X-Factor's The Risk play T-Fest (From Thurrock Gazette)

X-Factor's The Risk play T-Fest

5:10pm Friday 8th June 2012 in News

LAST year’s X-Factor saw the birth of boyband The Risk, who played at the Thurrock Festival on Sunday afternoon.

The boys were put together as a band by the shows judges after they had auditioned as solo artists but not quite cut it on their own.

In October 2011, not long after the live shows had started, Ashley Baptiste quit the band and Ashford Campbell, who had been part of band Nu Vibe, already booted off the show by the public, stepped in.

Personnel difficulties, coupled with problems regarding the band name, which was already being used by a Scottish band, meant that the quartet endured a controversial time on the ITV talent show.

They were voted off in the fifth week of the live shows, despite emerging as early favourites after coming second in the public vote in week two.

But the band were still a big hit at T-Fest, with their affable charm and tuneful harmonies.

Speaking to the Gazette before taking to the stage, Andy Merry said: “Ever since we came off the show we’ve done over 150 gigs, so we’re growing with each other everyday and it’s just totally changed our lives for the better.”

The band said that people could expect “a better Risk” that was closer and tighter as a unit.

They were greeted by a screaming crowd as they appeared on the T-Fest stage, performing covers such as Plan B’s “She Said”.

Andy, 20, from Ayr in Scotland was a car salesman before auditioning for X-Factor and 21-year-old Derry Mensah worked at Burger King. Charlie Healy, 25, fixed computers and Ashford Campbell was a student.

Charlie said the band “are living their dreams” as they put together an album and record a single with Amelle from the Sugababes.

He added: “We keep getting asked “when can we hear your music?” but obviously it’s a long process. It’s frustrating for us and for them because we want to show them and they want to listen but it’s a bit more complicated than that.”

Of Thurrock, the boys said: “Apart from the weather, it’s nice. It’s good so far. People seem happy for us to be here and we’re happy to be here.”