'We're a 60s covers band in our 60s, 70s and 80s'

A group of friends who formed a 1960s covers band in retirement are preparing for their biggest gig yet to raise money for charity.

Silhouette Band are an eight-piece ensemble from Manchester aged 60-80, who perform pop and rock and roll songs classics with a Burt Bacharach-style flavour using piano, guitar, strings, wind instruments and vocal harmonies.

Ahead of an upcoming gig at the Stockport Plaza, the group spoke to BBC Manchester about band rehearsals, their love of 1960s music, and their plans to perform to an audience of more than 1000.

"We don't see ourselves as people of a certain age," singer Carol Beardmore said. "Music is universal - it keeps our minds going it brings a sense of wellbeing and a joy we want to spread."

Officially founded in 2017, the band puts a unique twist on with classic hits by the Beatles, Elvis, the Beach Boys, Dusty Springfield, Frankie Valli, Carole King, Neil Sedaka and other performers.

"We have witnessed, first hand, the power music has on this older generation," Angela said. "I believe we release treasured memories associated with the carefree days of our youth, happy times, those capers with our long lost friends and those we loved or who loved us. 

"Joyous, untroubled moments where the popular songs and lyrics of the day formed a backdrop to our lives."

Founding members are viola player Bev Ross and her husband, singer Rodd Peters, a former musical duo.

Bev grew up listening only to classical music until Rod introduced her to 1960s classics.

"There was no pop music allowed in our house when I was young. My parents were very strict, it had to be classical only," Bev said.

"I only started playing sixties music when I met my husband, 'Rocking Rod', 20 years ago, and he introduced me to all of this wonderful Beatles and 60s music which I had missed out on as a teenager."

Bev and Rod set up the band with long-time friends Carol Jason and Angela. Carol Beardmore, Johanne Levy, Bronwen Bevan and Michelle Shaffer later joined.

Bev said the band feel "incredibly lucky" to be able to play on such a large stage at their time of life.

"When I first saw Stockport Plaza I was just mind-blown," she said. "I'd never seen such a beautiful theatre and my first thought was 'aren't we incredibly lucky at our age and our time of life to be having this amount of fun'.

"I felt also really lucky that we are still well enough, physically and mentally, to stand up there for two 45 minute sets and keep going at our age."

Strings player Bronwen added: "We're not like famous bands who have had their time and come out of retirement. Our band has evolved over a period of time and it's just great that we have been given chance to share something that will touch so many people."

The band's upcoming show in Stockport marks a major milestone for the band, and all profits will go directly to Alzheimer's Society - a cause particularly close to Carol Beardmore's heart because her daughter has Alzheimer's.

"This gig means a lot," former cruise ship singer Carol said. "My daughter has Down Syndrome and was diagnosed with early Alzheimer's in 2019 - and so this is really special to give something back and raise more awareness."

"Bring it on," she added. "The bigger the gig the better."

Grace Burke, from Alzheimer's Society, said: "We're absolutely thrilled that The Silhouette Band are taking to the stage at the Stockport Plaza in support of Alzheimer's Society.

"This event promises to be a joyful celebration of music, community and generosity.

"Every pound raised will help us continue our crucial work supporting people affected by dementia, and we couldn't be more grateful for their incredible support."

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