World first as Australian indie-band invited to play United Nations in New York.

Musicians with intellectual and physical disabilities appeal to public to help raise funds for tour.

A Melbourne band whose five out of six musicians have a range of intellectual and physical disabilities (Blindness, Deafness, Aspergers, Autism and Down Syndrome) have made history and become the world’s first indie-band to be invited to perform at the United Nations in New York.

Rudely Interrupted whose music has been hailed by the critics as ‘some of the most energetic and genuine to emerge from the Australian rock ‘n’ roll underground’ will play to a prestigious audience at the UN's global headquarters in New York to mark International Day of People with Disabilities on December 3, 2008.

“We’re thrilled to be playing at the UN and touring the world,” said Rohan Brooks who formed the band 2 years ago. “It's a genuine once in a lifetime opportunity to profile the band and their 'different abilities' on the world stage. We’re stoked to be given this opportunity. It’s awesome!”

To make rock 'n' roll history the band must now raise tens of thousands of dollars to cover accommodation, flights and other costs to gig the band in 5 cities on 2 continents – New York, Chicago, London, Bristol and Manchester.

Rory Burnside (21), Sam Beke (23), Marcus Stone (27), Constance Fitzpatrick (44), Josh Hogan (21), and Rohan Brooks (37), make up what has become arguably Australia's most unique group of musicians. Rudely Interrupted have been making critically acclaimed music as well as playing festivals alongside million record selling artists since they met at the St John of God Accord Day Service on Melbourne’s outskirts 2 years ago.

Rudely Interrupted's lead singer is Rory. Pitch perfect, Rory was born with no eyes and has Asperger Syndrome. “We are here to show people what we can do and just because we have a disability doesn't mean we can't ROCK,” said Rory. “We write our own music about our own experiences. We use our weaknesses as our strengths.”

Back in 2005, the closest Josh had ever got to playing drums was a set of pots and pans he'd bang at home. “I'd listen to music on the radio and hit them to the beat. That's how I used to practice my rhythm.” Josh picked up his first pair of drumsticks when he started to play with Rudely Interrupted in 2006. “He’s a natural drummer,” said Rohan. “He's my favourite drummer in the world. He's just got it, he really has got it. He's unreal.”

A born performer, bass guitarist Sam who has Down Syndrome loves to show off and wants to be a famous rock star. “I used to play drums at school. But this is the first time I've played bass. I want to fly over the audience with fire and explosions and lightning.”

Marcus, who has Asperger Syndrome has been playing keyboards since he was 14. “I've always wanted to play in a band and do gigs and now I am. Sam has started calling me blackboards because of the keyboards. So I'm not sure who I am anymore.”

Constance Kirkpatrick, affectionately known as Connie the ‘human metronome’, is legally blind and has Down Syndrome. Her ability to grab rhythms with her impeccable timing has enabled Connie to play and record multiple instruments.

To make a donation to Rudely Interrupted’s United Nations tour:

• visit www.rudelyinterrupted.com

• call 03 9435 8366

• send a cheque or money order to ‘Rudely Interrupted’ 108-130 Diamond Creek Rd, Greensborough 3088

Funds raised will be used in one or more of the following ways:

• to cover the costs of touring 5 cities on 2 continents including food, accommodation and return travel for the members of the band and up to 6 care staff as well as support crew

• to help hire music equipment, book music venues and promote the tour

All donations over $2 are tax deductible.

For media inquires call Rohan Brooks on 0411 132442 or

Ian Woolverton on + 1 917 679 0039

Rohan@rudelyinterrupted.com

http://www.rudelyinterrupted.com