Stoneway travelled to the Roadmender venue in Northampton to perform last Monday (14th May) in the final of the Under-18 event. After much deliberation, the judging panel (Planet Rock's Paul Anthony, record producer Steve Levine, Rockschool's executive director Jeremy Ward, A'n'R music's Ray Meadham and Yamaha's Gavin Thomas) announced Stoneway as the winners. Surbiton based solo Artist Rory Knox and the band 'Time Well Spent' from Milton Keynes also won prizes.
Stoneway will receive a £750 voucher for Yamaha equipment, ISM membership and other prizes with a total value of over £1,000 and get further performance opportunities later this year. At the final of Rock The House, on the terrace of the House of Commons on May 30th, they will also receive a very special prize as part of their overall winners package.
Stoneway are Danny Smith (guitar and lead vocals), Ste Fisher (lead guitar and backing vocals), Alex Roberts (drums), Sarah Ash (keyboard) and Merryn Dowson (bass).
Graham has also nominated Northwich band Pacific in the ‘best band’ category. Finalists will be announced this Wednesday (23rd May).
Grammy award winning record producer and Rock The House judge Steve Levine commented: 'It is incredibly fulfilling to see such enthusiasm in young musicians. The key of course is originality, all material we have heard is original and that is very heartening. If I can offer these young artists any advice it would be to stick to the path of seeking originality because that is what wins through in the end.'
Graham said: 'I'm absolutely thrilled for Stoneway, who as well as being excellent young musicians have been wonderful ambassadors for the local community in Runcorn.'