North Shields band Hector Gannet honour lost trawler with new single and sold-out show
North Shields band Hector Gannet are marking the release of their powerful new single with a sold-out hometown show.
The show will take place on Saturday, November 15 at The Exchange, North Shields — a date that carries deep personal significance for frontman Aaron Duff and his family.
On the same day in 1968, the converted trawler Hector Gannet was lost while attempting to rescue workers from the burning Hewett A oil rig in the North Sea.
The crew risked everything to save others trapped aboard the rig but the vessel was struck by a massive wave and sank, and three men lost their lives. One of the survivors was Aaron’s grandfather.
More than five decades later, Aaron carries that legacy through his music, performing under the name Hector Gannet in tribute to the ship and its crew.
He said: “The name Hector Gannet is a respectful nod to the courage of those men, and to the coastal communities and working people who live with the sea in their blood.”
The band’s new release, Until My Bonnie Can Be Revived, features the voice of Aaron’s grandfather recounting the 1968 incident..
The second track on the double A-side recently became BBC Introducing’s Track of the Week, drawing national attention with its cinematic video and stirring themes of bravery and community.
To honour the men who lost their lives, Hector Gannet will be raising money for the RNLI on the night of the show.
The RNLI represents the same bravery my grandfather showed,” Aaron added. “This gig is our way of saying thank you — to those who go out and don’t always come back.”