Ambassadors
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John Thomson
Most folk who recognise John, usually know him as an actor, but people are often surprised to learn that he is also a professional drummer and has been playing for over 40 years.
John counts himself as very fortunate, to have had a great drum teacher, namely John Hicks “ I know those regular drumming lessons, along with the hours and hours of practise, enabled me to become an accomplished drummer.”
“I think Music Evermore is brilliant initiative, as it's providing kids, who might not otherwise be able to afford it, access to; tuition, instruments, support and guidance.”
He believes youngsters still need to bring their own dedication and focus to make the impossible seem possible, but ensuring young people get the opportunity to develop themselves through music is a wonderful starting point.
With Music Evermore, every child should have the chance to realise their musical dreams. All children should have the chance to develop their musical ability. “From experience, I know the sense of accomplishment as they progress is so rewarding.”
“I believe in music for everyone, no matter their background or financial situation.”
Andrew Ellis
Andy Ellis has been a familiar face on screen for the past two decades from his first role as the lovable “Gadget” in Shane Meadows BAFTA award winning film and series to ITV’s “The Walk in”.
Andy has always been a lover of music and the arts and growing up in Wythenshawe, South Manchester saw them as an important escape during his youth.
Music is the starting point to each and every character I play, The first question I ask myself is “what would they listen to” from that I find it easier to create a fully fledged person and backstory from the text given to me.
I think Music Evermore is an amazing incentive as I believe the arts should be accessible and within reach of every child no matter their background.
Simon Yates
Chris Simon Yates is an entrepreneur who has set up the hugely successful “Ena Mill” in Atherton, plus several other outlets retailing 200 different fashion, footwear & home fragrance brands across the North West UK.
It was Simon’s keen eye and realisation that led him to become an ambassador of the inspiring “Music Evermore “ which he hopes will grow from strength to strength and help make learning an instrument accessible to as many children and young people as possible.
Jon McQuillan
Jon is co-owner and Director of Drumbeat Creative an independent creative studio that has been working in and around Manchester for over 20 years. By his own admission he is not a musician, "I've been trying to learn drums for almost two decades and it's fair to say, I'm a slow learner".
He has committed to support Music Evermore as he believes it will help more young people to develop themselves through music and help redress social disparity. In this age of small-screen infatuation, he believes young people from all backgrounds deserve to have creative and expressive outlets that are both real and rewarding. “Music connects so powerfully and emotionally. Literally like nothing else. I do not believe inequality is inevitable and I feel music has always been and should always remain the great connector - for everyone, for evermore".
Chris Hough
Chris has been playing drums for over 30 years and has had the opportunity to work with many bands and orchestras around the globe, from Brazil to Budapest.
He has done various recordings at the BBC and other large studios and currently, you’ll find him behind the drums working with The Slow Show, a successful chart topping band touring Europe. Previously he has drummed with Tipatina, a New Orleans band and also Mel C of the Spice Girls fame.
Chris enjoys playing all styles of music and loves the time he spend teaching students, many of whom have gone on to great things. He also tour manages for established acts including The Lightning Seeds, known for their Number 1 hit “Three Lions”.
Chris Maddon
Chis has been in the music industry for over 18 years. In that time he has had the privilege of working at Manchester’s prestigious Blueprint Studios with some great bands and artists including Elbow, Snoop Dog, Rhianna, Paul Heaton & Jackie Abbott, Rick Astley and many more.
He has also been teaching 1-2-1 guitar, bass and drum lessons for over 15 years, and has played in numerous bands and built a solid reputation as one of Manchester’s most sought-after musicians and tutors.
Chris is the front man in Manchester based alt-synth trio Spin Klass and also runs a successful wellbeing company “Take A Breather UK” where he and his team provide mindfulness and wellbeing sessions to schools and large corporate companies across the North West.