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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Entertainment

Save our pipe organs – they provided the chest-thumping heavy metal of their day

Mark Mynett and Anabelle Iratni of Plague of Angels, photographed in Greater Manchester.
Mark Mynett and Anabelle Iratni of Plague of Angels, photographed in Greater Manchester. Photograph: Richard Saker/The Observer

Mark Mynett is right – there is a risk that, as churches close and are repurposed, we lose their pipe organs along with them (UK churches need open-mindedness to preserve heritage says heavy metal musician, 23 February).

It’s not surprising that a metal musician is calling this out: until the invention of electronic amplification, previous generations who loved loud music would have needed to head to their local church (or town hall, masonic lodge, or any of the other venues housing these marvellous instruments) to get their fix of chest-thumping volume.

Our small charity is now trying to do something about it. Interested metalheads, church music lovers and those who appreciate fine and complex machines are invited to join as we try to save this important part of our heritage.
Stephen Wilcox
Treasurer, Pipe Up for Pipe Organs

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