Rockin' for a cause

Thursday night proved to be one of the most memorable of Belfast Music Week as three bands from the North performed at Ulster Hall in a sold-out show to to benefit the Alzheimer's Society. Ash, The Divine Comedy, and The Undertones each performed one of their albums in full, with support from songwriter John D'Arcy.

Downpatrick rockers Ash played their superb debut album 1977, known for hits like
'Oh Yeah', 'Goldfinger' and 'Girl From Mars'. The Divine Comedy chose 1994 album Promenade performed with a string quartet while The Undertones went with their eponymous debut album from 1979.

Neil Hannon of The Divine Comedy and Ash frontman Tim Wheeler both have family members stricken by the disease. Wheeler, whose father died in January, said leading up to the show that "using the uplifting power of great music we are going to make a contribution. It's going to be a wonderful and emotional night for me."

Hannon's dad is currently battling the illness and the Derry native says he is "delighted to finally get this opportunity to do my bit for the cause."

"This gig was a really fantastic way of spreading the message that dementia can affect anyone," said Bernadine McCrory, Alzheimer's Society director for Northern Ireland. "We’re full of admiration for Tim Wheeler and Neil Hannon for talking so openly about how they have been affected by Alzheimer’s disease."

If you couldn't make it to the gig but want to help this very worthy cause, you can donate via JustGiving at [link]www.justgiving.com/ulsterhallmusicbenefit[/link].

Text: ULST77 to 70070 for a donation of £1, £2, £3, £4, £5 or £10.