Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly and the Beatles are not planning any gigs in Hertfordshire... but MONUMENTAL are.

Welcome to an embryonic mental health service user group called MONUMENTAL. How do you like the name? Currently it comprises of (left to right in the photo below) lead guitarist Lee, drummer Debbie and myself rhythm guitarist Bob. This is the nucleus of the band and the plan is to invite other mental health service users to join in for a guest spot. The elemental components of our repertoire are blues / pop / rock. You don't have to be mad to play with MONUMENTAL... but it helps! :) People are joining in at such a rate that soon it will be an orchestra. You can all join in! :)


MONUMENTAL - Left to right: Lee, Debbie and Bob

We met at Mind in Hemel Hempstead and soon built upon our friendship from sharing our experiences of mental health issues that include depression, aspergers and manic depression all stabilised on medication. Bipolar is the new Rock 'n' Roll ! ;) Our live musical entertainment is based on songs and instrumentals, from late 1950s to early 60s, inspired by the style of artists from Jim Reeves to Jimi Hendrix. MONUMENTAL are environmentally friendly because we play sentimental and supplemental... recycled songs! ;)

We cover the area of West Hertfordshire / Herts from St Albans to Hemel Hempstead and Bovingdon in Dacorum to Watford and Chorleywood. We have done one gig so far, at Herts Mind Network in Dacorum, just one song but it went down well.. but then so did the Titanic!! ;) Early days yet, but fun. Watch out... MONUMENTAL will soon be coming to a daycentre near you! :)

We have Governmental funding so there is no fee charged for our performances. Free is a currency we all understand. So what do you think? Is it a good idea? We have already been offered a provisional gig in the grounds of Hertford Castle when we are ready. It will probably be a World Mental Health Day celebration type of gig or similar. Please check back to this website for the most recent updated information on the band.

MONUMENTAL are still in the developmental stage and are not yet perfect instrumentalists and there are a few minor detrimental technical niggles but for those looking for a competent group with a well-specified set of songs it takes some beating and you can't argue with the price! We're looney and we're proud!! :)

Here is a picture below of me playing guitar when I was younger. I've got arthritis in my knees nowadays so I can't get down like I did before! ;)



I enjoy receiving telephone calls and e-mails so please feel free to use the contact details below:

Tel: St Albans 01727 851809


FREE prize competition
E-mail me stating how many times "mental" appears on this page and I will send to you a special free prize. Hurry before they're all gone!

With best wishes & stay well,
Rock on!
Bob Houlston #==(o )

p.s. MONUMENTAL are going to be big...
Remember where you heard it first! ;)

ÿ