About Corona (2006)

Rutherford College is very privileged to be the school that currently holds all four members of the lively Westie band Corona.

Sam West – Vocals,
occasional rhythm guitar, Lyricist and back up percussionist Scott War – Lead Guitar, Melodist, Website and
Myspace co-ordinator, Pretty boy Keiran Walsh – Drummer, Concert Co-ordinator,
Driver, Band mechanic Tim Wild – Bass Corona started off as
a group of 5th formers who had nothing better to do then hang around the tuck
shop at lunchtime.

They didn’t really have any other friends, so they all stuck together, despite their diverse range of backgrounds and interests. Sam had grown up trying to play piano, and failing, whilst focusing on left wing politics. Scott was a Gangster, really into 50cent and the likes. Keiran knew everything about cars, and raced go-karts for Freelance Automotive until he got too fat. And Tim spent his life either on the couch or at church. They all had one thing in common though, a passion for rock music and an inability to play any instruments very well.

They decided to make joke band, Iron Airship (a spoof of Led Zeppelin), and all decided to learn an instrument. Tim played bass because he had one he could borrow, Keiran played drums because his dad had a kit in the basement, Scott played guitar because his step brother never used his, and Sam sung because it was the only thing left.

A year and 5 names later, Corona were getting OK(ish) at playing, and decided to enter the Studio Show. They played song by Steriogram called White Trash, only because it was really easy. The crowd loved it, and they soon developed a reputation as the rock band. They were no longer the out-casts who hung around D Block, but now were the out-cast band who hung around D Block.

Because of their great time at the Studio Show, the band started practising everyday after school and decided to enter the talent quest. In there practise sessions, they were getting tighter at playing together, but not until a week before the talent quest did they know what they were going to play. So one day, Corona through together some power chords and some silly lyrics, and called their song Scrumpy.

The Lyrics: I woke up with the setting sun Coz that’s the way we get things done around here I woke up to the setting sun Tonight I plan to blow all my wages on beer Its so un-productive But you gotta love it Coz I am not focused on any real thing And ive got no reason But it is the season To just scream “Burn all the rules, lets just sing” Chorus Wo-o-o I'm livin’ in my paradise Yea-ea-ea And if you think that im a screw up, well your right I woke up to the setting sun I only really function in the night, I’m allergic to the light I woke up with the setting sun I don’t mind if you think im a loser, im just gonna drink a cruiser I get nothing done, All I do is have fun, Coz the best things in life are always free And its frickin easy Living a life so steezy All you have to do, is come follow me Chorus x2 Solo Chorus x2

Talent Quest wasn’t looking good, and Corona had drastically underestimated the ability of the other competitors. Nerves reached an all time high when on the Talent Quest dress rehearsal, the band realised that in the competition there were musicians a lot better than themselves. Sam took Corona all aside for a band talk. “Ok guys, we all know it, we are going up against better singers, better guitarists, evenly matched drummers and WAAAY better bassists. But I think we can still win this, if you listen carefully. The other bands have skill, sure, but we have style. Stage presence is key. Tim, I want you to go crazy. Scott, your solo isn’t as fast as the other bands, but it’s got soul. It’s a Soul-o.Remember that, and the crowd will love you. Keiran, Smile. You own the hall. Beat that drum like you would beat an Integra at the lights in your van. Me, well I’ll just do what the music tells me to do.”

With that in mind, Corona erupted onto the stage on Friday night to a lustful audience, screaming Co-Ro-Na! to the Step Step Clap rhythm of “We Will Rock You” by Queen. The boys were all wearing matching blue blazers, stolen from the Rutherford Choir Girls uniforms.

They played the best show that any of them had played before. Tim jumped off his amp, followed by Sam jumping off the amp over Tim. Scott played his Soul-o whilst walking along the top of a piano and into the crowd, like a super model on a cat walk. Keiran was a drumming prodigy, beating that snare as if the snare had just looked at his Missus. And it all came together quite nicely. Oscar Kightly told them that “I would PAY to come and see a concert of yours”

The boys won talent quest, and have been asked to play heaps of parties since then. Corona also played the next week on Friday at lunchtime in the hall, supported by their sister band, Firewood. Once again, the crowd loved it, and it was a chance for the band photographer to get some killer snaps of the boys at their finest. Corona are currently writing songs, and should have a Demo CD or something like that out after exams.

Sam will be coming back to school next year, Keiran is going into the sparky business, Tim is going full time into steel fabrication, and Scott is going to focus full time on his music. Things are looking up! Currently Corona are only happy with 3 of their originals, and so they are playing a mix of Corona and covers when they play. While they are still doing this, you can hire them for a reduced price to play at your party. Depending on location, set time and number of people likely to attend, they charge between $100 and $300 per show. For Information about hiring Corona, please email This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it Subject line: CORONA HIRE Please visit Corona’s Myspace www.myspace.com/coronanz MSN Messenger – This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it