A Derby-based recovery charity is using music to support men rebuilding their lives. Six participants undergoing addiction recovery have formed a rock band, Sons of Jericho, as part of Jericho House’s broader work to help men overcome addiction and reduce reoffending.
The group was created at Jericho House, which provides housing, mentorship, and activity-based programs designed to help men regain stability and purpose. Some members had no prior experience with playing musical instruments, but have since learned to perform with the band.
Frontman and vocalist Sean Payne joined the project while volunteering at Jericho House. He said he took on the role despite being naturally reserved, illustrating how the project helps individuals step into new leadership and social roles.
The band is currently preparing for a Christmas-themed gig scheduled for December in Derby. Jericho House’s chief executive, Neil Ainslie, oversees the ensemble and notes that Sons of Jericho is growing in strength, having already performed several live shows.
“Our music blends rock, indie, and Britpop, drawing inspiration from Foo Fighters, Oasis, Green Day, Arctic Monkeys, and The Beatles,” Ainslie said. “Every song we play carries the message that recovery is possible, and life after addiction can be full of joy, laughter, and purpose.”
Ainslie added that the band performs at recovery festivals, fundraising events, and community gatherings across the United Kingdom, highlighting music’s role in promoting social inclusion and ongoing recovery.
Band member Jake Lindsay described his experience in the group as a meaningful part of his recovery from drug addiction. “I was looking for ways to cope, and when I started, it felt like the answer because it quieted the noise in my head,” he said. Lindsay, who has struggled with anxiety, explained that substances once seemed like the solution, but Jericho’s program helped remove drugs from the equation.
Charlie Pool, another band member, began as the band’s roadie before stepping in as a bass player when the group needed a musician. “I was the only volunteer,” Pool recalled. “I didn’t know how to play, so I learned the guitar at Jericho, and I really, really love it.”
As the December performance approaches, the six musicians are busy rehearsing, underscoring how creative expression and performance opportunities can support resilience, coping strategies, and social connectedness among individuals on an addiction recovery journey.
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