Impromptu gig brought traffic to a standstill

11:00am Friday 29th August 2008

IN true rockstar fashion, punk rock purveyors Nomad 67 had not planned to jump out of their van and play in the middle of a busy Worcester street.

But that is what the young band – who open the Bridge Bash festival in Stanford Bridge, near Worcester, today – did last month. Their impromptu open air performance caused commotion as people and traffic stopped outside the Odeon cinema in Foregate Street to listen.

No strangers to controversy, the boys were once banned from an open air event in Ludlow for being too loud. Their rock reputation precedes them.

“It was a spur of the moment thing,” said the band’s manager Graham Pearce. “We were on our way back from a private gig and the boys were still hyper. We wouldn’t make a habit of it, but it was fun.”

Singer Jay Lawson Pearce, bassist Joe Shellam and drummer Will Diment gave their short, acoustic set on Wednesday, July 13. They initially played on the steps of the Odeon cinema, but were moved on by staff.

Watching it unfold was Nomad fan Emilyjane Griffin of Brownes Way, Hallow.

“They stood there, jumping, rocking out, having a great time,”

she said. “Headlights of cars were shining on them, which gave a great lighting effect. Then we saw all the smokers from the pub opposite walking out in little groups, coming closer to listen and after each song you could hear them clapping.”

Since they formed in 2004, Nomad have toured the country and played at a major festival in Switzerland. In October they take to the stage with signed bands at Birmingham’s Barfly venue.

“Things are going really well for them,” said Mr Pearce, who is frontman Jay’s dad. “Nomad are the strongest they’ve ever been and probably playing two gigs a week.”

To hear what the fuss is about, go to myspace.com/nomad67.

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