A Sunshine Coast man and his band are aiming to perform at one of the most famous music festivals in the world, before arthritis stops him in his tracks.
Sam Holden, a 42-year-old father-of-three, is on a mission to play a headline gig at the Glastonbury Festival in 2027.
He has put together a band called 3 Year Project and hopes to raise money for mental health charities and inspire people to pursue their dreams.
Two decades ago, Sam put his budding music career on hold to raise a family and forge a career in engineering.
Now, with arthritic pain threatening to rob him of the ability to play entirely, he has decided it’s now or never if he’s ever to fulfil his lifelong dream of getting his music onto the global stage.
“I always knew my songs were too good to gather dust,” he said.
“This is about reclaiming what I’ve lost and proving to myself that I can still do this.”
His journey started during a work trip to Auckland, where he spotted a local open mic.
On a whim, he borrowed a stranger’s guitar and performed like he was 16 again.
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The next morning, as he was leaving the country, he saw a car sticker that read “One Day or Day 1”.
He knew this was the sign he was looking for to give music one last shot.
Sam put together the 3 Year Project band with the help of five professional session musicians in August.
They have reshaped Sam’s earlier music and brought his teenage songs to life.
The 3 Year Project is aiming to perform 100 gigs in three years, with the final gig (should they be successful) on Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage in 2027.
The band’s sound blends Britpop influences from Oasis and Blur, with deeply personal themes of love, loss and redemption.
The 3 Year Project’s first single is set for release this month, followed by an album by late 2025.
However, music is only part of their mission.
Having witnessed his family’s struggles with mental health, Sam plans to partner with charities such as headspace to support children and families in need.
“This is about more than music, it’s about making a difference,” he said.
“I hope this journey inspires others to take their own first steps, no matter their age or circumstances.”
Growing up in North Manchester, Sam’s early life was shaped by challenges, particularly the mental health struggles of his sister, who left home at 16.
Sam’s family lost contact with her for 20 years. While they’ve since reconnected, he wishes things had been different.
“I can’t turn back time, but I can help someone now. That’s what this project is all about, using music to make a difference,” Sam said.
Their first gig will be at The Presynct in Nambour on February 21.
By then, the band will have their first single recorded, with an album expected this year.
