Band to play in aid of hearing charity

Hookstick is taking to the stage at the Darwin Shopping Centre in Shrewsbury at 12pm on Saturday to support the 65,500 people living with some form of hearing loss in Shropshire.

The band will also be handing out leaflets and earplugs to the audience during the event, urging people to protect their ears over the music festival season.

Keyboardist, Jane Lane, said the national charity became close to her heart after her father’s hearing started to deteriorate.

She said: “My father was not allowed to study music as a child, but he was passionate about classical music and apparently as a teenager played it very loud in his bedroom. In later life he moved over to jazz, we think probably because classical music began to sound distorted to him, and his hearing deteriorated quite quickly.

“It's made me realise that hearing loss can be quite socially isolating, particularly when it's not recognised. I'm just keen that everyone at whatever end of the age spectrum realises the damage that can be done and that more money is invested into educational experiences which give the warnings before it's too late.”

Hookstick will also be playing an original song called ‘Love Dream’ that uses a heavy bassline so those with hearing loss can feel the vibrations during the gig.

Head of Midlands region services at Action on Hearing Loss, Michael Quinlan, said: “It’s great to see music bands like Hookstick use their music to spread awareness for people with hearing loss and tinnitus. And as the festival season approaches, it’s all the more important to protect your ears when going to see live gigs.”

The gig is free to attend but people are asked to donate whatever they can on the day to support Action on Hearing Loss.