Dingwall singer revving up for Monaco Grand Prix superyacht gig
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A DINGWALL woman who was too shy to sing outside of her own kitchen a year ago will next month perform aboard a superyacht at one of the world’s glitziest events.
The bizarre twist of fate that will see Joanne Ross and her band John B's Daughter perform amidst the glamour of the Monaco Grand Prix caps a remarkable year for the care support worker.
After storming to victory in the Ness Factor to benefit Highland Hospice, a charity close to her heart, Joanne has been inundated with requests to perform at a wide variety of gigs ranging from Belladrum to the Black Isle Show to birthday parties.
It was a performance at a birthday party organised by Colin Stuart for his daughter’s 30th that led to the band booking tickets for Monaco next month.
Colin sent a couple of videos to the events manager in Monaco and an invitation to perform on one of the superyachts being used for hospitality surrounding the event was forthcoming.
Said Joanne: “We honestly can't believe we have been given an opportunity like this. All six of us will be flying out along with our sound engineer Graeme Watt.”
The superyachts cater for high-end VIPs and team sponsors for events also attended by celebrities and drivers.
He said: “Every year there are evening events, cocktail parties and so on for the guests to enjoy. I passed over a couple of videos of the band and, low and behold, at the start of March this year I was asked if they would be available to play on her largest yacht – a 146 ft tri deck track-side stunner – on race day !
“I'm sure the guests and John B's Daughter will have the very best of Monaco F1 race weekends and I am delighted to be able to help facilitate this for the guys and look forward to seeing them there. I'm sure they are the first band from the Highlands to play at the GP!"
The band comprises Joanne, Scooty Campbell, Alix Carmichael, Brian Jones, Emms Sutherland and Pete Mackay.
They all have their thoughts on the remarkable turn of events.
Alix said: “When I first heard I thought it was too good to be true – it’s an experience of a lifetime.”
Emms said: “I’m still pinching myself. I can’t believe it.”
Brian said: “As newest band member, I expected to be playing in a few local pubs, not heading to the Grand Prix. This is absolutely off the scale! I'm sure we will give them a gig to remember.”
Veteran Scooty admitted: “I won’t believe it until I’mon that yacht with a glass of champagne in my hand!”
Pete added: “A wee band from the Highlands... this doesn’t happen but now it has and I’m proud to be part of it.”
Joanne – who wowed the Ness Factor with her version of Proud – will be performing closer to home at Belladrum, the Tain Gala and the Black Isle Show amongst others in the coming months.
