Hell To Pay were promised 10 gigs at O Neill’s in East Didsbury during 2010 worth £2,500 after they won their Battle of the Bands Competition on the 16th of O
ctober 2009.
After just three appearances the band were told there would be no more shows available for them.
Drummer Tom Henstock says “The general manager rang me on Monday afternoon saying that he wasn't at our show the previous night but was told by the manager on duty that they didn't want that sort of music in the pub. It’s ridiculous because they chose us as the winners to play there in the first place.”
The manager declined to comment but an O Neill’s spokesperson said, “The band entered into an informal agreement to play gigs for us over the coming months but later refused to play any cover songs, despite repeated requests from staff and customers. Unfortunately on this basis the manager informed the band that they would no longer be required to play at the pub and wished them well in the future.”
Lead guitarist Dario Nikzad said, “That’s just a complete lie! We’ve played numerous covers at every show at O’Neil’s including their B.O.T.B competition by 
a whole host
of artists including AC/DC, Guns and Roses, Hendrix and even The Darkness and I’m sure their are plenty of staff and customers who would confirm that!”
Hell To Pay beat off 100 other unsigned hopefuls to make it to the final five, before being crowned winners on Wednesday night.
Rock Radio DJ Steve Berry said, “Hell To Pay channel the energy of classic rock bands like Van Halen, ac/Dc and Guns and Roses to produce a sound and performance full of energy, power and pure rock ‘n ‘ roll attitude.”
The band will be interviewed on the breakfast show, their single will be added to the Rock Radio playlist, and they will be added to the line-up of the Rock Radio 2nd birthday party “Monsters of Mock II” on May 7 at the Ritz. You can find them online at www.myspace.com/helltopayband
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