THE CO-FOUNDER of one of Britain's biggest bands has visited Redditch to offer support to develop the borough's music scene.

John Taylor, bass player in Duran Duran, attended a band forum event at Death or Glory Records in the Kingfisher Shopping Centre to give advice and encouragement to borough musicians.

Owner Steve Hadley said: "He was brilliant, charming and funny and really wants to support the shop and what we are trying to achieve."

Taylor grew up in Hollywood near Wythall and went to school at the Abbey High School, now Trinity High School.

The shop regularly holds band forum events and is leading the way in fighting back against claims by researchers earlier this year Redditch is the least musically sophisticated place in the UK.

Since the last forum the shop has launched a compilation CD of Redditch bands, increased the number of bands playing live in the store and launched a record label among its many achievements.

Courtesy Redditch Standard