The LEAD singer of a Gwent-based band said he is ecstatic to be able to play alongside famous rock bands The Darkness and Thunder at Steelhouse Festival later this month.

Rock band Everyday Heroes managed to beat five others in the Battle of the Bands competition at Fuel Rock Club in Cardiff, and have won the opportunity to open up the Ebbw Vale rock festival on Friday, July 22.

The band, whose members are based across Caerphilly County Borough, have also been given the opportunity to record a song with Monmouthshire music producer Nick Brine, who has worked with the likes of Oasis, Stone Roses, and Stereophonics.

The Valleys-based band were formed two years ago, but lead singer and guitarist Luke Phillips, of Cwmfelinfach, said they never believed they could get this far because of where they are from.

“All the bands we were competing with were established bands who all had the look and everything going on, with the skinny jeans and long hair.

“Us four, well, we just turned up looking normal and as the name suggests we are everyday boys, everyday valleys boys.

“We didn’t even think we had a chance, let alone end up winning the competition.”

The bands were judged by the Steelhouse organisers and will open up the rock festival alongside other Welsh acts on the Friday night.

Mr Phillips, 23, said he and drummer Jay Haines have been playing together since they were 15 years old before the rest of the band came together.

He now hopes the recording with Nick Brine will help push them forward in their careers.

“It is a nice validation really to know that we are good enough to move forward.

“We’re hoping it will push us in the right direction and get us more known after playing at the festival and recording with Nick Brine.”

The rock competition was last held two years ago, but Steelhouse organisers decided to bring it back again this year.

Co-organiser of the festival Matt Rhead said that each band was individual and talented, and that choosing a winner was a difficult choice.

He said: “It was a very tight competition and all the bands were absolutely fantastic.

“Everyday Heroes were the real surprise of the day as they played songs that that you just couldn’t help but sing along to, which stood out for me.”

Speaking of how he thinks the band will do when they open the Friday night of the festival, Mr Rhead said: “I think they will go down an absolute storm.”