Yesterday marked seven years since we walked onto the stage at the John Peel Centre for our very first proper support show
25th October 2019. Seven years. Where has that time gone?!
Back then, just two people with a dream, juggling day jobs, working all the hours we could and travelling around the country playing gigs, sometimes for little more than a couple of beers! Although this time we got £25.
Sitting up on the mezzanine at the John Peel Centre, watching The Mentuls play after we'd finished our set, just taking it all in. We were so excited to be opening for another band, and being part of something that felt like such a big deal to us at the time.
And it really was a big deal. Because every little step mattered. There's something quite special about the fact that it happened at the John Peel Centre, too.
John Peel was known for championing new and independent artists, giving opportunities to musicians who might otherwise never have been heard. The centre was created in his memory, carrying on that spirit of supporting creativity and giving music a place to grow.
And there we were, two musicians, just starting out, with absolutely no idea where our music might take us. Looking back now, it feels rather fitting that one of our earliest opportunities happened in a place built around that very belief.
If someone had come up to us that night and told us what the next seven years would bring, I honestly don't think we'd have believed a word of it.
Two Top 10 albums. Playing at the London Palladium. Winning Blues Awards and Planet Rock Awards. Touring with and supporting incredible bands like King King, Reef and Blue Öyster Cult. Travelling to places we'd never imagined we'd visit, playing stages we'd only ever dreamed of and meeting so many wonderful people along the way
And we've managed to build this whole adventure ourselves, independently, without a record label or management, just figuring things out as we've gone along
But do you know what one of the most incredible parts of this whole journey has been?
You. The Rapids family!
Something that started with two people chasing a dream has grown into this amazing community of people who have supported us, believed in us, travelled miles to see us and become such a huge part of our lives.
We couldn't possibly have imagined any of that back in 2019. And here's the bit that makes us smile..
This December, we're heading back to that very same venue, the John Peel Centre, for our Christmas show
Only this time, instead of walking onto that stage as a duo supporting another band, we'll be walking onto it with our very own six-piece band, playing our own Christmas show to a room full of Rapids. Talk about coming full circle
It's funny how a place can hold so many memories, isn't it? Same venue. Same two dreamers and a whole lot of stories to tell
And somehow, returning to a venue that celebrates giving musicians a chance feels even more meaningful now. Because seven years ago, we were those musicians.
The best thing? We still feel like we're only getting started
We have no idea where the next seven years will take us, but if they're anything like the last seven, we're in for one incredible adventure. So here's to the little beginnings, the big dreams, the unexpected twists and turns, and all the wonderful people you meet along the way
Thank you for being part of our story. Whether you've been here since those early days or only discovered us yesterday, we're so happy you're along for the ride.
Much Love
Grace & Aaron x