A Suffolk musician’s aspirations of gracing the Eurovision stage representing Germany were dashed by a mysterious twist of fate. Ollie Trevers, hailing from Framlingham, and his band The Great Leslie, which boasts a German guitarist among its members, participated in the Chefsache ESC 2025 competition. Their journey led them to the final five contenders over the weekend, tantalizingly close to clinching the coveted spot at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Basel, Switzerland.
Despite falling short in the public vote, Trevers remained resolute and proud of the band’s unwavering dedication throughout the competition. In an interview with BBC Radio Suffolk, he reflected on the rollercoaster ride, emphasizing the enriching experience amidst the disappointment. “It was an amazing experience,” Trevers expressed. “We did so well, and I’m really proud of the whole band. We were there for the entire month, and we had a great time. We met some amazing people, and I’m sure it’s going to lead to bigger and better things.”
The Great Leslie, initially selected from a pool of approximately 3,000 entrants, stood out among 24 acts vying for Germany’s Eurovision selection. Their performance of the soulful track “These Days” captivated the audience but ultimately fell short as Abor & Tynna clinched the victory with their song “Baller,” clinching 34.9% of the votes during the event in Hürth.
Despite the heartbreak of missing out on a chance to shine on the Eurovision stage, Trevers eagerly anticipated returning to his roots in Framlingham. “I’m very happy to come back home as well because it’s been a long time,” he expressed. “It’s going to be very nice to get back to Suffolk.”
The ebbs and flows of the Chefsache ESC 2025 competition encapsulated a whirlwind journey for The Great Leslie, leaving an indelible mark on their musical odyssey. As they bid adieu to their Eurovision dreams for now, the band remains steadfast in their pursuit of musical excellence, with eyes set on the promising horizons that lie ahead.
Stay tuned for the latest updates on Suffolk news across various platforms including BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X, as the musical escapades of local talents continue to unfold on the global stage.
