A BARNSLEY band turned a potentially disastrous situation into triumph after the release of their new album looked like it might not happen.
Popular Barnsley rock band Hands Off Gretel had taken more than £28,000 from pre-orders for their new album I Want the World on crowd-funding website Pledge Music.
However, Pledge Music ran into financial difficulty early this year, with many artists using the platform facing the risk of not being paid as the company, riddled with debt, faces bankruptcy.
Having not received money as they should have over the course of the campaign, band leader Lauren Tate closed the campaign.
“We couldn’t believe it when the news broke that we had potentially lost over £28,000,” said Lauren, 22, of Worsbrough Village.
“It’s been amazing how fans have helped us through this. We are humbled and overwhelmed that our fans have supported us through this.
“No one else has stepped in to help us or offer advice. What an amazing thing for any band to have, a fan base that truly has your back that is willing you to succeed.
“Fan power is stronger than anyone in this industry and we will never forget that.”
Lauren worked around the clock to ship copies of the album and merchandise out from her own living room, after fans clubbed together to meet and then surpass the number of orders placed through Pledge Music.
The band eventually shipped more than 2,000 copies of the album.
“We have worked around the clock to get these orders out to people,” said Lauren.
“A special shout out also to the amazing ladies at Worsbrough Bridge Post Office who have worked so hard helping us ship this release.”
