A RETIREMENT village can boast its own resident rock band.
Wheels on Fire were formed within Audley Ellerslie, a complex of 101 homes in Abbey Road, Malvern.
The energetic group, all aged in their 70s, represents proof that music keeps the spirit young and the musicians’ story offers a glimpse into the vibrant lives of today’s retirees.
Nick Sanderson, chief executive at Audley Villages, said: “I’m consistently impressed with the range of talent that exists in our villages.
“Our rock band Wheels on Fire at Audley Ellerslie is a prime example of this.
“Not only are they brilliant, making me wish I had learnt an instrument, but they bring so much entertainment to the village and local community and are much in demand.
“It really is a myth that many people slow down in their retirement.
“In my experience people have more time to indulge their passions which leads to great things.”
Wheels on Fire hosted a sold-out concert at Audley Ellerslie where they performed late into the evening and had all attendees up on their feet dancing.
The band is made up of Lola (aka Lorna Matthews-Press) and Eric May BB Goode (aka Guenter Press), the dynamic duo brought together by their love of music and bringing international flair to the band.
Lady M (aka Moira Gray) is a classically-trained pianist who discovered a whole new world of music with the band.
And Slash (aka Richard Bereznicki) is a retired IT whiz traded spreadsheets for bass riffs, proving it is never too late to learn something new.
Frontman Goode unleashes electrifying guitar work and soulful vocals while Lola is a powerhouse drummer with a voice that can melt hearts.
Lady M is a keyboard maestro who weaves sonic tapestries with every note and Slash brings iconic bass lines and legendary stage presence.
Husband-and-wife duo Lola and Goode met in Germany where the former worked as a business consultant.
They formed their first band there and, upon retiring and settling into Audley Ellerslie, the musical itch returned.
To complete their rock revival dream, they needed a bass and keyboard player.
They met former IT project manager Slash who spent three months devouring YouTube tutorials and mastering a few bass riffs inspired by the legendary Guns N’ Roses guitarist.
Lady M faced a different challenge as, unfamiliar with rock ballads, she had to hone a new skill — improvisation without sheet music.
Despite the learning curve, Moira embraced the opportunity to unleash her inner rockstar.
Wheels on Fire have become a local phenomenon within Malvern.
Their electrifying performances pack the house with a growing fan club of ‘Girls on Fire’ cheering them on.
At Audley Ellerslie three grand Victorian mansions, including a Grade II listed building, form the centrepiece of the retirement village.
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