Tour de Ruena

Hey, I'm Ruena - an alternative solo artist! Though I'm new as a solo artist, through previous bands and work as a session bassist I have toured for the best part of 2 decades. And whilst I absolutely love playing shows anywhere and everywhere, I don't love the endless hours in a van, going to lots of places but never actually getting to see anything.

Last year I signed up for an Ironman 70.3 (a triathlon consisting of a 1.9km swim, a 90km cycle and 21km run) which meant I needed to take up road cycling! I've always loved mountain biking, but I was always too scared to take up road cycling - the bikes looked so skinny! But training for that event meant there was no way of avoiding it - and it turned out I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT. I loved the freedom it gave me. Being outside for hours at a time, not just exercising, but just BEING out in the fresh air. As a graphic designer and video editor, I spend the majority of my time inside on a computer, and so being out on my bike gave me some much needed time in the great outdoors.

The sporty side of me and musical side have always felt like 2 very different parts that didn't really fit together. Until one day I thought - what if I combine the two? And that's where the idea of touring by bicycle came to me.

Then came the months of looking at maps, distances, timings, venues, bands ...so much to think about! The logistics of it - what can I actually take? What would I need to borrow? Where would I sleep? I spent months emailing and messaging around venues and bands to make this idea a reality. It certainly hasn't been easy, but I'm so excited to have 4 gigs and a festival performance booked in! I won't be going alone either. My husband (and live drummer) Tom will be coming with me on this epic adventure! He's an avid cyclist too!

When deciding what charity to do this for, I really wanted it to be one that made positive change in the community. And instantly, I thought of Metal For Good. Not only do I love everything they stand for, but they're linked to heavy music too - the dream combo!

About Metal For Good

Metal For Good uses the positive values of rock, metal and other alternative subcultures to make a positive difference in communities.

We believe that the rock and metal community is truly unique were brought together through a love of great music and a sense of belonging. Through this shared identity, lives are often improved; we feel a part of something bigger, that we are accepted, and that someone has ultimately got our back.

Our Vision: What change do we want to make?

Harnessing the power of rock and metal for an equal society.

Our Mission: How will we do this?

We fund ideas that use music, and the values of rock and metal to end inequality, improve wellbeing, and provide life-changing opportunities.

Find out about the projects they have funded here: https://metalforgood.org/

All profits from each show will go directly to the charity (which I will add in after the tour is complete). But if you can't come or you're just a bloomin' lovely human that wants to donate even more, then this is where to do it!

The gigs are:

20th June - The Fighting Cocks - Kingston Upon Thames

3rd July - WaterBear - Brighton

5th July - Suburbia - Southampton

7th July - Cafe Kino - Bristol

10th July - 2000 Trees Festival - Acoustic Special

Tickets available at: https://ruena.co.uk/

It would ebe amazing seeing you at a show - packing them out means we can give even more money to them!

Thank you so much for your support, lets help raise as much as possible to support this amazing cause!