Girl, 15, takes on Dylan

A star was born the moment gifted teenage musician Ruth Wallbank picked up a guitar at the tender age of seven.

Her tutor, Dave Gardner, was ready for the challenge of teaching the instrument to someone so young and he was blown away when Ruth simply picked up the guitar and started strumming the legendary Paul McCartney’s smash hit Mull of Kintyre almost immediately!

Ruth herself, still only 15, remembers that first lesson well, saying: “I thought, oh chords, yes I think I know what they are, and just started playing really.’’

It was at that moment Preston based Dave knew he had a real talent on his hands.

He told the Post: “The thing about Ruth is she doesn’t play like a shy 15-year-old girl, she gives it full throttle!

“She is a fantastic guitarist.’’

Ruth, who lives in Catterall, near Garstang, will be taking to the stage in Preston for her first live gig tomorrow at the 
Korova Arts Cafe Bar in St Wilfreds Street.

A Bob Dylan Tribute show, Ruth will be appearing with Dave and musician Matt Wells who together are Preston band Hellfire Preachers.

The audience can also hear Ruth belt out a few songs as she is a talented singer.

Although Ruth has performed before this is her first full blown live performance and she admitted to feeling slightly nervous.

“I love performing, it is a great chance to just forget everything, all your worries and problems, and just concentrate on the music,’’ said Ruth.

Her love of music shone out from an early age when Ruth started to play the recorder.

She was keen to join in with anything musical at school and decided she would like to learn how to play the guitar after attending a folk music concert.

A big folk music fan, Ruth admits that the great man Dylan has been one of her influences but her taste in music is eclectic and she loves listening to a wide range, anything from Handel’s Messiah to Iron Maiden!

Ruth said: “I think it is important to have as broad a range as possible when it comes to music, I grew up listening to so many different artistes.’’

A GCSE student at Ripley St Thomas Church of England Academy in Lancaster, Ruth plans to take music as an A’ level.

But forget any ideas you may have about seeing Ruth on television talent shows The Voice or The X Factor.

Ruth has ambitions to become a journalist specialising in music and the performing arts and she is hoping to take a degree in English Literature and Music at the University of Glasgow.

She said: “I love music as a hobby but it is not something I would like to pursue as a career at this stage.’’

In a world full of wannabees and those searching for fame and stardom purely for the sake of it, Ruth Wallbank is one young lady who has her feet firmly on the ground.

Tomorrow’s gig starts at 8pm and entrance is £5 on the door.

Anyone who would like more information can to ring Dave on 01772 733930.