And Sheffield certainly has many famous musicians to choose from, with keyboard and piano playing at their core. We always hope to inspire our own students to take to the stage themselves, and being reminded that even some of the best pianists started in a local Sheffield pub or club before hitting the big time is a great way to give our students here at Piano Lessons Sheffield the courage to take the plunge, and get up on stage to showcase their piano talent.
Bring Me The Horizon is a metal-punk five-piece band which formed in Sheffield in 2003. They have come a long way since their days of playing local Sheffield pubs and clubs, winning the Best British Newcomer at the 2006 Kerrang! Awards. They are scheduled to play Reading Festival in 2015, as well as having played the 12,500 capacity Wembley Arena. Their more recent albums see a move away from their punk roots, with influence from classical and pop sounds, particularly shown through keyboardist Jordan Fish’s piano skills. Fish only officially became a member of the band in 2013, having played the piano for the band as a session musician for their third album. Music critics applauded this move, with the view that keyboard sounds fit the style of the band. Despite the success of the band, you will often find them returning to their home city of Sheffield, and it isn’t unheard of them for them to put on free gigs in the city of Sheffield, so make sure to look out for that!
Drenge has two members, made up of brothers Eoin and Rory Loveless. Established in 2011 and known for their grunge and alternative rock vibes, the band has risen to prominence that takes them beyond their hometown of Sheffield. The band has toured with several bands both in the US and UK, including appearances in their hometown of Sheffield, with a show at Sheffield’s Queens Social Club, S2 4DG. Their fame may be credited to the resignation of Labour MP Tom Watson from the Shadow Cabinet in 2013, who recommended them in his resignation letter as “an awesome band” to see, but Drenge were making waves on the music scene long before that. With TV appearances, use in an advert, and a strong festival appearance (Drenge is set to play Reading Festival this year, and has previously appeared at Latitude Festival, and Glastonbury), there seems to be nothing that can stop this two-piece from Sheffield!
Richard Hawley was born and raised in Sheffield, and he takes a lot of inspiration for his music and albums from the city’s streets. His second album, Late Night Final, was named after the cry of vendors selling the Sheffield Star newspaper on Sheffield’s streets. His music is easy listening, with hints of indie, rock, and country inspiration. His musical talent is enviable, with his ability to guitar, drums, organ, and piano (as well as his smooth vocals). Our tutors here at Piano Lessons Sheffield often use Richard Hawley as a fine example of a local piano player who has taken his music to new heights. His first album was released in 2000, and he has risen to global fame, with performances at several festivals across the globe, and a nomination for Best British Male Performer at the Brits.
While She Sleeps won Best British Newcomer at the Kerrang! Awards in 2012, a far cry from the streets of Sheffield where they formed in 2006. The band members met at school in Sheffield and had played together in many other bands before forming metalcore inspired While She Sleeps. Their sound may consist of heavy guitar and screaming vocals, but it is often broken up by softer piano interludes (which is a fine example of the versatile nature of the piano). Their first studio album was launched in the heart of their hometown at the Plug, S1 4QD. The band have since performed at many festivals and even opened for Bring Me the Horizon (a fellow Sheffield band), with the metalcore focus of both bands making for a highly charged gig. They are set to release a new album in 2015, which will be complemented by a tour of the UK.
