Chart-topping singer-songwriter Labrinth performed for the lucky people of Basildon in Essex, as part of the filming for the Don’t Stop The Music TV series...

Chart-topping singer-songwriter Labrinth performed for the lucky people of Basildon in Essex, as part of the filming for the Don’t Stop The Music TV series...

Best known for his number one hit Beneath Your Beautiful, featuring Emile Sandé, as well as Earthquake and Let The Sun Shine, Labrinth was met by screaming fans as he took to the stage at Chicago’s at Festival Leisure Park, Basildon, on 11 June to perform a short acoustic set.

As local newspaper the Echo reported, he was also joined by the man behind the whole Don’t Stop The Music campaign, classical pianist James Rhodes. “I asked Labrinth to come along as pupils will listen to him more than me!” said James. 

“I just want them to love music, to learn to read music and to be part of a team."

Labrinth showed his support for the campaign, saying: “My primary school gave us instruments. Paloma Faith, Professor Green, so many musicians came from my school because there was music. But it is not so important any more and that is losing a form of expression in schools. Kids need it.

“You see people with their laptops and phones, another world is in a screen. You see celebrities with their laptops making music and performing in front of crowds but people need to pick up instruments. We need The Beatles back.”

The Don't Stop The Music Instrument Amnesty launches on Monday 8th September and runs until Friday 17th October 2014.

Instrument Amnesty