On paper Prince Harry and Goldie don't have much in common. One is a prominent member of the British royal family, and the other is a drum and bass DJ. Nevertheless, the improbable pair have decided to stage a gig at Buckingham Palace together. Producer and actor Goldie – real name Clifford Joseph Price – is hosting a TV talent search to find 12 youngsters between the ages of 17 and 24 with "raw musical talent" for a new BBC 2 series, Goldie's Band – By Royal Appointment. His hunt will culminate in a big finale show at the palace in October with Harry as the guest of honour.
Not only will the lucky dozen have the opportunity to perform in front of the popular prince, but they will also receive tuition from industry experts, including Robbie Williams' collaborator and composer Guy Chambers. Harry, 25, and Goldie, 44, who has appeared in EastEnders and James Bond film The World Is Not Enough, have already met to discuss the concert.
They were first introduced backstage at the Wireless Festival in Hyde Park last year, the Daily Mail reports, and "got on like a house on fire. "Speaking about the venture, one royal aide said: "Harry is a fan of reality TV, but what is particularly good about this one is that it's about mentoring and encouragement – nobody gets voted off or laughed at, so it's not nasty at all.
Harry believes music can be a way for young people who haven’t had the best of starts to get a new chance. "Goldie, meanwhile, has described the search as "one of the most inspiring projects I've ever been involved with." "It's all about unearthing musical talent that’s under the radar in Britain – finding young people who've faced huge challenges and have never had the opportunities that they deserve," he said.
