Aylsham band misses out on music final

A Norfolk band, which had to draft in a new member because of an injury to their drummer, failed to make it through to the national finals of a live and unsigned music talent competition.

A Norfolk band, which had to draft in a new member because of an injury to their drummer, failed to make it through to the national finals of a live and unsigned music talent competition.

But the Sharps, formed at Aylsham when they were schoolboys, are not feeling flat after the weekend's area final in London, which was the gateway to an O2 Arena national final.

Guitarist Darby Dorras said: 'We went there with hopes high, but the competition was very tough and we only had limited time to practice with our new member.

'That was explained to the judges who made allowances, and we had some good comments back from the panel, plus it was a good experience and exposure.'

The band, whose members are now all aged 19 and 20, had to perform without drummer Sam Evans after he badly injured a shoulder in a mountain biking accident. They drafted in a friend Guy Porteous to play guitar, while guitarist Keiran Morgan switched to drums.

Three of the 19 bands in the Sharps' section went through to join another six in the national final. There is still an outside chance of them reaching the final through a wild card entry by fans texting wildcard511 to 84222.

Mr Dorras said the band was thrilled with the level of support, with fans travelling from Norfolk for their area final appearance.

Sam's arm was getting better and it was hoped to have him back in action to record some tracks in the late summer and resuming gigging in the autumn.

More information about the competition is at www.liveandunsigned.uk.com. Hear the Sharps' original songs at www.myspace.com/thesharps