Trade figures' Beatles band come together again for NLT fundraiser

Shabby Road, a Beatles tribute band formed by members of the trade, are to hold a fundraising concert for the National Literary Trust this spring, following their sell-out debut gig for the charity in 2019. 

The band, which includes Faber executive chair Stephen Page (pictured) on drums, raised £10,000 for the NLT after performing at Oxford Street’s 100 Club two years ago. This year’s performance, "Get Back to the 100 Club" will be held on 9th May at the same venue.

Shabby Road will be playing some of the most famous songs from the second half of The Beatles’ career, including numbers from "Revolver", and "Let It Be", in addition to hit singles and "a few surprises".

The band also includes author Andy Miller, who is the lead vocalist and keyboard player, head of acquisitions at All3Media, Hannah Griffiths on bass guitar and backing vocals, co-founder and c.e.o. of cloud-hosted technology platform Racoon David Klafkowski on electric guitar, plus musician and singer-songwriter Malcolm MacWatt on backing vocals and guitar.

“Playing ’Abbey Road’ was pretty daunting, but the gig was amazing – and such a joyous way to support a great charity," Page said. "This time there’s an even more urgent need for funds to support literacy, as the impact of the pandemic has been particularly disastrous for disadvantaged communities. We’re setting ourselves the target of raising even more money than last time, so, with everyone’s Help!, I’ve Got A Feeling that we can get there, so please start buying tickets right now.”

Jonathan Douglas, c.e.o. of the National Literacy Trust, said: “I‘m really looking forward to seeing Shabby Road play again to raise much-needed funds. Every ticket and donation goes towards our mission to change the life stories of disadvantaged children in the UK.

“One of the worst impacts of the pandemic is nearly two years of disruption to education services, and the National Literacy Trust has been working tirelessly to support schools and those families whose children have had their literacy and learning most adversely affected. That’s why we need your help to ensure that we can continue to be there for the children who need us most.”

More information about the concert can be found here.