AFTERDRIVE return to old college ahead of first headline tour

Why it matters: The bands return offered current students an insight of what to expect from the tour while showing what the college's music department can produce, as three of the band's four members met while studying music at the sixth form.

The details: The band performed a live set, took part in a Q&A and met students during the visit, discussing their gigs, their time at One and offering tips on breaking into the music industry.

Since forming, AFTERDRIVE have built a fan base that saw them perform at Ed Sheeran's Portman Road show in 2025. This year they played a sold-out headline show at The Waterfront Studio in Norwich and supported American singer Maggie Lindemann.

In October, they begin a headline tour taking place in Ipswich, Birmingham, London and Manchester, during which they will also release their debut EP, Dress To Drive.

What they're saying: AFTERDRIVE vocalist Ben Watts said: "It's nostalgic to be back at One. We all met on the music course, and it brings back a lot of memories to see our old music teachers. We've signed a few guitars, which is a first for us.

"Everyone is so welcoming and really kind to invite us in. The performance went really well. The students enjoyed the set – we couldn't ask for more."

Drummer Joe Watts said: "There's a few music students who said we've inspired them to do more performing which is the best thing to hear, it means a lot. That's what we do it for."

The bigger picture: For students at the college, the visit offered inspiration and an insight into a possible future. A level student Ewan Haseman, 17, said: "It's good to see students coming back and perform again. It shows what good work the music department do, and it's great to see another new band coming out of Ipswich."

Lois Hinsley, Group Subject Lead for Music at One Sixth Form College, said: "Our courses very much prepare students for a career in the music industry, and we are so incredibly proud of AFTERDRIVE's successes. Several of our students have said how much they inspired them with their performance. We hope they will come back and see us again soon."

The bottom line: AFTERDRIVE's return to their old college has given Ipswich students a close-up look at the music industry, as the band prepare to set off on their biggest tour yet.

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