Heat 2 of Battle of the Bands took place on Thursday 15th January and delivered an exciting evening of live music, as three talented bands took to the stage to compete for a coveted place in the Final this April.

With a last-minute withdrawal from one band, only a single automatic spot in the Final was available on the night. This also means that a Wildcard act will later be selected from those that did not progress through the Heats, keeping the competition wide open.

Opening the evening were Stupidity, who kicked off their set with Fluorescent Adolescent and maintained a strong rock groove throughout. Their confident song choices stood out, earning particular praise from Mr Alison, especially their performance of Where Is My Mind by Pixies, his favourite band.

Next up were 4/4 Bar, who brought pop classics to life with energetic performances of Blame It On The Boogie and Locked Out Of Heaven. One of the youngest bands in the competition, 4/4 Bar impressed the judges with their confidence and style. A special mention goes to Sophie Hopkins, who fronted the band with stunning vocals while simultaneously playing piano.

Closing the night were Slither, whose technical brilliance and polished performance set them apart. From intricate guitar solos and driving drum beats to grooving basslines and commanding vocals, their set showcased a high level of musicianship. Performing Sweet Child O’ Mine, Welcome to the Jungle, and You Give Love a Bad Name, Slither demonstrated that every element of their performance had been carefully crafted, from lighting and setlist order to stage presence and audience engagement.

While all three bands delivered outstanding performances, it was Slither who secured the automatic place in the Final.

Further details about the Final will be announced soon, once the judges’ Wildcard has been selected. Keep an eye out for the Final posters, this is one night of live music you definitely won’t want to miss!