What began as a few parents chatting at the school gate has grown into a thriving Sussex-wide community music movement, culminating in Band of Dads (BOD) proudly donating £3,000 to St Peter & St James Hospice. The money was raised entirely through live gigs, fundraising events and the generosity of audiences across Sussex. The donation was recently presented surrounded by band members, volunteers and supporters — a moment that perfectly captured what Band of Dads stands for. Band of Dads was founded in 2016 by George Budd after a group of dads discovered, through regular school-gate conversations, that they shared a passion for music. A few informal jam sessions followed, originally intended as a way to unwind and escape the daily pressures of work and family life.
Those early sessions quickly revealed something deeper. Music provided a powerful release, strengthened friendships, and created a sense of connection that many people didn’t realise they were missing. As interest grew, so did the community around it. The original group later became known as BOD Cuckfield, the founding chapter of Band of Dads. This chapter is known for being highly versatile, with a huge catalogue of songs spanning pop, classic rock ’n’ roll and punk. Their flexibility means they can fit into almost any venue or event. BOD Cuckfield can deliver: balanced sets of classic crowd-pleasers from across the decades, themed events such as Halloween parties, punk nights or 80s nights and energetic pub gigs or larger community events.
Their adaptability and recognisable setlists make them popular with a wide range of audiences. In late 2019, George launched BOD Second Chapter after realising there were still many talented musicians across Sussex who could benefit from the same sense of belonging and mental health release through music. Second Chapter brings a slightly louder and heavier edge, reworking familiar songs in their own distinctive style.
BOD Second Chapter takes well-known rock classics — and even cheesy pop favourites — and lifts them with heavier riffs, screaming guitar solos and rich vocal harmonies. With over 60 cover songs in their repertoire, their setlists comfortably range from The Beatles to Metallica, allowing them to fit a wide variety of bills while offering a more powerful sound. Across both chapters, there is one simple rule: every song must be recognisable to any audience member, regardless of age or musical taste. That shared principle ensures BOD gigs are inclusive, fun and welcoming for everyone.
A couple of years ago, Band of Dads formally became a Community Interest Company (CIC), helping to structure what had already become a growing grassroots movement. The group is entirely volunteerrun — no one is paid, and all profits go straight back into the community. They regularly play free of charge at local fundraisers, subject to availability, although balancing music with work and family life sometimes means they have to turn down requests.
The decision to support St Peter & St James Hospice was deeply personal. Many within the Band of Dads community have had loved ones cared for by the hospice, and the compassion shown during those difficult moments left a lasting impact. “Party With A Purpose isn’t just our tagline — it’s our ethos,” the group explains. “Music brings people together, lifts spirits, and gives us the chance to support causes that really matter.”
Looking ahead, Band of Dads is always keen to hear from people who want to get involved — whether by playing music, helping with sound and tech, photography, social media, marketing or event support. Just as importantly, everyone who comes to a BOD gig is playing a part.
“Without the community behind us, we simply couldn’t do what we do,” they say.
As Band of Dads approaches its ten-year anniversary, it’s clear that what started as a simple school-gate conversation in Cuckfield has grown into a powerful Sussex success story — built on music, community, and purpose.