Alistair Coleman – Rock Choir Portobello
Alistair’s Rock Choir journey began in Weymouth after a difficult chapter in his life. Moving to Dorset following a devastating breakup and a challenging career in media, Alistair wasn’t sure where to turn.
“I need a social life,” he said to his neighbour, Debbie, who suggested he try Rock Choir.
Despite his reservations, Alistair decided to give it a try. Little did he know, Rock Choir would have a profound impact on his life.
From cynicism to joy
Alistair admits that he was far from enthusiastic at first, especially when it came to the music genres Rock Choir embraced.
“I’m a sixty-year-old former journalist for whom cynicism was a way of life.”
But as he sat in that first rehearsal, something clicked.
From the start, Alistair was embraced by the choir’s welcoming community. He was introduced to music he never would have chosen himself—Motown, disco, soul, metal, and even Phil Collins. Alistair found himself falling in love with these new genres.
“Look at me – a narrow selection of post-punk, new romantic, and goth. But I was soon loving Motown and disco.”
The choir gave him the opportunity to meet new people, make connections, and have fun both in rehearsals and social events.
Singing at the Edinburgh Fringe
The turning point for Alistair came when Rock Choir offered him the opportunity to sing at the Edinburgh Fringe. This was more than just a performance, it was a chance for Alistair to truly embrace the joy of singing and belonging.
“I got onto Facebook and messaged another old friend who lives in the Scottish Borders. ‘Hi Dotty, you know you said if I was ever in the area, I should drop in?’”
One thing led to another, and Alistair found himself reconnecting with an old friend and now living together in the Scottish Borders. Rock Choir not only brought him closer to music but also sparked a new chapter in his personal life.
“Dotty’s not a Rockie (yet), but she has the Rockie vibe, and loves that music is a big part of our lives now. And that wouldn’t have happened without Rock Choir.”
A return to the choir
After moving to the Borders, Alistair faced a dilemma—there were no local Rock Choirs nearby. For a while, he missed being part of the community and the sense of belonging he had experienced in Weymouth.
“That was until Rock Choir came along with new choirs within relatively easy reach for me.”
Now, Alistair is part of the new Portobello choir and is already building new friendships, much like he did in Weymouth.
“I’m making new friends already, and like Weymouth it’s by the sea (actually closer!) and everybody is just so positive.”
Rock Choir’s impact on my life
Looking back, Alistair credits Rock Choir with helping him rediscover his joy, kindness, and sense of belonging.
“Rock Choir taught those values to cynical old me, and it’s beautiful.”
The positivity and kindness that Rock Choir instils has completely changed Alistair’s outlook, and he’s now dedicated to living a life of happiness, kindness, and friendship.
“I’m now dedicating my life to happiness, kindness, and friendship.”
Through singing, friendship, and performance, Rock Choir has truly transformed Alistair’s life in ways he never imagined.
