Y.O.U.N.G homecoming helps Big Issue North

Manchester pop-rock/rap band Y.O.U.N.G confirmed their place in the mainstream with a sold out homecoming show at The Deaf Institute last week (5 March), and Big Issue North Trust were invited.

The band’s fan base – largely young, alternative and female – soaked up a varied set, with nods to reggae, Ibiza house and, at times, a distinctly Mancunian take on American emo giants Linkin Park. Although they’ve not been around long, it’s striking that the crowd added fervent backing vocals – especially to new single Lazy.

And Y.O.U.N.G showed that new fame hadn’t gone to their heads, as they marked the occasion by inviting Big Issue North Trust to come to the gig and raise funds to enable the charity to support Big Issue North vendors. The band invited the trust to raise funds at the gig, and the small crowd of 250 people kindly donated over £60. The charity is now discussing plans to work together again in the summer.

“Nobody deserves to be homeless. We are the fifth richest country in the world yet there are thousands of people who are homeless just in our own city of Manchester alone,” said guitarist Jamie Skehan who, along with his bandmates, is passionate about using his platform to raise awareness and vital funds for the homeless. “Everyone deserves a warm shelter and some human compassion,” he added.