25 Feb 2026
We ask a different figure from the local community to choose 10 questions to answer from a list of 50. This week: Kerry O’Neill, singer with grassroots covers band The New Classics, performing the likes of Jamiroquai, Stevie Wonder, Phil Collins, Dolly Parton, Earth Wind and Fire, Simply Red and Dua Lipa. Kerry, who grew up in Redbourn, also sings in a jazz/funk originals band called Congfusion: book via thenewclassicsbookings@gmail.com and cong-fusion.co.uk
What object would you save first if your house was on fire?
Not so much objects but animals, my dog River!
If you could travel back in time and offer your younger self some advice, what would it be?
Not worry about what people think of you.
Have you ever asked for an autograph?
Yes, The Inbetweeners cast in St Albans high street where they filmed a scene in the later series and also Martin Freeman in St Albans too. (I have pictures with them too!)
What’s your favourite meal? Steak pie, chips and beans OR a beef burrito with all the coleslaw.
Have you ever had a nickname?
Kezza, Kerrydactyl, Keg, our Kez.
What are your preferred pizza toppings?
Caramelised onion, mushrooms and brie with maybe some truffle on.
Which three people, living or dead, would be your ideal dinner party guests?
Probably bands more than single people so I could talk and get them to play! Jamiroquai, Daft Punk and Toto together would be my ideal night.
When have you been most scared?
Performing to a room with no people! Not many other things scare me really. In fact, I’m a massive horror fan so the more scared, the better.
What was your first job? Waitress at the pub in Redbourn when I was 15.
How long would you survive a zombie apocalypse?
At least a year I think. Zombie films are my favourite so I’d be in my element. I have about 1,000 tins in my cupboard so however long that lasts me, that’ll do me for good. I’m good at making makeshift things too, so weapons would be fun to create! Then to survive… hmm, I think if Shaun of the Dead taught me anything, it’s remove the head or destroy the brain!
