Southdown Housing Association


	Heavy Load are unique as they are the UK’s only punk band made up of musicians with and without learning disabilities. Heavy Load began in the mid-1990s after guitarist Jim told his Support Worker that he would like to start up a band. Three of the band members are tenants of Southdown, one is a member of staff and one is a volunteer. Over the last decade, Heavy Load have established a reputation for performances which are loud, sometimes chaotic but always energetic. They have performed in pubs, clubs, theatres and festivals around the country, playing songs about what is important to them. These include the seminal cult classics ‘(Come and get it now) Frank Butcher!’, ‘Top of the Pops’ and ‘The Queen Mother’s Dead’, as well as their own distinctive versions of well-known songs by The Clash, The Beatles and Kylie.
The band released their debut album ‘The Queen Mother’s Dead’ in 2006 with a sell-out show at the Brighton Festival. Currently, they are being filmed for a feature-length documentary about the life of the band and the very different lives of its members. Through their music and gigs, Heavy Load’s members have become role models for other people with learning disabilities – showing that they too can get up and make a noise and people will listen to them.
'We wanted to play loud music, get famous and hear people cheering us.' For up to date news click on the logo above. For more information call Paul Richards at Southdown Housing Association on 01273 405840

Building choice and independence through housing and specialist support