On stage Paul Smith with Gaz Coombes Jesse Hughes Frank Turner and Dave Peacock

A Peaceful Noise — The Nick Alexander Memorial Trust Gig

I’m breaking my blog silence (such a busy summer) with A Peaceful Noise.
The wonderful event was organised by the family of Nick Alexander, the Eagles of Death Metal merchandise manager who lost his life that fateful night in the Bataclan a year ago.

It was an utterly joyous occasion, honestly I’ve never laughed so much at a gig before, when you scroll down and see the amusing juxtaposition of talented artists who lent their music to the night you will see why.
What a perfect way to face tragedy, with music that unites and laughter.

The line up included Fran Healy, Gaz Coombes, Chas & Dave, Frank Turner, Jesse of Eagles of Death Metal and Maxïmo Park. They all contributed not only their music but also inspirational words about how music brings people together and can be an escape from our troubles.

The night ended with an eclectic supergroup rendition of Rockin’ in the Free World. A perfect choice.

The proceeds from the night go to the Nick Alexander Memorial Trust and Josh Homme’s The Sweet Stuff Foundation.

Fran Healy and Gaz Coombes at A Peaceful Noise Duncan Lloyd Jesse Hughes Paul Smith Dave Peacock and Frank Turner on stage at A Peaceful Noise gig Jesse Hughes of Eagles of Death Metal under purple lights at A Peaceful Noise Jesse Hughes of Eagles of Death Metal under purple lights at A Peaceful Noise Black and white photograph of Paul Smith of Maxïmo Park kicking his leg in the air Frank Turner and Paul Smith smiling at each other on stage at A Peaceful Noise. Duncan Lloyd in the background. Paul Smith in a hat singing under red lights at The Shepherd's Bush Empire Frank Turner under blue lights on stage at A Peaceful Noise concert Frank Turner at the Shepherd's Bush Empire Chas Hodges of Chas'n'Dave playing at A Peaceful Noise Frank Turner on stage performing at A Peaceful Noise Frank Turner performing at A Peaceful Noise Jesse Hughes of Eagles of Death Metal on stage at A Peaceful Noise concert for Nick Alexander Jesse Hughes of Eagles of Death Metal at A Peaceful Noise concert for Nick Alexander in black and white Jesse Hughes of Eagles of Death Metal at A Peaceful Noise concert for Nick Alexander Maxïmo Park under coloured lights at A Peaceful Noise gig at Shepherd's Bush Empire Paul Smith singing at a Peaceful Noise gig Paul Smith in a hat on a red lit stage at the Shepherd's Bush Empire Frank Turner singing with Dave Peacock and Gaz Coombes and Paul Smith at A Peaceful Noise concert for Nick Alexander Paul Smith wearing a hat singing on stage at a Peaceful Noise. Paul Smith of Maxïmo Park on stage with Gaz Coombes Lukas Wooller and Chas Hodges behind keyboards and Dave Peacock and Frank Turner clapping at A Peaceful Noise gig Paul Smith and Jesse Hughes of Eagles of Death Metal on stage Paul Smith of MaxÏmo Park with Gaz Coombes Dave Peacock and Lukas Wooller Paul smith on stage in front of a picture of Nick Alexander, Jesse Hughes, Frank Turner and Chas'n'Dave at the Shepherd's Bush Empire On stage at A Peaceful Noise gig Paul Smith with Gaz Coombes Jesse Hughes Frank Turner and Chas and Dave