A BAND with a cumulative age of approximately 445 years is a sign that you're never too old to rock and roll.  

Wall of Sound, a seven-member band based in Aspatria, first stepped onto the stage after meeting through evening guitar and drum lessons.

They were encouraged by their teacher, Tim Earl, to form a band - bringing together a range in ages from 53 to 76. 

Keith Morley, 67, who plays rhythm guitar and harmonica, is inviting anyone who wants to dust off their instruments to come along to their practice sessions which are held every three Wednesdays a month at the Torpenhow Village Hall. 

"Your mind forgets about everything else when you focus on the music," he said. "Whatever financial or worries you have at home, they disappear. It's a shame schools are losing that now with less and less music being taught.

"When we practice once a week, the two and half hours flies by - for us it's been really good."

For the golden years group which includes members Mike Kierman, Chris Billinge, Ian Picken, Martin Wright, Chris Wilson and Ian Howe, it's a mixture of 50s, 60s and 70s music in the repertoire, songs that 'get everyone dancing and singing' every time they are on stage.

But it's not just about the music, it's as much about a community of musicians, evidenced by their continuation throughout the pandemic.

"We kept going through Covid through an app called BandLab. You can download a track and anyone in the group can play and add to it as you go. Once a week we'd meet on Zoom to talk about what we're doing. It kept us focused and practicing, especially when we were isolated for the best part for two years. 

"One or two said the Zoom meetings were the highlight of the week, without having to say it, it gave us something to look forward to and let off steam, a bit like going to the pub in a way," he said. 

"We always say for anyone to come along to our Wednesday night practice sessions, you'll be more than welcome," Keith added. 

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