Scottish Songwriter and Music Producer Teams up with Sir Rod Stewart

Scottish Songwriter and Music Producer Teams up with Sir Rod Stewart to Fundraise for Renfrewshire Youth Music Charity

In a heartfelt response to the recent adversity faced by Loud n Proud, a Paisley-based youth music charity, well-known producer and songwriter John McLaughlin has stepped forward to spearhead a crucial fundraiser aimed at rebuilding the organisation’s studio, which was tragically set ablaze by an arsonist.

John asked his friend Sir Rod Stewart to help the charity out and Rod immediately sent a video message to Tommy McGrory the founder of the charity to say “I heard the bad news about your studio burning down, it’s awful mate. Anything I can do to help rebuild it let me know”. 

Tommy McGrory, founder of Loud n Proud was taken aback: “I received a call last week from John to say that he had spoken to Rod about the situation Loud n Proud was in and he had sent me a video. When I opened it up, I was absolutely blown away that not only the Internationally acclaimed Sir Rod Stewart knew anything about us, but that he had kindly offered to help.” 

John explained his reasons for helping the young musicians out: “I have seen first-hand Loud n Proud’s commitment to providing accessible music education for young musicians and even through bad times their dedication remains unwavering. With Rod and the help of others in the music business, we wanted to help them not only rebuild what was lost but also expand their offerings to reach even more young talents who dream of a future in music.”

Sir Rod, well known for his charity work, expressed his solidarity with Loud n Proud: “Music has the power to transform lives, and Loud n Proud has been a crucial force in nurturing talent and providing opportunities for young people. It is heartbreaking to witness such a setback, but I believe that, together, we can help them to rebuild and ensure that the music doesn’t stop.” 

There is support so far from Heaven 17, Hue and Cry, The Bay City Rollers, Heaven 17 and many other bands and musicians. 

As musicians rally together to support Loud n Proud, including The Bay City Rollers, Heaven 17 and Hue and Cry, Tommy and members of the charity have been blown away by the support: “We are reminded of the resilience that music fosters and the transformative impact it can have on the lives of young individuals. Through the combined efforts of John McLaughlin and Rod Stewart and other bands and artists who are rallying to the cause, Loud n Proud is poised to emerge stronger, continuing its legacy of nurturing musical talent and providing opportunities for young musicians”.

The music charity suffered a devastating setback when its studio became the target of arson, leaving the charity grappling with the loss of essential equipment and resources. The incident has underscored the urgent need for support to help the organisation recover and continue its vital mission of empowering local youth through music education. 

It looked like Loud n Proud was finished then the owner of the building Gary Kerr, a local businessman, gifted the premises to the charity. Although they now have a permanent home, the mission is to take the burnt-out shell and turn it into five soundproof studios. The estimated costs are £100,000 some of which, Loud n Proud has already been raised from a few small grants.  

The primary objective of the fundraiser is to raise funds for the reconstruction of Loud n Proud’s studio and to create a dedicated space for young people who may not have the means to pursue formal music education. The charity envisions a welcoming environment where aspiring musicians can hone their skills, irrespective of financial constraints, and pursue their passion for music.

The Loud n Proud Crowdfunder Page is here – 

https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/help-loud-n-proud-rebuild-their-studio-after?tk=MTcxODg3NzEwMmNkMGQzMzZkZDI4Yzg4NmQ5YzYwYmI4NTI4MjE0NjBlNjAzMzQ2NGM%3D

Quotes from other artists 

The standard of your young students is amazing. We don’t think we have heard young bands of such a young age play like that before. They have the right attitude and act professionally. 

Glenn Gregory – Heaven 17

Your young band that supported us were fantastic. The work you guys put in seems to pay off. 

Pat and Greg Kane – Hue and Cry

What you do for young talent is amazing. Giving them the opportunity to support well known acts is invaluable. 

Midge Ure

What you do for young musicians is amazing. The opportunities you give them and the shows you put on are astounding. 

Tom Russell – Radio Presenter 

When asked ‘what Loud n Proud means to you’ starting with ‘is’ our students gave us a one liner. 

 …is an exciting place to be. Megan, 16

… is amazing. Pearse, 17

… is what I am today. Indie, 16

… is a place to get all the answers in music. Sam, 14

… is so friendly and helpful, Eilidh, 11

… is supportive and a happy place to be, Mirin, 13

… is a musical magic place, Nathan, 15

… is full of cool people, Adam, 15

…is a place that makes you feel good, Becca, 15

…is a place I love, Karleigh, 16

This is what we are faced with inside the building.