Ewan Howarth, 22, from York, who has Williams Syndrome, is set to join The Perfect Shambles on stage today (Friday, February 28) at a gig in Huntington Sports Club as their drummer for a special one-off performance.
Having picked up his first pair of drumsticks at the age of seven, Ewan has since developed his musical skills by attending Tang Hall SMART – at first, going to the centre for one afternoon a week whilst attending Applefields School before attending full time to focus on his music.
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He explained: “I just love the feeling of drumming and being able to express myself totally on the drum kit.”
Williams Syndrome is a genetic condition that comes about through the deletion of genes from one of the two chromosome sevens.
The condition is characterised by heart defects, issues with the nervous system, developmental delay, and some social issues. Despite this, people with Williams Syndrome are said to be outgoing and generally happy people with a particular love for making music – traits that are true of Ewan.
He said: “I think of it like my shining armour, it helps me out with lots of different things.”
Ewan has been a keen drummer since the age of seven (Image: Alice Kavanagh) Ewan’s mum Jackie: “Ewan has such a love of life; he wakes up happy and goes to sleep in a good mood. He’s fantastic to be around.”
Whilst his condition impacts his ability to read, Ewan is able to play by ear – picking up the beat to songs by listening and mimicking them. He plays a variety of genres, including jazz and funk, but Ewan especially enjoys rock with some favourites including AC/DC, Black Sabbath, and the Ramones.
At the gig, which will be his first outside Tang Hall Smart, his set will involve four tracks including his favourite song – I Wanna Be Sedated by The Ramones.
Tutor and Perfect Shambles member Matt Douglas invited Ewan to get involved after coming to see the band. “He’s attended quite a few gigs and has been passionate about his support,” Matt said.
“He was very keen to make an appearance with us, so we thought this would be the perfect time to do it as the Huntington gig should be packed full of family and friends. It has a bit of a ‘homecoming’ feeling to it as it’s basically a five minute walk down the road for me and a lot of our fan base live around Huntington.
“Of course, we know how much it meant to Ewan but we also know he is a cracking drummer so it all just made sense… at the end of the day it will be a hell of a lot of fun.
Ewan said: “I’m so excited, I’m so completely a mega fan. You just can’t get any better than that.
“When they offered, I just had to say yes. The great thing about them is that they’re such a friendly band, you can’t say no. Tommy is such a great singer – I’m absolutely mind blown how he can just go full rock with his voice.
“It wasn’t a shock at all when they offered me to take part, I just took it. Pure head on excitement. I’ve watched them doing their stuff before and it’s just mind blowing.
“I’d like to give some advice to other drummers and that’s don’t be nervous, it’s a show. Just keep your head on and stick with it.”
Ewan will be playing tonight (Friday) at Huntington Social Club and also has his own Facebook page and YouTube Channel.
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