Tim Hughes finds out about an innovative night of great local music organised by Terri Bonham-Samuels, giving bands a platform while raising money for a good cause

WHEN Creation records guru Alan McGee comes up with an idea, you know it's going to be a good one.

The man behind Primal Scream, My Bloody Valentine, Oasis and The Libertines not only has a Midas touch when it comes to spotting bands, he knows the music industry inside out. And he has a big heart – which is why he is teaming up with up-and-coming bands around the land for a new initiative to help those facing homelessness.

Called Musicians Against Homelessness, the campaign sees bands coming together to raise funds for the charity Crisis.

Nationally, the project has been backed by Happy Mondays frontman Shaun Ryder and his band Black Grape, Trainspotting writer Irvine Walsh, Cast, the Buzzcocks and McGee's The Jesus & Mary Chain.

On Saturday, Oxford bands join the effort, with Kanadia, Sleepers’ Dome (featuring members of The Aureate Act), grunge-rockers Slate Hearts and pop-rock duo Wolfs playing a fundraiser at legendary Oxford venue, The Wheatsheaf.

The show has been pulled together by Terri Bonham-Samuels, of Gets Louder.

McGee said he was impressed by local backing for his initiative. “I am delighted that bands of this calibre want to be part of this campaign," he said.

“The support in Oxfordshire has been tremendous and inspiring and it’s fantastic to see so many come forward to take part.

“Although our primary concern is to combat the scourge of homelessness, it is vital that the gigs also give up-and-coming bands a chance to play to larger audiences.

Alan revealed that he had slept rough himself before discovering Oasis in 1993, adding: “We are trying to build a new wave of opportunities for young bands.

“Due to the eternal gentrification of big cities, we are losing music venues all over the country.

"Without these venues what chance will new bands, especially working class bands, ever have of gaining the oxygen of experience and learning to refine their craft?

“Inner city redevelopment is killing the next generation of musicians, and very soon the working class artists will be written out of the narrative of rock & roll music.

“Hopefully as well as raising a large amount for Crisis, this project will give a lot of new bands a chance to play and to exist in a place where they can all shine on.”

Headliners Kanadia praised Alan and local organiser Terri, saying: "We are very excited and honoured to take part in Musicians Against Homelessness.

"Terri has put together a pretty incredible lineup for our show at the Wheatsheaf.

"It's a great platform for all the artists involved, and all for a good cause.

"Homelessness is a common issue in the country today and is something I'm sure most people are witnessing on a daily basis.

"It's also an issue that people all over the world too often turn a blind eye to and detach themselves from. We have a lot of respect for what Alan McGee and the rest of the team are doing through Musicians Against Homelessness and Crisis.

"It's a great charity that offers people a chance to get back on their feet from a position that we could only imagine would feel very hopeless.

"It enables artists to use their music to benefit the lives of people in need. It's a brilliant concept and one we feel privileged to be a part of."

Sleepers' Dome agreed: "We hope to showcase the results of our most recent experimentations as Sleepers' Dome in our second gig under that name, and most crucially to raise awareness and funds for charity," they said.

"We recognise that the significance of this organisation's work is not merely altruistic, providing support to those who urgently need it, but also pragmatic, offering opportunities to the homeless community, and thereby tapping into a wealth of creativity and talent which has previously been sadly underrepresented.

"We look forward to sharing this event with others of a like mind."

Slate Hearts said: "We were asked to play for this event by Terri, and thought it was a great idea. Everybody involved benefits, obviously the bands getting some exposure with a nationwide run event but most importantly money is being raised for an unfortunately growing problem across the country.

"Nobody wants to be homeless and feel alone in this scary ol' world, so having something like this is brilliant. Come along. You might like us, but if not you've donated to something worthwhile."

Ed Tait, Director of Fundraising for Crisis, said: “The support of Musicians Against Homelessness comes at an important time. Homelessness is devastating, leaving people vulnerable and isolated. With rough sleeping rising steeply across the UK, unfortunately our services are all the more important.”

Music Against Homelessness is at The Wheatsheaf on Saturday. Tickets from wegottickets.com for £5 or £6 on the door.