John had never sung before, but that didn't stop his curiosity from getting the better of him, if it involved a chance to perform at Newcastle City Hall.

Having seen an advert in my local paper for people who wanted to sing at Newcastle City Hall, with NO experience necessary, I thought it was some type of crazy scam to get people to part with their hard earned cash. So it was quickly dismissed and put to one side.

I certainly fitted the bill: no experience whatsoever!

But no, the seeds had been sown: if it was for real, I could do that. I would like to do that. I certainly fitted the bill: no experience whatsoever!

The Roadshow

I had to find out more, so off I went to a roadshow. Here I met a chap (John Morris) who showed me what other people like myself had achieved in other parts of the country. All I had to do to be part of this in Newcastle was sign on the dotted line and part with £85. "Well", I thought, "That’s a lot of money. What do I get for my money?"

• 10 weeks of rehearsals = 10 nights out
  
• Lessons from a real vocal coach – I'll need these!
  
• The opportunity to sing at City Hall – I guess I'll be able to say I have sung on the same stage as Lindisfarne!
• A chance to audition to sing a solo – not this time!

In my books this looked value for money. So, decision half made, off I went home, explained all this to my wife and friends and received looks that said I was mad. "He’s going to pay to sing? He can't sing! The City Hall - it must be a joke!" Well, I made the decision and paid my money. I was in it for better or worse.

The Launch

How can I rehearse something I can’t do? Surely I will have to have some sort of lesson before I start?

How wrong: introductory chats, a few photographs, a lesson in how to breathe properly and off we go. I was singing!!

I had proved the sceptics wrong. Pop Idols look out!

The right notes? I guess not - perhaps the odd note was right, but hey, no one seemed to notice and, if they did, they were too polite to mention it!

The time flew by and, before I knew it, it was time to head home. I had done it! The nerves had turned to excitement and I had proved the sceptics wrong. Pop Idols look out!

The Rehearsals

The first rehearsal was when it really dawned on me how much I didn't know. Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass - all the music and words for these are on the same sheet! Which voice type did I have: Tenor or Bass? How will I remember all the words?

Well, as the night drew to a close I had been categorised as a Bass and had actually learned some words.

Not bad for a lad who can’t sing, but was willing to take a chance ...

So here I am, three rehearsals done and enjoying every one of them. Christmas has been and gone and I can’t wait until Thursday to get back to singing.

It really is worth the money and I have the opportunity to sing at the Royal Albert Hall in May! Not bad for a lad who can’t sing, but was willing to take a chance ...