INFLUENCED by the urban sound of a 1980s music scene, a group of Suffolk teenagers are edging closer to performing at one of the UK’s biggest concert venues.

Two Steps Twice, a nine-piece ska band made up of students at Sudbury Upper School, are busy rehearsing for a performance next month which could seal their path to playing at London’s O2 Arena and the chance to win a �100,000 prize. Jon Beales, band member and manager, said: “We went in for the Live and Unsigned competition and played at the Regent in Ipswich in February.

“The next audition was at the Corn Exchange and we got through that so there’s just one more to go, which takes place in Basildon on May 14, before the O2.”

He said their music was based on the ska scene of the 1980s and bands like The Specials.

The band, who range in age from 16 to 19, have plenty of incentive to get through and win in London – �100,000 of prizes and a four-date world tour.

Jon added: “In reality we have a year to pull this off and try and make it in the music industry. Most of us will be off to university next year and we know it will be tough to keep going after that.”

Two Steps Twice will be playing at the North Croft Social Club tomorrow and The White Horse on Friday.

For more information on the band go to facebook.com/2stepstwice