IDLE Fret have come a long way since bursting onto the Border scene way back in 2010.
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It’s a weird feeling – eight years doesn’t feel like all that long, but for a band it can be a lifetime.
The band – vocalist Hayden Edwards, lead guitarist Josh Wood, drummer Ryan Nicholson, bassist Michael Christian and Daniel Edwards on rhythm guitar, first formed in 2009, and playing shows in 2010.
Webb and O’Connell joined the band in 2015 to help with the release of debut album ‘Reborn'.
Citing influences in hard rock such as AC/DC, Grinspoon, Guns N’ Roses and Van Halen, the band were ready to put in the work.
In 2012 they had their first major breakthrough, winning the SS&A’s Battle of the Sounds competition.
The $7500 grand prize led to their first record, Resist No Evil, and while they were based in Melbourne briefly, they never forgot their roots.
Countless gigs at The Boomerang, Albion and The Bended Elbow – there’s a reason tonight’s final farewell is shaping up to be a massive night.
It’s also why the final gig is carrying a bittersweet feeling for the Border quartet.
“It is sad knowing this will be our last time playing an IDLE FRET show, though it’s been a crazy eight years and we’ve had a great run,” Nicholson said.
“We just came to realise we couldn’t keep the band moving in a forward direction, unfortunately.”
Nicholson said the band would have countless treasured memories to draw from.
“We’ve gone through a lot with each other, we’ve played well over 100 local shows in the last five years alone,” he said.
“One of my personal highlights was when we got word AC/DC’s Phil Rudd had listened to our album and given it the thumbs up, that was pretty cool.
“When the band formed, I think it was just for a bit of fun, playing covers and what not.
“I don’t think any of us could have imagined we would go from playing covers to recording our own album.
“We’re grateful to all the people who have supported us; friends, family, venues and our local music scene.
“We have a very special music scene here, hopefully we’ve helped it grow the same way it’s helped us grow as musicians.”