Musicians

Bruno Gallone is the founder member, lead singer, bass player and song writer of the band Reaction.

They were a four-piece Mod/Powerpop band ('79 - '82) from Burton-on-Trent.

Bruno on stage

Although they were never signed, they supported some excellent bands - including The Jam, The Ruts, Fun Boy Three, and Bananarama - playing at venues like London Rainbow, Hammersmith Palais, Birmingham Barrel Organ, Dingwalls and the Marquee.

When Reaction split up, Bruno formed and performed in two other bands, 2nd Phase and The Gift, before becoming too disillusioned, and decided in 1985 to hang up his guitar.

However, in 2004, his wife bought a surprise gift of an acoustic guitar and Bruno started writing again.

Forever England

In 2006, Bruno wrote and recorded a song called 'Forever England', with the intention of persuading a major artist to record and release it for the World Cup.

Bruno gigging

Undeterred by the countless rejections, Bruno got BBC Radio 5 Live to play it, and this had a domino effect which resulted press coverage, further national radio play on Talksport, then on local stations BBC Radio Derby, BBC Hereford & Worcester and BBC Coventry & Warwickshire.

He then performed the song on BBC Midlands Today and on ITV Central.

Bruno has continued writing and surprisingly, even to himself, he started to perform live again - with his own blend of acoustic power pop.

His style has been described as a cross between The Housemartins, Billy Bragg and The Lightning Seeds.

The most frequent comments about his music are that it is very lyrical, very British, down to earth and honest.

Building his profile

Bruno says: "My main intention has been to re-build a profile and gain credibility back in the music business, so people will take my song writing seriously and maybe, fingers crossed, work with a publishing house or producer to write for another artist."

Within half a year, Bruno had already clocked up over 20 live performances.

Bruno says: "It's been great, as a solo act. I've already met and played with some excellent local artist and bands, and recently supported some great acts like Kieran Halpin, 3 Daft Monkeys, The Jamm (UK number one tribute act)."

You can listen to all the latest music from across the two counties on the Friday Session Introducing... every week from 7pm, on BBC Hereford & Worcester.