Fun Lovin Criminals fan's dream plays out in Dudley back garden
[gallery] It's not every day an internationally-renowned musician rocks up to play a gig in your back garden. But Fun Lovin' Criminals drummer Frank Benbini delighted a fan and her friends when he arrived at her home in Wollaston for the one-off show.
Lucky 17-year-old Danni Griffiths, of Gerald Road, won a competition for him to appear with his duo Uncle Frank alongside fellow musician Naim Cortazzi.
The pair chatted to Danni, a student at Halesowen College, and enjoyed a drink with those gathered before launching into their set inside a large white marquee set up for the occasion.
As an added treat they brought along dancers Sophie Day and Hannah Davies to perform with them.
Danni, who is an aspiring singer, was among around 10 fans across the country who won a competition, called Step into My Room, for the band to perform at her home.
Speaking before the gig, Frank said the tour had been set up as a way of 'breaking down the barriers' between the band and audience.
"It has been great getting out on the road and being able to perform intimate gigs for the fans who have supported us," he said. "The response has been amazing and with the number of entries we received for the competition it could have been a year-long tour.
"Danni is great and very sweet. She started listening to Uncle Frank through my work with the Fun Lovin' Criminals and she is a true fan. Danni is also a musician herself so it has been great to chat with her.
"I think it is a brilliant thing to be able to do something for the people who have paid to see us in the past and have supported us."
Danni said it had been a 'very exciting' day and was delighted to have been one of the successful entrants.
"I was amazed to win to be honest. I never expected it," she said. "It has been a great day and I have enjoyed chatting to both Frank and Naim."
As part of the event, red carpet was placed outside Danni's home and a doorman stood outside checking off names for people to enter. Passes were also handed out to those attending just like they would be at a gig held at a larger venue. Danni said: "I am a drummer myself so when I knew Frank was working on solo material I found out more about it and loved it."
Danni, who performs as Danni G and has released her first single, called Dreamer's Dream.
She added: "It is not every day something like this happens."
