy to raise vital funds for York Against Cancer.

£70,000 had already been raised and last night saw an amazing £15,000 added to charity’s funds.

This year there was a house band who were on the stage for virtually all of the performances plus dancers from Attitude Dance Club who mingled with audience helping the shyer ones get up on their feet. Ian Surgenor, of course is part of the York Rocks House Band.

Local band, Sister Madly, as usual didn’t disappoint the crowd with some Abba songs and finishing as they always do with “Proud Mary”.

The Shephered Group Brass Band really got the crowd going before even entering the theatre, performing outside! In the theatre I don’t think anyone knew what was going to come out of their performance. Their rendition of The Proclaimers' '500 Miles' not only got the audience on their feet but also some marched round the theatre!

Ryan Martin a singer songwriter from York sang his cover of “Hallelujah”. Ryan said he was "humbled and honoured” to appear at York Rocks Against Cancer with the audience also humbled by his moving version of the song.

Also appearing was Mal Fry and “Sweet Caroline” certainly had everyone singing along and dancing. Marshall Nattrass, on acoustic guitar was equally amazing singing Chuck Berry's “You Never Can Tell”, with the dancers channelling dances from the song's appearance in the cult-classic 'Pulp Fiction'.

Jorvik Radio hosted the concert and Adam Coggin, presenter of the Weekend Breakfast show, was a brilliant compere. Adam also led the mid-show charity auction which saw a lady called Kim from the audience part with £1,250 in an auction – the reward for parting with such a generous amount of money is an exclusive tour of the Emmerdale studios with a VIP lunch, led by Bradley Johnson and Lawrence Robb (who you may know as Vinny Dingle and Mackenzie Boyd from the soap).

Talking of Emmerdale, the “Somewhere Near Hotten” Emmerdale Band strutted their stuff on stage wowing the audience with a multitude of songs which really got the crowd going.

Headlining the concert was Skylights, an York-based Indie Rock Band who had a sell out gig at Leeds Arena two weeks ago and two recent top 20 chart singles. Their set truly showed that "York rocks" (against cancer).

Unfortunately, due to unforseen circumstances, Andy Doonan (who has teamed up with fellow 'muso' Dom to form the group 'Last Motion Picture') was unable to perform. He was billed to play his hit cover of Kate Bush's 'Running Up That Hill' as well as an exclusive play of an upcoming single. Having heard the song on Spotify since the event, I would encourage you to take a listen!

All these wonderful artists gave up their time for free and for a worthy cause plus they could not do it without the wonderful "behind the scenes" support.

But the accolade must go not only to Surge for pulling it off again but to The YAC Collective – a group of musicians and artists that have formed a group and recorded a charity single called "You Lined Up All The Stars" which was released on 8^th July. All proceeds from the sales made go to YAC.

YAC Collective Band

"You Lined Up All the Stars" was written by local musician Gary Luckhurst and produced by Ian Surgenor. Yes, of course, Surge, is also part of The YAC Collective!

Last night for the first time the wonderful video filmed by RO Pictures to accompany the song was shown on the big screen at the York Barbican. It is a very moving production again involving so many people willingly giving up their time.

Julie Russell, CEO York Against Cancer with Bill (Bilko) Colman, MD Jorvik Radio

Somewhere near Hotten

I can't wait for the next one, yes Surge has already said he is planning next years! Might give me enough time to come down from the high of last night. I got home at 2am and was still buzzing at 4am! It was simply sensational and that was certainly the feedback I heard from everyone.

The CD/video is available to purchase for just £10 - https://lnk.to/YACollective