Red Hot visitor proves a big hit (From This Is Wiltshire)

Red Hot visitor proves a big hit

9:19am Tuesday 13th November 2007

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MUSIC fans came together for some red hot action on Saturday when local store Eight72 invited two famous drummers to meet fans and sign autographs.

Red Hot Chili Peppers' drummer Chad Smith and Steve White, the drummer with Paul Weller's band, appeared at the music store in Roundstone Street Trowbridge.

The road was closed during the event as more than 500 people queued up outside to meet the musicians.

There was further celebrity spotting to be done thanks to the appearance of Sally Lindsay, the actress who played Shelley Unwin in soap Coronation Street. She is romantically linked to Steve White.

Eight72 is owned by Paul Bendell, 31, and his brother Marc, both from Trowbridge. Local resident Marc Jones also works at the store.

They cleared the shop of stock to make way for the drummers and sat them close to the till to receive their fans.

Mr Bendell said: "They were both really appreciative of the people who came to see them. They went outside to speak to them and say thanks and also spent hours signing drum skins, drum sticks and other memorabilia.

"We had more than 400 people through the shop and there were hundreds outside too so it was really popular.

"The road was blocked off and the queues snaked all the way down the road to the Polebarn Hotel. I want to thank everyone for coming along. We had young girls and boys and older people right through to elderly women. The musical appeal seemed to stretch far and wide.

"We're holding a workshop and drum clinic with Steve White and Paul Weller's bassist Damon Minchella, on December 9 at John of Gaunt School so there is another chance to get involved.

"It was a bonus to see Shelley from Corrie turn up. We weren't expecting her but I think a few people spotted her."

The drumming pilgrimage was arranged to celebrate the first anniversary of the music store starting up and Mr Bendell is happy with the success of the event.

He said: "Steve White and Chad Smith are probably the best two drummers in the world at the moment and it was a real privilege to have them."

To find out more about the drum workshops contact the store on (01225) 768800.

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