VIDEO: GRADE 2: THE ‘UNKNOWN’ RYDE BAND SET TO CONQUER THE WORLD AGAIN

A Punk/Oi band from Ryde, whose members have been touring internationally since they were just 14 years old, is set to conquer the world once again – but who are Grade 2?

Grade 2 formed in 2013 when Sid Ryan (bass and vocals), Jacob Hull (drums) and Jack Chatfield (guitar and vocals) were just 14 and 15 years old. They had to disrupt their GCSEs when asked to tour France.

After leaving school, the group turned professional and have travelled the world ever since. Interestingly, they played Paris before they ever got a gig in London.

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Unfortunately, COVID-19 forced the band to give up touring and get regular employment. Sid got a job in Tesco, Jacob found work labouring and Jack served behind the bar of the Blacksheep. But the band have now quit their jobs again and are back on the road.

Many Islanders may not have heard of this internationally-recognised band as they only play on the Island around once every 14 months. Bassist Sid says:

“There isn’t enough of a music scene on the Island. There’s just one venue. We can’t deliver in an Island pub.

“We get no publicity. Everything took off in other places for us. Our music has been played on Radio 1 but never on Isle of Wight Radio.”

When asked where he most likes playing, Sid says:

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“Germany, because of the fans. It’s a great atmosphere. We first went to Germany when we were 16. We have done more cities in Germany than in the UK. If you get people contacting you to play gigs in Germany but not here, where would you expect us to go?”

Asked for his opinion on his native Isle of Wight, Sid says:

“I never talk the Island down, ever. But resources are limited in every aspect. You haven’t the same opportunities here as you have in a big city such as London. People are not going to pay £25 to come over on the ferry to watch us perform in Newport or Ryde.

“When we started, we did our rehearsals in Ryde Youth Club, but we had to stop because we were told we were too loud. We played a handful of pub gigs. Then things just snowballed for us on the continent.”

Do Grade 2 like other Island bands?

“We like Wet Leg from Sandown. They are funny, catchy, quirky, and cool. Iggy Pop liked one of their songs, like he picked up on one of ours.”

Which bands have influenced your music?

“We started by being interested in 90s American punk, such as Rancid and Dropkick Murphys. We then went backtracked to what our Dads liked in the 70s and 80s. Our favourite bands from that era are the Stranglers and the Jam.

“But in our music, we take bits and pieces from everywhere. Our songs are true stories about everyday life. Our lyrics come from everything we’ve lived through.”

“We once met the Stranglers out of the blue in a lift in Las Vegas. We have appeared on the same bill as them. ‘Princess of the Street’ is a favourite song.”

“As far as Old School Skinhead and Oi bands are concerned, we like the Last Resort. We’ve played with them countless times.

Are Grade 2 political?

“No. The band’s apolitical. Morals and politics are 2 different things and should not be confused. We don’t want to preach to people.

“Of course, we’re anti-racist. Our band is mixed-race. But that’s a moral rather than political stance. The skinhead scene was ruined by politics. That’s something we don’t want to get involved in.”

With the Covid-19 pandemic easing, Grade 2 are now fully booked until the end of 2023, playing throughout North America and the continent of Europe. In mid-April, Grade 2 are off to Los Angeles for 4 weeks recording at Shipwreck Studios for Epitaph records (the largest independent label). They are then off to gigs in France, Greece, and Norway.