Absolute Radio revives The Band of Mum & Dad for a second shot at stardom

Absolute Radio has once again turned musical dreams into reality by forming ‘The Band of Mum & Dad,’ giving five listeners the opportunity to relive their rockstar ambitions.

Since early 2025, Dave Berry and his Absolute Radio Breakfast team have been auditioning musically gifted mums and dads—one instrument at a time—to form the ultimate band.

Listeners who once pursued music but put their aspirations on hold were invited to submit videos showcasing their skills for a chance to perform again.

The winning band members were announced live on The Dave Berry Breakfast Show on February 20th, with their first in-person meeting airing on February 27th. Before their debut rehearsal in Absolute Radio’s state-of-the-art performance space, they received words of wisdom from legendary musicians, including The Cure’s Robert Smith and the Manic Street Preachers’ James Bradfield.

The band’s cover of ‘Bartender and the Thief’ by Stereophonics, as chosen by Absolute Radio listeners, premiered on-air on February 28th. They also selected and performed The Ataris’ version of ‘The Boys of Summer.’

The Band of Mum & Dad with Wickes features:

Charlie Bradley Ross (Lead Vocals) – A former jazz band member turned Airbnb manager.

Aaron Whitlock (Lead Guitar) – A Britain’s Got Talent alumnus and contracts manager.

Danny Kelly (Drums) – A former signed artist and Glasgow-based entrepreneur.

Tom Sibley (Rhythm Guitar) – A mortgage advisor with a passion for pub gigs.

Elaine Healy (Bass Guitar) – A Dublin-born bassist rediscovering her love for music.

Dave Berry emphasised the importance of the project, saying, “Real music matters, and The Band of Mum & Dad brings that to life. Their journey is a testament to the timeless impact of music, and I hope it inspires others to chase their dreams.”

This marks the second time Absolute Radio has formed The Band of Mum & Dad, first bringing the concept to life in 2022.