Wirral singer's band to support former Spice Girl (From Wirral Globe)

Wirral singer's band to support former Spice Girl

11:00am Tuesday 16th October 2012 in News By Stephanie Cureton

A WIRRAL singer who narrowly missed out on becoming Andrew Lloyd Webber's next protégée has told how his band are hoping to break the music world.

Rory Taylor, from Heswall, came second in the composing legend’s ITV1 show 'Superstar' earlier this year which searched for the production’s next ‘Jesus.’

The 24-year-old had been told by judge Mel C how she "could listen to him all day" while fellow panellist Jason Donovan also praised his vocal talent.

However Rory is now keen to carve out a career with his band 54321 and has lined up a gig to share the stage with former Sporty Spice Mel.

The group, which also features his brothers Olly, 27, Barney, 26, Callum, 21, and their cousin Liam Capleton, 23, will support the singer at Shepherd’s Bush next month, while their latest record is now available to download.

Rory, a former Calday Grange Grammar student, said: "Right now, my focus is most definitely on the band so I am putting all my energy into that.

"When the show finished I was trying to find the best way to get the band seen and heard so I spoke to Mel to see what she thought.

"She said she would love it if we could support her at her gig in London so we immediately said yes.

"I think it will be nice for her to see what we do and that I am not just a solo singer who can do musical theatre.

"I'm also looking forward to seeing her perform her stuff and how she is on stage – it's definitely an honour to be asked."

Despite winning praise from the judges on 'Superstar,' Rory was pipped to the post by winner Ben Forster who is now touring the country in Jesus Christ Superstar.

And although Rory is working hard with 54321, he is also keen to work on other projects and is set to star in a touring concert of Rent to mark its 20th anniversary next year with West End star Kerry Ellis.

But he said that fame and fortune were not high on the list of the band’s priorities and they are simply music lovers at heart.

He added: "I have some stuff lined up to keep my face in musical theatre and show that I have a passion for a few things and we are also due to perform in Sweden next week with the band.

"If we could make a living out of performing every day then we would be happy.

"I think when all the fame and glamour gets involved, you can lose sight of why you are doing it in the first place so for us we want to keep that passion."

54321’s latest EP Motion Picture Scenery is available to download now on iTunes.