Young heavy metal fan out to prove his steel

TALENTED musician Jack Haigh,14, from Silkstone Common has been shortlisted in a prestigious national competition to find the UK’s best young drummer.

Jack, alongside nine other finalists all aged 16 years and under, will take part in the annual competition to showcase the talents of the top young drummers from all over the UK.

The Young Drummer of the Year contest was developed by drum educator and influencer Mike Dolbear and producer and industry manager Ade Holbrook and is something that percussionist Jack has aspired to for many years.

Having started learning to play the drums through Barnsley Music Service aged just six, music has played a huge part in Jack’s life as he worked his way up through various ensembles and bands across Yorkshire.

Although Jack’s musical passion lies with heavy metal music, his ability to play a wide range of musical styles has seen him play in venues up and down the country including The Albert Hall in London and as far away as Belgium and Germany.

Jack said: “I’m so pleased to have been placed in the top ten and can’t wait to perform on stage in the final.

“It’s like a dream come true to have come so far and I’m just going to go out there, play my best and do what I love.”

Attracting large numbers of entrants and a star studded cast of judges from the musical field, The Young Drummer of the Year has been at the forefront of the drumming community since its inception into the mainstream music calendar 19 years ago.

Past finalists and winners include Matty Brown (Stormzy/Plan B/ Little Mix), Josh Devine (One Direction) and Paul Stanley Mckenzie (Damon Albarn/Eliza Doolittle).

The event, open to the public, will take place on Sunday February 2 at the Artrix Arts Centre in Bromsgrove. Doors open at 1.30pm and the show will start at 2pm.