The campaign targets 35-60 year old rock fans - who either used to play in a band or are simply keen to try - and places them into groups, organising a number of rehearsal sessions before getting them up on stage to perform live in a local rock concert.
The project which works in partnership with the UK's MIA musical instrument retailers, has been brought to the UK from the US. Following two hugely successful pilots in Stockton-on-Tees and Reading, additional Weekend Warrior programmes are now up and ready to run in Warrington, Stockport, Nottingham, Leicester, Portsmouth, Glasgow, Leeds, Birmingham, Southampton, Bristol, Harlow and Darlington with many more expected to launch in the New Year.
Paul McManus, chief executive, MIA comments, "We have had an overwhelming response to the Weekend Warriors, proving that there is a very real demand from middle aged enthusiasts to be able to take up their instruments and form bands again. For this generation it really does seem that 50 is the new 30 - these guys are not the type who wish to slip quietly into retirement."
(Jim Evans)
