Grade 2

Name, where are you from?
Sid. Ryde, Isle of Wight.

Describe your style in three words?
Attention to detail.

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
The Rifles in Brighton at Komedia.
It was my first time seeing them, it was in an intimate venue that sold out over the August Bank Holiday. I’ve honestly never witnessed such a great atmosphere at a gig. The crowd sang every word to every song.

'Rock The Boat' an acoustic song which is just over two minutes went on for about eight, the chorus turned into a full-blown chant, incredible.

If you could be on the line up with any two bands in history?
The Jam, for sure. They’ve influenced myself and the band massively since we started. 'A' Bomb In Wardour Street' was one of the first-ever songs we covered.

The Who. They played the Isle Of Wight Festival with Jimmi Hendrix in 1970 and put the island on the map forever. Jacob (our drummer) refers to himself and I quote as “The black Keith Moon”.

Which Subcultures have influenced you?
I’ve been into the skinhead subculture since 2012. I’ve always loved the precise detailing, general appearance and the music from the 60s wave. The videos from the dancehalls, photos from the football, such a cool era. The '80s wave also appealed to me, especially musically with Sparrer, The Business, Rejects etc but also with how ballsy it all was. I’d say although that was my main influence, I still take from the Mod, Punk and Casual subcultures.

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
I was massively into history when I was younger. I took part in all the projects and presentations at school. One that I remember being most intrigued by is Lord Nelson. I’d love a cuppa tea and a chat aboard the HMS Victory.

Of all the venues you’ve been to, which is your favourite?
La Mécanique Ondulatoire, Paris.
The first venue we ever played in Europe back in 2014. It’s a rock n roll bar with a tunnel venue underground. Such an amazing experience.

Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Liam Hodge - I’m going to go with a local legend on this one. He helped us out when we first started the band, giving us support slots so we could figure out how to actually play to an audience. He’s an incredibly talented songwriter, I was lucky enough to take part in a side project with him called Weeks, we released a three-track EP called 'Get Away'. Each song he wrote was a banger.

Sid Ryan is vocalist and bassist with UK punk band Grade 2. The band met at school where they would spend their lunch break playing covers of classic punk tunes together in the music room. Since their formation, the band has released several EPs and two studio albums; Mainstream View (2016) and Break The Routine (2017). Now signed to Hellcat Records, the band’s latest album 'Graveyard Island' was recorded and produced by Rancid’s Tim Armstrong and mixed by The Interrupters’ Kevin Bivona. The album offers proof that punk rock is still as relevant in 2019 as it was in 1976.