Hove MP calls for talented musicians to get in touch

Hove MP Mike Weatherley is running a competition for aspiring musicians for a second year.

He held a launch party on Friday to call for nominations for Rock the House, the national live music competition that he founded last year.

Mr Weatherley is inviting every MP to nominate a band, solo artist and an under-18 act and the best small live music venue from their constituency.

A panel of international music industry experts and musicians will choose the finalists who will compete in a live battle of the bands.

The winner in each category will play a live set on the terrace of the House of Commons and a host of prizes. They include music equipment and software, a music video shoot, live gigs and other support.

Mr Weatherley, a heavy metal fan, worked in the music industry before becoming a Conservative MP.

He has lined up an array of patrons, including Alice Cooper, Ian Gillan from Deep Purple, Robin Gibb from the Bee Gees, Rick Wakeman from Yes and Mark Hoppus from Blink 182.

One of last year’s finalists – a local band called Echo Rain – played an acoustic set at the launch party at the Bee’s Mouth pub in Western Road, Hove.

They also gave a premiere screening of their first music video. The video was one of their prizes for making last year’s final.

Mr Weatherley said that entry forms can be found at www.rockthehouse2012.com and need to reach him at mike.weatherley.mp@parliament.uk by Saturday 7 April.

Nominees will face each other in a battle of the bands at Sticky Mike’s Frog Bar in Middle Street, Brighton, on Monday 23 April at 7pm.

The winners from Hove and Portslade will go forward to the national competition which will be judged by a panel of international music industry experts.

Mr Weatherley said: “Brighton and Hove is a hugely creative area with an astounding number of fantastic live acts and I urge them all to enter themselves into Rock the House for a chance to win the amazing prizes that have been put forward by our sponsors.”

Alice Cooper said: “The UK is synonymous with great live bands and the reason that American bands are even in bands is because of the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and the Who and bands like that. Rock the House absolutely has my support and I’d be happy to be a judge.”

Robin Gibb praised Mr Weatherley’s work in promoting intellectual property rights, trying to ensure musicians and others are able to earn a living through royalties.

Mark Hoppus said: “I’m very honoured to be part of the Rock the House campaign and look forward to doing anything I can to promote this very important cause.

“I encourage all unsigned musicians to visit the website and write to their MP to take part.”