A SWINDON hard rock band will be bidding to secure a record deal in a battle of the bands competition tomorrow.

Fall From Ruin comprises of Alicia Griffin (vocals), Michael Pasby (guitar), Alan Connolly (guitar), Gabriel Marshall (bassist) and Sam Bailey (drums).

Formed five years ago, the band has seen multiple changes and will perform at the O2 Academy Sheffield looking to secure a five-year deal with label Off Yer Rocka.

Drummer Sam said: “Since we’ve been playing in this line-up, feedback has been good, I can’t think of any other original Swindon rock bands like us.

“We’re taking it seriously and want people to go ‘wow, that’s really good’.

“Come support your local band and be a part of their history.

“Then people can say ‘we watched this Swindon band win this competition and we were there to witness it’.

“I don’t think it’s going to happen very often, put it that way.”
Fall From Ruin list Guns N’ Roses and Black Stone Cherry as among some of their musical influences.

The band performed at The Victoria alongside fellow Swindon-based band Transfer Window on June 11. 

For Taw Hill resident Sam, 33, the live music scene has been a part of why he has remained in the town.

He said: “I’ve been following the music scene since I was 12 and if there was no music scene, I don’t think there would be much point living in Swindon for me.

“I would have had to move somewhere else.

“It’s getting better. Swindon is known for cover bands in my opinion and I think apart from The Victoria and Level 3, people need to join on board and push original bands.”

The winner of the competition at the event named Highway to Hell XI will also receive a contract for two albums and press officers, alongside the five-year deal.

Speaking about future aspirations for the band, Sam is ambitious and sees a big future in store.

He said: “Friday is the competition and we’re hoping we will be the stars to get the record deal.

"We used the time wisely during Covid to get songs ready for an album which we’re due to release soon.

“There’s been a lot of pressure but we’ve been delivering on it.

“Either way, we still get some exposure.

“Long term, we want to make a career out of it.”

For further information, including how to buy tickets, visit www.hthrocks.com