Tonight the streets are ours, but today the roads belong to Richard Hawley…

Hot on the heels of Reverend and the Makers and Self Esteem, the singer-songwriter becomes the third Sheffield star to take on First Bus’ “Blockbuster Driving Challenge”. Watch here.

With no licence to his name and the admission that he’s “never even been behind the wheel of a car before in my life”, Richard Hawley surprised even himself when he drove a bus for the first time. After a tour of the First Bus’ Olive Grove depot in Sheffield, Richard along with two members of his touring band (Dean Berresford and Jon Trier) were invited to test-drive their iconic buses on the off-road training track. And what’s more they were asked to do it all blindfolded… To see if they cleared “Coles Corner” with ease, or simply ended up “Under A Bad Sign”, tune in here: https://youtu.be/JKy3S_AxZso

One of Sheffield’s most highly respected musical talents, Richard Hawley has been selected as part of First Bus’ brand new ‘Walk of Fame’ project - a new initiative that celebrates the greats of the city's music scene. Honouring the singer-songwriter and what he has brought to the city, the public transport titan will be redecorating their familiar First Buses in Hawley’s signature stylings. Watch out for them hitting the streets in the coming weeks.

Speaking about the scheme, Ian Smith, commercial director at First Sheffield says:

“As a company we are proud of our connection to the great city of Sheffield and all those people involved in carrying its name both locally and across the world. They show that the words ‘Made in Sheffield’ still mean something to be proud of. We are teaming up with famous and not-so-famous artists who have put Sheffield firmly on the map and who have all, and still do, use the public transport network across the city when they are home.”

A new initiative for 2023, the ‘Sheffield’s Walk of Fame’ project will see First Bus Sheffield giving their bus fleet a fresh makeover in celebration of the city’s most famous musical stars. Special buses dedicated to Reverend and the Makers, Self Esteem, the legendary Leadmill music and others already in motion. As part of the initiative, each artist involved was also invited to take on the ‘Blockbuster Driving Challenge’ at the home of First Bus in Olive Grove. Taking on several driving manoeuvres and challenges, including driving down a course blindfolded, each challenge sees hilarious moments, choice words and trepidation as the legends join the Rock’n’Roll journey in Sheffield. Standby for news on more artists to be announced soon.

Recently winning two Olivier awards for his musical ’Standing At The Sky’s Edge’, this Summer Richard Hawley will join his former bandmates in Pulp on their Sheffield Arena comeback shows, as well as opening for them with his own band. Charting numerous critically acclaimed albums throughout his career, including his most recent solo record ‘Further’ (2019), Richard’s music is also confirmed to be appearing in the new Tom Hanks film ‘Asteroid City’ (dir.Wes Anderson) and the Disney+ remake of ‘The Full Monty’.

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