Three young students who formed a band at Aldenham School say they are “thrilled” after being chosen to headline a charity gig in Watford town centre next month.
Jake Adams, Niall Loque and Louis Slater, all aged 13, make up The Undecided - a rock and roll trio who received widespread recognition last year after making the semi finals of nationwide competition Live and Unsigned.
The band formed two years ago when the boys met at Aldenham School and the students have since enjoyed local success playing several gigs. In fact, their music has proved so infectious that after sending a CD to organisers of next month’s Charter Place Valentine’s gig, they were chosen not only to play, but to headline the event.
Drummer Jake, of Chiltern Close, Bushey, said: “I love the feeling of just playing in front of an audience. I love music and I’m really excited about this gig.”
For Jake, the occasion holds special significance as the band has chosen to raise money for The Peace Hospice on the day through collection buckets and CD sales.
The hospice, in Rickmansworth Road, Watford, cared for Jake’s grandfather, John Adams, before he passed away.
Jake added: “It feels good to know I’m making my grandfather proud - I would just like to help out where I can.”
For the other members, the open-air concert, on Sunday, February 12, provides a fresh opportunity to showcase their talents.
Bass guitarist Niall Logue, from Mill Hill, said: “I think sometimes people assume we are older than we are when they hear our songs so it can be a surprise when they find out we are 13. We just go out to enjoy ourselves.”
The band rehearses for several hours every weekend around school work and chores, and has put together a set list which combines their own songs and cover versions.
As well as the concert, stalls from Watford Market will be set up around Charter Place to promote the shopping area.
Lead singer and guitarist Louis Slater, from Shenley, said: “Considering we started with gigs and talent shows at school, it is going pretty well. It is amazing. We have so many hits on YouTube - this is my dream to be playing music but I never expected this.
“It is great to be up there playing with my best friends. I do get nervous before a gig sometimes but when I get out there it is just really fun. There is massive excitement building up to this one.”
The Undecided will play two sets at the Valentine’s gig, the first beginning at about 11.30am and the second at about 2.30pm, with other acts on in between.
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