A DUNOON band formed in the classroom is set to return home for its biggest headline show yet.
Local group SOAP will celebrate a decade together with a special performance at the Burgh Hall on May 2, promising a night unlike any they have staged before.
The band – made up of Callum Newall (drums), Kenny McLay (guitar/vocals), Liam Somerville (guitar/vocals), Liam McCabe (bass) and Johnny Stuart (keyboard) – first came together while still pupils at Dunoon Grammar School.
Reflecting on their beginnings, the band said: “The band was formed for a one off performance for a fifth and sixth year event, we never thought it would be more than that, but here we are ten years later still going strong.”
Now, a decade on, they are preparing for a landmark homecoming performance in front of a local audience that has supported them throughout their journey.
Speaking ahead of the gig, the band told this newspaper: “For us to be able to put on our biggest headline gig ever, it’s a huge occasion for us. We’re really excited to entertain our local loyal supporters.”
Fans can expect something special on the night, with the group keen to move beyond their usual pub performances.
They continued: “They should expect a completely different show from us.
“We’ve got plenty of special guests lined up and a tailor made set that’s almost three hours long. We want this to feel like an intimate setting, but also like a huge party.”
Over the past decade, SOAP have built up an impressive list of achievements, both musically and within the community.
They said: “We feel like we’ve plenty of highlights, both personally and professionally. For us to have done this together as a group of friends is really important to us.
“We’ve been a real family throughout this time, attending funerals, weddings and covering all sorts of emotional and exciting times of each other’s lives.”
Among their standout moments, the band reached the final of the Young Scot Awards in 2022, finishing second in their category, and have also been recognised for their community work, including winning Argyll and Bute Youth Volunteer of the Year award 2020 and last year winning Regional Hero Cowal.
Their efforts have also raised significant funds for good causes. Events that SOAP have organised or been part of have accumulated over £150,000, including Stay Fresh Music Festival which contributed £44,500 to that total, their ‘biggest achievement since becoming a band’.
Looking ahead, the group say they are keen to keep things going much as they are.
They said: “We love playing together and it’s why we do it, to have fun.
“We’re so lucky to have continuous support from the community, we want to continue to do them proud.”
SOAP will be supported on the night by local musician Zucchini, with tickets priced at £15 (plus booking fee) and available via Eventbrite.
The band added their thanks to those who have supported them along their journey.
They finished: “We would like to thank the community for constant support and encouragement in all they do.
“We’d also like to thank our family and friends for keeping the dream alive.”
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