8:10am Tuesday 16th March 2010
By Jeremy Grimaldi
BEATING Liverpool is something Swindon can only dream of in football, and many would presume it’s the same story for musical prowess.
However, a new study says the latter is exactly what Swindon – home town of XTC, Supertramp’s Rick Davies and Billie Piper among other stars – has done after being placed 13th in a list of Britain’s most musical towns.
Meanwhile, in a shocking fall from grace, Liverpool – home of the Beatles, Elvis Costello and the Zutons – finished 18th.
The research was compiled using the Performing Right Society for Music’s database, cross-referencing the birthplaces of its 65,000 members and the populations of those communities. Doing so, according to the society, reveals the country’s musical hotspots.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the survey found Bristol, home of modern day behemoths Tricky, Portishead and Massive Attack, to be Britain’s most musical city.
Andy Marcer, landlord of Swindon pub and music venue The Beehive in Prospect Hill, believes Swindon’s musical talent came about because the town has historically been a ‘melting pot’.
He said: “Swindon has always had big names, causing a pretty lively and vibrant musical scene.
“We have had many people move to Swindon from other areas around the country, including London, Wales and of course Bristol.
“I would guess those people have brought with them different musical influences and abilities – resulting in a melting pot effect.”
Meanwhile Geoff Walters, chairman of Swindon’s Music Festival, which runs until March 27, credits local schools for our chart prominence.
He said: “I am not overly surprised by the list. We have tremendous talents throughout the town in all artistic and musical categories.
“Singing in Swindon has always been great, and I would put that down to great teachers throughout. We know that because lots of our festival, which is in its 101st year, focuses on singing.
“But I must say that great teaching has also influenced wonderful instrumentals in Swindon.
“We have also had people from many places moving into Swindon. For example, we have a very successful Welsh Society and they have influenced two successful male voice choirs.”
Swindon, also hometown of Justin Hayward of the Moody Blues, managed to edge out other musical heavyweights including Brighton.
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