Young self-taught drummer performs with The Living End in rock band debut

A young boy’s dream of performing with his musical idols became a reality when Australian rock icons, The Living End, invited him on stage. Twelve-year-old Noah Pope, hailing from Mogo on the New South Wales far south coast, found himself in the front row at the Wanderer Festival in nearby Pambula. Armed with a sign that read, “Can I drum with you?” Noah successfully caught the eye of the band’s lead vocalist, Chris Cheney, amidst the sea of 10,000 festival attendees.

To Noah’s astonishment, Cheney acknowledged his sign, jokingly commenting on his tired arms and likening him to a cute button. The Living End, comprised of members Chris Cheney, Scott Owen, and Andy Strachan, headlined the Wanderer Festival on October 5, marking the initial stop on their tour to promote their latest album, I Only Trust Rock n Roll. As the band approached the end of their set, they made Noah’s wish come true by inviting him to join them on stage.

Chris Cheney expressed their uncertainty about having a stranger perform with them, as they had only shared the stage with friends from other bands before. Anticipating a brief jam session on a classic tune, the band was pleasantly surprised when Noah opted to play “Prisoner of Society,” one of The Living End’s iconic tracks. Despite the song’s complexity, Noah delivered a stellar performance, captivating the audience and band members alike.

Overcoming any initial nerves, Noah dove into the performance, relishing the experience and showcasing his drumming prowess. Cheney and Owen, reflecting on their own musical beginnings, commended Noah’s talent and enthusiasm, labeling him a prodigy. The Living End’s drummer, Andy Strachan, even offered to mentor Noah and support his budding career.

Noah, a self-taught drummer, has honed his skills through online videos over the past two-and-a-half years. Eager to connect with fellow young musicians in his area who share his passion for punk music, Noah envisions expanding his musical horizons by forming a band. The young musician’s raw talent and dedication left onlookers in awe, with festival organizer Simon Daly marveling at Noah’s remarkable debut with The Living End.

As Noah looks towards the future, fueled by the encouragement and mentorship offered by The Living End, he harbors dreams of pursuing music professionally and achieving a level of fame in the industry. Despite his young age and lack of formal training, Noah’s remarkable performance alongside his musical idols has set the stage for a bright and promising musical journey ahead. Noah’s exceptional performance at the Wanderer Festival with The Living End serves as a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and seizing opportunities to fulfill one’s dreams.