Ryde-based punk band Grade 2 returned to the Isle of Wight to play a barnstorming set for their home-based fans at a charity evening at Strings Newport on Friday (23rd June).
However, the former Ryde Academy pupils Jack Chatfield, Jacob Hull and Sid Ryan have been (and will be) playing bigger stages. Last week (20th June), Grade 2 supported Rancid at Wembley Arena. This week (Friday), Grade 2 will be supporting Guns ‘n’ Roses at the British Summer Time Festival in Hyde Park.
Although only in their mid-20s, Grade 2 have been performing since 2013 when they were still at school. Their work has taken them across Europe, including live performances in Germany, Switzerland, Spain, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Norway, Sweden, Greece, Italy, Ireland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Slovakia, Serbia, the UK, and the Isle of Man. They have also toured in the US and Canada.
Grade 2 were supported by punk legend Charlie Harper of the UK Subs, who sang an acoustic set, and Crawley-based band Shamefaced.
The evening at Strings was in aid of charity Help Musicians, which supports working musicians dealing with illness, injury or accident. They provide financial grants to pay for medical treatment, specialist therapies and living costs and provide 1-on-1 help to those with life-changing situations. They also make regular payments and social visits to retired musicians and support emerging and graduate musicians.
