I WAS very disappointed to read Mr James Cook's remarks (Letters, May 21) regarding his concerns for today's 'drinking' society and specifically targeting his frustrations at one of our local bands, the Fashionable Winos.

I believe that crime, violence and alcohol in today's society are a constant worry to all law-abiding citizens. However, as the father of one of the band members, I think its only fair to point out the following on behalf of the group.

All the lads in the band are currently pursuing further education courses at college and also hold part-time jobs to support their ambitions to develop the Fashionable Winos.

I am pleased that Mr Cook's daughter supports the band and she fully believes they are a great bunch of guys -- a fact which their respective parents are particularly proud of.

In all aspects of life, marketing is key to success and, therefore, a catchy name and identifiable image is essential. Who would have thought some 20 years later that the 'world' would still remember with great affection bands with names such as the Boomtown Rats, The Stranglers and the Sex Pistols!

Surely, Mr Cook, even you must have been young once and, possibly, you need to reflect on your own interests, ideas and behaviour at the time you were a teenager.

At the age of 18, did you have the dedication to study at college, hold a part-time job, in your spare time teach yourself a musical instrument and also be able to perform in front of a live-audience of your peers and the general public?

Maybe, Mr Cook, these guys are setting a better example than you're giving them credit for.

S A WIECZOREK, The Dene, Beardwood, Blackburn.