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Personal Interview

Personal Article

The Rainband – Rise Again

Rise Again is the new single from The Rainband and is released in tribute to MotoGP legend Marco Simoncelli on 17 June with profits going to the charitable foundation named in his memory.
With a live tribute to Simoncelli already in mind for their June gig in front of 60,000 race fans at Silverstone, The Rainband were approached by the newly formed Marco Simoncelli Foundation and agreed to write a song to help raise funds to build disabled care homes across the world, a cause close to the racing hero's heart.
The Rainband were booked to play at Silverstone after event organisers got in touch following the band's sell out hometown show at Manchester’s HMV Ritz at the end of last year.

Martin Finnigan, lead singer of The Rainband, said?:
“Being invited to open the British and Italian MotoGPs is a big honour for us. When we met Marco’s dad Paolo he talked about his vision for the Foundation. I agreed straight away to donate everything from the single to the work of the Foundation. It’s a great cause, in the name of a great man and I am proud we are involved. MotoGP champion and friend of Simoncelli, James Toseland plays keyboard on the single, another huge honour. It's also wonderful that so many sport and music personalities have agreed to get behind the track including; Lewis Hamilton, Mark Webber, Jensen Button, Bradley Button, Guy Garvey, Elbow, Johnny Marr, Mike Joyce, Ocean Colour Scene, James, Simple Minds..."

With the blessing of the Simoncelli family, the band filmed the video for Rise Again in Marco’s hometown of Coriano, Italy. It is also cut with previously unseen family film footage, which makes the video extra special. There is also discussion about recording the song in Italian.

Rise Again Video



Key dates are:

3rd June: Eurosport will use ‘Rise Again’ to close the MotoGP in Catalunya

14th June: First Live performance with James Toseland beamed globally – Epic TV

15th June: Opening the British MotoGP – Full band performance with James Toseland

16th June: British MotoGP Silverstone – stadium Performance with James Toseland

17th June: Eurosport will use ‘Rise Again’ as their official song for the British MotoGP.

17th June: James Toseland and Martin Finnigan interviewed in Eurosport Commentary box

17th June: 'Rise Again' single release date

21st June: In-store showcase at Honda UK

23rd June: In store performance at Dainese Manchester (Marco only came to Manchester once and when he did, he came to this store. The band felt it apt to play here).

23rd-26th August: Leeds/Reading Festival

23rd-26th August: Leeds/Reading Festival

15th September: San Marino Moto GP – The Rainband confirmed to play. The racetrack is being named after Marco

In association with event partner Michelin none other than 1993 500cc GP World Champion “Revvin” Kevin Schwantz will be riding an Ex-works Suzuki RGV 500 in our “Past Masters” track feature on Sunday 08th July. This will be the first time Kevin has returned to Mallory Park since the 1986 Race of The Year.

Kevin stated “Mallory Park was where I first raced a 500cc GP 2-stroke, it was not a GP, but it was the first time I actually competed on a 500, thanks to my late friend Barry Sheene.  It will be interesting to ride at Mallory Park after so many years!"

VMCC CEO James Hewing stated “Kevin Schwantz has been the most requested rider to head up this year’s “Past Masters” line-up & it’s is a huge privilege for us to make this dream come true for 1000s of race fans.”

Kevin Schwantz & Suzuki are always linked whenever his name is mentioned & this iconic manufacturer will be one of the theme’s for this year’s event as other original superstar team Members from both sides of the Atlantic including Tepi Lansivuori, Mick Grant & Stan Woods take to the Track. Others original Suzuki Team Members yet to be announced include another very famous American rider! This track spectacular will involve the largest gathering of genuine ex-works RG500 Suzuki’s in the world. The machines are owned & operated by Steve Wheatman’s Classic Suzuki Racing Team and will be looked after by no less than 3 Ex-factory team Mechanics!  

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