A SADDLEWORTH musician is preparing to perform 100 gigs in just seven days across Oldham in an ambitious fundraising challenge for a charity close to his heart.
Kieran McMahon, better known by his stage name Glen Millstone, will kick off his musical marathon on Saturday, November 28, taking in pubs, clubs, bars, a car showroom, a tattoo parlour and a host of other unusual venues.
The target is an average of more than 14 performances a day, with the challenge culminating in a special finale concert at Shure 5 Studios in Royton.
Most of the gigs will be free to attend, although tickets will be required for the final show, which will also feature Danny Mahon and James Holt. Tickets go on sale at 10am on Friday, November 6.
But behind the ambitious musical challenge is a deeply personal reason for taking it on.
Kieran, 28, from Springhead, is raising money for Dr Kershaw’s Hospice in memory of his mum, Joan, who spent her final days at the Royton hospice when he was a child.
Encouraging people to come along and support the fundraising effort, Kieran said: “Kershaw’s is an amazing organisation so come down to a gig, have a drink and a sing song and help us raise as much money as possible for this incredible charity”.
The charity relies on community fundraising to help cover its annual running costs, with donations making a difference to the care it provides to patients with life-limiting illnesses.
Inspired by sporting and musical heroes
The idea for ‘100 Gigs in 7 Days’ came from a combination of sporting and musical inspiration.
Kieran has drawn on the fundraising efforts of rugby league hero Kevin Sinfield, particularly his ‘7 in 7’ challenges, alongside folk singer Frank Turner’s multiple-location gig challenge.
Both Kevin and Frank have sent video messages of support, which have been shared on the event’s social media pages.
Kieran is already known in Oldham for his connections with the town’s sporting community. He formed The Boundary Parkas, who regularly performed on match days at Boundary Park for Oldham Athletic and Oldham Rugby.
The band also produced two songs which became closely associated with the clubs: ‘I’m a Roughyed’, Oldham Rugby’s club anthem in 2024, and ‘Life a Blue’, the official road to Wembley song for Oldham Athletic in 2025.
To accompany the challenge, Kieran has written a new song, ‘I Love the North’, recorded with his folk band Glen Millstone.
The band describes its music as putting a northern spin on everyday life, its rain-soaked characters and the places people call home.
The charity single is due to arrive on Spotify, Apple Music and other streaming platforms on October 16.
A music video will follow on November 6, featuring actor John Henshaw, ESNCE Dancers, Manchester Arndale security guards and a group of ‘rockin grannies’.
A test of musical endurance
Performing more than 100 gigs in a week is no small undertaking, and Kieran will need to look after both his hands and his voice to make it through.
The challenge will include regular vocal treatments, including steaming, nebuliser treatments and tube warm-ups and cool-downs. Buckets of ice will also be on hand to help with hand relief.
The fundraising effort has attracted backing from a number of businesses, including Glen Millstone, Luke O’Reilly Design, Caffe Grande Abaco, Kirkham Property, Albion House Wealth Management, The Card Machine Queen, North Ainley Solicitors and Diodes Incorporated.
With performances planned in venues across Oldham, the challenge offers residents plenty of opportunities to catch some live music while supporting Dr Kershaw’s Hospice.
Anyone unable to attend can still contribute to the fundraising total.
For the full gig schedule, ticket information and donations, visit linktr.ee/100gigsin7days