Posted on 25.11.13

The Battle of the Bands

Battle of the Bands to support Simple Minds

On the 24th of November, The Your Event Scotland "Battle of the Bands" competition took place at the Blue Lamp, Aberdeen. The fantastic "Searching for Donkeys" took first prize, winning the opportunity to support Simple Minds at the Stonehaven Hogmanay Celebrations.

Searching for Donkeys were formed in Inverness in 2012, they are a 4-piece band playing all original, upbeat, indie-rock tunes, with a high calibre of catchy riffs.

The Searching for Donkeys boys entered the music industry by organising and running music events and gig nights. Highlight of the year before winning the Battle was playing the Free Range Stage at BELLADRUM festival.  The excited band members Graeme Gilchrist (Guitar/Vocals), Gordon Ross (Lead Guitar), Colin Larkman (Bass) and Barry MacFarlane (Drums) were over the moon to win the competition, competing against 14 other bands.

Your Event Scotland would be delighted to showcase a similar event in the future; all the bands that performed on the night showed great talent and really got the crowd going.  So a huge thank you to all the participating bands and the staff at the Blue Lamp for a great night.  Special thanks to the judging panel made up of Andy Phillips -Musical Visions, Cammy Campbell -Atmosphere Lighting and sound, Harry Butler - Original 106 FM Presenter and two representatives from Open Air In The Square. 

Testimonals from the event: 

"Black Heart Beats just wanted to say a big thank you for last night’s event. The event was really well organised had a great atmosphere and we were happy to be part of it.

 We feel the band that went through were very worthy winners and really enjoyed hearing them at the end of the night." Black Heart Beats 

"We had a great time on Sunday, obviously disappointed we didn't win, but I'm sure the Searching for Donkeys will do a great gig at Hogmanay!!

 We thought the event was well run & everyone was very helpful & encouraging"  Stolen Society

"We too enjoyed playing and it was great to hear a variety of bands. we would happily enter a similar event." Midnight Horrors  

"Loved it!  It was an overall friendly atmosphere from early in the day, and I was pleasantly surprised that the timing of the day stayed on track for the most part, considering how many changeovers there were.  We'd be very interested in continuing our involvement with YES, as it was good fun and we try to work hard at this." SFD

"Just to reiterate what most of the other bands are probably saying, we had a great night at the battle of the bands. We really enjoyed both listening to all the other bands and getting up there ourselves! Thank you very much for allowing us to take part! We would be interested in taking part in other events like this, so please feel free to keep us notified. Thanks again" Standby