Wille And The Bandits find migrants in van

Blues rock trio Wille And The Bandits found themselves embroiled in the Calais migrant crisis when they found two men hiding in their van – with one having climbed inside a guitar case.

Social and politican tension is at a height in the French coastal town, as thousands of people flee violent unrest in other parts of the world, with many hoping to cross the English Channel and enter the UK.

Some politicians have described the unhomed individuals as illegal immigrants, while others say they’re legitimate refugees.

Wille And The Bandits were returning to the UK from a European tour when they made the discovery at a petrol station.

Mainman Wille Edwards said via Facebook: “Just pulled two guys out the van just outside Calais. Filling up, we noticed the van move, and found one guy just sitting there and the other in my guitar case.”

He added: “Feel really sorry for them, to be honest. They looked so desperate and only want a better life. Makes you realise how lucky we are sometimes, and that we shouldn’t take it for granted.”

The band, who launched third album Grow in 2013, continue touring in the UK and Europe until the end of November.

Freelance Online News Contributor

Not only is one-time online news editor Martin an established rock journalist and drummer, but he’s also penned several books on music history, including SAHB Story: The Tale of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, a band he once managed, and the best-selling Apollo Memories about the history of the legendary and infamous Glasgow Apollo. Martin has written for Classic Rock and Prog and at one time had written more articles for Louder than anyone else (we think he's second now). He’s appeared on TV and when not delving intro all things music, can be found travelling along the UK’s vast canal network.