RAW, LOUD and Full of heart.
Through battles and barriers, a band of underdogs chase an unlikely dream.
ABOUT
Ultimate Thunder ARE a rock band like no other.
With six members—five of whom have learning disabilities, Downs Syndrome, or autism—their raw, improvisational gigs have earned them a loyal following on the punk rock music scene, albeit in small intimate gigs.
When the band are hailed by music critics as “the most punk rock band in Britain” they have the chance to take their music to a much bigger audience.
But with arts funding cuts, OPEN-HEART SURGERY, musical dIFFerences and a lead singer who mysteriously loses his voice - the band's very existence is in jeopardy.
This feature-length documentary follows Ultimate Thunder over three extraordinary years as they prepare to record and release an album, embark on a tour, and chase their dream of playing a major music festival.
This is a story of friendship, resilience, and the transformative power of music.
THE BAND
MATTHEW - lead singer
“COME ON BURGERS, LET’S GO. BRING THE TRACTOR WITH YOU!”
Frontman Matthew infuses Ultimate Thunder with humour, unpredictability, and pathos. His stream-of-consciousness lyrics and surreal juxtapositions captivate fans who travel far and wide for his one-OFF performances. He EFFortlessly switches genres, radiating punk swagger onstage and gentle curiosity OFF it.
Matthew mysteriously loses his voice on the night of a gig and We follow his journey to try regain his power and understand why this has happened. but will it be too late to perform at the biggest gig of the bands career?
SCott - DRUMS
“RIGHT, IT’s DRUM TIME!”
Scott is a charming and funny presence off stage but transforms into a powerhouse on stage, driving the band with his energetic, rhythmic drumming and rock-and-roll attitude. Famous for his daring stage antics—like spitting in the air and catching it mid-performance—Scott brings energy and humor to every gig. A music lover and DJ, he’s passionate about EDM, Spiderman, and Halloween tunes, and even created the artwork for the band’s second album. His humour keeps the band laughing, and his drum solos leave them in awe.
BUT Before the band has chance to start their festival run, Scott has to have unexpected open-heart surgery. Will he recover in time for the biggest gigs of his life?
KENNETH - BASS
“Music makes me happy, especially when it makes other people happy”
At 24, Kenneth is the youngest member of Ultimate Thunder, originally creating the psychedelic synth sounds that define the band’s music, inspired by his love of video game soundtracks. After bassist John Grieves departs, Kenneth steps up as bassist, showcasing his natural musical talent and determination to shine on festival stages.
Off stage, Kenneth plays rugby league, mixes music, and cares for his pets, family, and many instruments. Mischievous, kind, and endlessly inquisitive, he brings humour, focus, and ambition to everything he does—including an impressive Mick Jagger impression!
JOHN - SYNTH
“Can I just play some music already, please?”
John plays synth for the band and loves diving straight into the music. A fan of ABBA, Queen, and “Silent Night,” his weekly contributions are anything but quiet! A talented artist, John attends sessions at Pyramid of Arts, a charity supporting artists with learning disabilities. He considers the band his best mates and credits performing with boosting his confidence significantly.
He also enjoys nothing more than going to a local bandstand on a weekend and watching a good old brass band.
ALEX - SYNTH
“WITHOUT THE BAND I WOULD WALK ALONE and I don’t think I could do that”
Alex, 43, is one of the two founding members of Ultimate Thunder and has been the band’s keyboardist for 13 years. A heavy metal fan influenced by Sepultura, Iron Maiden, and Pantera, his love for music runs deep—he can name the release date of any hit single since the 1960s. Known for his energetic dancing, Alex hasn’t stopped moving since warming up to having cameras around.
Supported by his parents, Ken and Marie, at every gig, Alex also works at Paperworks, a social enterprise in supporting adults with learning and physical disabilities. His close friendship with bandmate James Heselwood adds a heartwarming thread to the band’s story.
JAMES H - GUITAIR/ FOUNDER
“I’m not sure what I’d do without the band”
James is Ultimate Thunder’s backbone. A founding member and the only neurotypical member (besides producer James Mabbett), he arranges rehearsals, gigs, and everything in between—while staying a loyal friend to all. By day, he works for learning disability charities; by night, he’s a gigging house/disco DJ—and a new dad. Armed with a Jazz Studies degree, he’s an improvisation whiz, often tinkling piano keys before switching to guitar for the band’s “punk jazz” sessions. Despite his cool composure, James insists he’ll be the most nervous when they hit the big festival stages.
JAMES M - PRODUCER/MANAGER
“Can everyone shut up now, please, so I can record?”
James is the band’s producer and the mastermind behind Ultimate Thunder’s albums, shaping their improvisational style into songs fans can enjoy at home. He mixes live performances, often crouched by his laptop on stage, staying out of the spotlight. Also a musician under the name Napoleon IIIrd, James juggles creating music, organizing rehearsals and gigs, raising two young children, and working with several charities. With a sharp sense of humor, he’s dedicated to disrupting the status quo and championing the underdog, forming the backbone of the band alongside James Heselwood.
BRING IT ON
This documentary promises to be deeply human, refreshingly humorous, and unflinchingly honest. It shines a spotlight on a group of people who are often overlooked and misunderstood, giving them the recognition they deserve.
What IS captured is a truly authentic and heartwarming story, chronicling the band’s incredible journey over the past three years—their triumphs, setbacks, and everything in between. It’s a narrative full of raw emotion and universal truth, ensuring audiences are captivated and inspired by its relatability, no matter where they’re from.
With its distinctly Northern, no-nonsense identity and rebellious personality, the film marries regional charm with a powerful, universal message. This combination will resonate deeply with audiences worldwide, making it not just a story for today, but a timeless piece that transcends cultural and geographic boundaries.