Streatham musician looking for bankers to become punk rockers (From Times Series)

Streatham musician looking for bankers to become punk rockers

9:36am Friday 28th November 2008

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You would think for bankers sacked in the global financial meltdown life as a rock star might not be the most obvious career move.

But dozens of city slickers have answered a Streatham man’s unusual call - for three unemployed bankers that can rock.

Sound engineer Finlay Morton, 35, from Aldrington Road, has already recorded his hope for the Christmas Number One slot - a protest song against irresponsible American bankers called Don't Cry For Corporate America.

Now he wants a guitarist, bassist and drummer to help him promote the punk rock track around the capital live next month, including gigs in the city mile.

The only conditions on joining band A Load of Bankers, are firstly some talent, but more importantly a letter of redundancy from a city firm.

Mr Morton, who has already launched two albums as a serious recording artist, said: “It’s a tongue-in-cheek project but there is a serious undercurrent to this.

“People in this country are really suffering as a result of the irresponsible behaviour of these businesses in America and I wanted to make a statement about that.”

He said he was amazed with how the project had taken off, with more than a hundred people attending auditions after he fired off just a few emails about his idea to contacts in the city.

While some are attracted by fame, fortune may also play a role in their interest - Mr Morton, who is funding the record with £5,000 of his own, expects each of the trio to make at least £2,000.

The proceeds from sales and gigs is intended to help them pay for Christmas while out of work.

The final audition will take place in Balham pub the Bedford tonight.

Mr Morton said he was keen to select the band quickly ahead of the single’s December 8 launch date.

They will then play a string of 45 minute shows featuring other protest songs he had written with “a similar message”.

Visit aloadofbankers.com where concert dates will be announced and the single will be available for download.

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