High Volage Festival, London Victoria Park July 24th & 25 2010.
I'm looking forward to hearing the band announcement for this festival, from what I've heard there's going to be 3 stages A Classic Rock stage, A Metal Hammer stage and a Prog stage.
ELP have been announced as one of the headliners:
http://www.classicrockmagazine.com/news ... -festival/ (http://www.classicrockmagazine.com/news/elp-headline-classic-rocks-high-voltage-festival/)
Think tickets go on sale tomorrow:
http://www.highvoltagefestival.com/ (http://www.highvoltagefestival.com/)
http://www.facebook.com/HighVoltageFest (http://www.facebook.com/HighVoltageFest)
http://twitter.com/HighVoltageFest (http://twitter.com/HighVoltageFest)
There's a discussion on the facebook page where you can say who you want to see.
I've included Frost* in my list, of course :)
Thanks Julie I hadn't noticed the discussion
ZZ Top are also headlining.
Here's the map of the layout of the festival:
(//http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v286/mphgt/HVmap.jpg)
I thought more bands where being announced today, will wait and see
The Loos appear to be overflowing already.... :?
*resists urge to add "here be dragons" to the map :)
Shouldn't there be a cloak-room near the Prog stage?
(Also, I'm making a mental note to keep well away from Pedro next time I have a pint of beer, for fear that he might wee in it).
I don't want Frost to play. I want to be a fanboy for this one! :lol:
Do we read into that that Frost* got an invite?
Bizarrely, for a gagging-for-it Frost*ie fan-boy like me, I am quite at peace with the notion of Frost* having their be-rainbow-toe-socked feet up for 2010, if only in terms of live appearances, thus paving the way for other new and interesting things. :)
nooooo you have to play on sunday [but not the same time as elp ] its my [fiftieth] birthday treat from the Mrs and Ive really been hopeing frost play :(
Touchstone have announced they will be the opening band on the prog stage.
My first thought was 'wonder if we could tempt Jem into a Frost* appearance, but as he's said above, he want's to be a fan for this one. So instead how about a big forum meet up/picnic/general booze up???? Including the great man himself if he so chooses)
That sounds like a lovely idea and might stop my Loreley/High Voltage dilemma...
Quote from: "Mooncat"My first thought was 'wonder if we could tempt Jem into a Frost* appearance, but as he's said above, he want's to be a fan for this one. So instead how about a big forum meet up/picnic/general booze up???? Including the great man himself if he so chooses)
No way! Jem's got me pissed before and it bloody hurt. :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
Via High voltage festival's twitter page:
Appearing on the main stage: FOREIGNER
Appearing on the Prog Stage: ASIA
Appearing on the Prog Stage: URIAH HEEP
Appearing on the Prog Stage: FOCUS
Appearing on the Prog Stage: WISHBONE ASH
Appearing on the Prog Stage: THE REASONING
Appearing on the Prog Stage: TOUCHSTONE
And they keep coming...
NEWS FLASH! Appearing on the Prog Stage: PENDRAGON
Beat me to it Julie :lol:
Prog Stage announcement: STEVE HACKETT!
Yay!!
It's looking good :mrgreen:
A couple of Metal Hammer Stage announcements:
Black Label Society to headline metal hammer stage
Clutch to play metal hammer stage
Starting to get VERY tempted by this...
Two more biggies apparently due for announcement in about 3 mins time!
Hopefully it's Tinyfish and the Esoteric crew... ;-)
Marillion and Argent added. I'd like to do this but at £75 per ticket per day, the cost of travel, accommodation and food would make it over £400. Can't justify that for one weekend no matter who is playing. :(
Quote from: "johninblack"Marillion and Argent added. I'd like to do this but at £75 per ticket per day, the cost of travel, accommodation and food would make it over £400. Can't justify that for one weekend no matter who is playing. :(
And it'll probably rain :( :(
Quote from: "Cptncanary"Quote from: "johninblack"Marillion and Argent added. I'd like to do this but at £75 per ticket per day, the cost of travel, accommodation and food would make it over £400. Can't justify that for one weekend no matter who is playing. :(
And it'll porbably rain :( :(
No, no, it will stay dry. I'm not going!
Quote from: "johninblack"Quote from: "Cptncanary"Quote from: "johninblack"Marillion and Argent added. I'd like to do this but at £75 per ticket per day, the cost of travel, accommodation and food would make it over £400. Can't justify that for one weekend no matter who is playing. :(
And it'll porbably rain :( :(
No, no, it will stay dry. I'm not going!
Of course!! :lol: :lol:
Fantastic news about Argent, I'm really stoked... I was a big fan of theirs in the 70's. Always thought Rod Argent never got the recognition he deserved for his keyboard skills.
Wonder if Russ has still got the silver Strat with holes in?
hold your head up, higher!!
I'm aiming to go on the ELP day as I can only afford one of them. A bit disappointed to read earlier that Touchstone are opening the Prog Stage on the first day, so I'll miss them. Oh well. I'm praying that either Steve Hackett and/or Marillion are also on the second day. That would be lovely. :)
Transatlantic added. Pete Trewavas is going to have a busy weekend.
That'll be for the Saturday, I've heard. I'll be there on the Sunday unashamedly looking forward to ELP. :D
Opeth added to the prog stage.
The prog stage looks great. The javascript running on their site is horrible, though. Wouldn't trust my credit card details to them :p
Seriously considering heading a long to this! Looks far toooooo good.
Final lineups:
Saturday 24th:
Main Stage: ZZ TOP, HEAVEN & HELL, FOREIGNER, GARY MOORE, THE ANSWER, THE UNION.
Prog Stage: TRANSATLANTIC, OPETH, ASIA, DWEEZIL ZAPPA PLAYS ZAPPA, FOCUS, PENDRAGON, TOUCHSTONE.
Metal Hammer: BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, ORANGE GOBLIN, BLACK SPIDERS, NEW DEVICE.
Sunday 25th:
Main Stage: EMERSON LAKE & PALMER, JOE BONAMASSA, BACHMAN & TURNER, UFO, THE QUIREBOYS.
Prog Stage: MARILLION, ARGENT, URIAH HEEP, MAGNUM, STEVE HACKETT, WISHBONE ASH, THE REASONING
Metal Hammer: DOWN, VENOM, CLUTCH, HIGH ON FIRE, AUDREY HORNE, LETHARGY.
Quote from: "MikeEvs"Final lineups:
Saturday 24th:
Main Stage: ZZ TOP, HEAVEN & HELL, FOREIGNER, GARY MOORE, THE ANSWER, THE UNION.
Prog Stage: TRANSATLANTIC, OPETH, ASIA, DWEEZIL ZAPPA PLAYS ZAPPA, FOCUS, PENDRAGON, TOUCHSTONE.
Metal Hammer: BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, ORANGE GOBLIN, BLACK SPIDERS, NEW DEVICE.
Sunday 25th:
Main Stage: EMERSON LAKE & PALMER, JOE BONAMASSA, BACHMAN & TURNER, UFO, THE QUIREBOYS.
Prog Stage: MARILLION, ARGENT, URIAH HEEP, MAGNUM, STEVE HACKETT, WISHBONE ASH, THE REASONING
Metal Hammer: DOWN, VENOM, CLUTCH, HIGH ON FIRE, AUDREY HORNE, LETHARGY.
Difficult one this as I'd really like to see Bonamassa, and Opeth, but there's a Dr Who prom on both days which comes with built in family pressure, plus I would'nt mind going myself. So, I guess Sunday it is!
A prom, Brom?
More acts being announced on Friday according to their twitter page.
Now isn't somebody else making announcement on Friday, conincidence?
:shock:
QuoteMore acts being announced on Friday according to their twitter page.
Now isn't somebody else making announcement on Friday, conincidence?
I thought this as well, especially as Jem said Classic Rock had asked them to contribute to the CD of tracks of bands appearing (the ELP track). Could be something in it - just need to find out which day and I'm gonna get booked (wanted to go all weekend but its a bit pricey with a hotel as well)
Also begs the question, who from the HV bill could/would do a Frost track (Transatlantic would be the obvious one) and which would they do????
How do ELP not end up on the Prog stage?
:?
Same way Opeth aren't on the Metal stage?
I guess the perceived stature of ELP puts them on the main stage(?).
Quote from: "LivingForever"How do ELP not end up on the Prog stage?
:?
Main Stage trumps Prog Stage?
Am I out of touch, or does the Metal Hammer stage look a bit lightweight on big-name acts?
...but Opeth could go either way ;)
Quote from: "Tricky"Quote from: "LivingForever"How do ELP not end up on the Prog stage?
:?
Main Stage trumps Prog Stage?
Am I out of touch, or does the Metal Hammer stage look a bit lightweight on big-name acts?
...but Opeth could go either way ;)
Your not alone in thinking the Metal Hammer stage is a bit weak, Opeth should be headling that stage
Soooo... is anyone going????? :?
Mrs Pedro and I will be there....somewhere. :)
I'll be there on the Sunday. :D
I won't be there :evil:
Mrs One and I will be trekking across from the wild west on the Sunday.
Bert and Mrs Bert attending.
Gutted I can't make it to this as I'm itching to see Hen play with Touchstone, especially as when I spoke with him after the DeeExpus/Touchstone gig in Somewhereneardoncaster I opined that his style would suite Touchstone a whole lot better than Mellers'...
ill be there with turbo junior sat and sun, just received my wrist band today whoopee
Just got an email to say I've won a pair of tickets through the Metro, might go after all
Lucky bastard...
;)
How did you win, btw?
Quote from: "ich_bin_besser"Lucky bastard...
;)
How did you win, btw?
It was through Metro which is a free newspaper over here, think I entered via the website after someone mentioned it on twitter. Can't remember if there was a question or if you just had to give your email
Grats Mike. :)
Our wristbands arrived yesterday!
Cheers Pedro have to pick mine up when I arrive on site
Just bought my ticket for the Saturday and I'll be camped in front of the Prog stage (except for the Zappa set, when I'll find a tree to snooze under).
Seen both Transatlantic and Focus recently but the others will be new.
Wedding Anniversary on the Sunday..........
(//http://media.share.ovi.com/m1/original/0680/174d775e456142b4954f152ff093fef1.gif)
Got my writsband, now got my Sunday T-Shirt. :D
Seems like Transatlantic are on approx same time as Heaven and Hell, but apart from that, I have no other clashes
I've been told that my wristband wotsit has arrived at my mate's house. Yippee!
Quote from: "Bert"Seems like Transatlantic are on approx same time as Heaven and Hell, but apart from that, I have no other clashes
Ooh, have they hinted at times somewhere? I've read that accurate timings won't be released until the day for some reason.
Quote from: "Mouse"I've been told that my wristband wotsit has arrived at my mate's house. Yippee!
Quote from: "Bert"Seems like Transatlantic are on approx same time as Heaven and Hell, but apart from that, I have no other clashes
Ooh, have they hinted at times somewhere? I've read that accurate timings won't be released until the day for some reason.
Found this thread on the high voltage forum Mouse where someone has put together the time through info he's found from the various bands: http://www.highvoltagefestival.com/foru ... p?f=4&t=42 (http://www.highvoltagefestival.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=42)
I'll copy and paste his info here as it currently stands:
QuoteSaturday
Classic
The Union (2pm), The Answer (3.05 pm for 45 mins), Gary Moore (4.15 pm for 60 mins), Foreigner, Heaven & Hell (7.25 pm for 75 mins), ZZ Top (headlining) (9.15 pm for 90 mins)
Prog
Touchstone (12.30pm), Pendragon (1.20pm for 40mins), Focus (2.25 pm for 40 mins) , Bigelf (3.30 pm), Dweezil Zappa Plays Zappa (guessing around 5 pm), Asia (6.30 pm for 1 hour), Transatlantic (headlining) (8 pm for 90 mins)
Metal
New Device (12.30 pm for 40 mins, Black Spiders (will start somewhere around 1 to 1.30pm 'ish), Orange Goblin (2.40pm for 45 mins), Hammerfall (3.50 pm for 45 mins), Cathedral (4.55 pm for 60 mins), Saxon (6.15pm for 1 hour), Black Label Society (headlining) (7.45 pm for 80 mins)
Sunday
Classic
The Quireboys (1.30pm), UFO (advised me that their time on stage has not been confirmed yet, other than just mid to late afternoon), Bachman Turner, Joe Bonamassa, The Down 'N Outz ( 6pm), ELP (headlining) (8.45pm for 90 mins)
Prog
The Reasoning (12.20pm for 30 mins) , Wishbone Ash, Magnum, Steve Hackett, Uriah Heep, Argent (don't know time yet, but 50 mins), Marillion (headlining) (7.40 pm for 80 mins)
Metal
Lethargy (this is now opening band, at 1.30pm for 40 mins), Audrey Horne (2.35 pm for 40 mins, High On Fire (3.40 pm for 45 mins), Clutch (4.50 pm for 45 mins, Opeth around 6pm for 60 mins, Down (headlining) (7.25 pm for 90 ins)
I heard that Lethargy had dropped out? (I know it's a delicious joke but I think it's serious).
Also, Rob Cottingham has confirmed they are on at 12:20 so is asking people to make sure they aren't late. I guess it would be a bit grim to play to an empty field....but we'll be sure to get there early (bound to be a SNAFU with the wrist-bands and/or loads of people having to have all their food and drink confiscated so expecting queue delays).
From the looks of that preliminary very sketchy schedule, Marillion will overlap a bit with ELP. :cry: I really hope that doesn't happen (and they initially said that it wouldn't), but I think it's to be expected given the arrangement of the festival so far.
Although, you never know! They might pull one out of the bag on the day, and the whole thing will be absolutely brilliant. You never know... ...But severely doubt...
Quote from: "Pedro"I heard that Lethargy had dropped out? (I know it's a delicious joke but I think it's serious).
Heh heh :)
We're travelling down on Friday and staying near Liverpool Street for the duration. Therefore, looking to get there in time for the kick off at the Prog Stage.
Getting seriously excited. :lol:
Friend has decided just to go Saturday as it's only really Opeth he was interested in seeing on Sunday, but as I already had a hotel booked for Saturday and Sunday night I'm going to make use of it and go home on the train on Monday
Quote from: "MikeEvs"Friend has decided just to go Saturday as it's only really Opeth he was interested in seeing on Sunday, but as I already had a hotel booked for Saturday and Sunday night I'm going to make use of it and go home on the train on Monday
Top man. I KNEW you were a closet ELP fan ;)
Quote from: "Bert"Quote from: "MikeEvs"Friend has decided just to go Saturday as it's only really Opeth he was interested in seeing on Sunday, but as I already had a hotel booked for Saturday and Sunday night I'm going to make use of it and go home on the train on Monday
Top man. I KNEW you were a closet ELP fan ;)
umm MotoGP race from Laguna Seca starts at 10pm I might leave early on Sunday ;)
Set times are listed here:
http://www.classicrockmagazine.com/news ... -revealed/ (http://www.classicrockmagazine.com/news/high-voltage-set-times-revealed/)
Item on Prog/High Voltage on Sky News - contains Touchstone and ELP.
Click here to read the article and see the clip (//http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Showbiz-News/Prog-Rock-Makes-Comeback-With-High-Voltage-Festival-Emerson-Lake-And-Palmer-To-Perform/Article/201007415669103)
Very happy to see the mighty Touchstone getting a good bit of coverage, and also to see that ELP were rehearsing a chunk of Tarkus for Sunday. :D
However, I am not happy at the stage times. Looks like I'll be missing Joe Bonamassa (to see Uriah Heep do all of Demons And Wizards - I can't miss that) and the end of Marillion's set (to catch the beginning of ELP). I know no-one really expected them to stick to their initial promise of "no two bands on stage times will clash", but it still really pisses me off and disappoints me. :evil: It's a good thing I've seen the two I'm going to (partially) miss twice before, else there'd be hell to pay!
I'm still gunning for a good time, though. *optimism mode engaged* :)
even the Grauniads reporting on it (not front page though)
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2010/ju ... tly-autumn (http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2010/jul/22/prog-rock-genesis-rush-mostly-autumn)
Pity Jem's not playing, that would raise Frost*'s profile. Or doesn't anyone read this stuff?
looking forward to seeing you all tomorrow and or Sunday - I keep thinking that I am not expecting much so that I won't be disappointed
Quote from: "Mouse"From the looks of that preliminary very sketchy schedule, Marillion will overlap a bit with ELP. :cry:
I'll be quite happy for Transatlantic to play on for those that prefer them to ZZ Top......
Quote from: "Sarah"looking forward to seeing you all tomorrow and or Sunday - I keep thinking that I am not expecting much so that I won't be disappointed
See you there :)
From High Voltage facebook page:
"The OFFICIAL High Voltage Afterparties will take place after the festival closes on Saturday night and Sunday night at the Big Red Rock Bar on Holloway Road, London and is FREE to all festival goers. No Wristband No Entry!"
Quote from: "L33VEY"Quote from: "Mouse"From the looks of that preliminary very sketchy schedule, Marillion will overlap a bit with ELP. :cry:
I'll be quite happy for Transatlantic to play on for those that prefer them to ZZ Top......
Your bang on there mate, doubt very much that ill be there long after transatlantic finish, I've never been too keen on zzzzzzzzzzzzz top.
I'm off to London tomorrow, so everyone who's going enjoy Saturday, and I might see you all on Sunday. :D
From Mike Portnoy's twitter:
"Just played Transatlantic's final performance of The Whirlwind and were joined by Steve Hackett for an encore of Return of the Giant Hogweed"
:o
Quote from: "Phrog"From Mike Portnoy's twitter:
"Just played Transatlantic's final performance of The Whirlwind and were joined by Steve Hackett for an encore of Return of the Giant Hogweed"
:o
And pretty darned good it was too,also someone called john mitchel or something like that made an appearance with touchstone for an encore of mad world. :o :D
p.s looking forward to seeing elp today
Sorry to upset those who didn't see it - The Whirlwind at HV was even better than Shepherds Bush.
Could have had something to do with being down the front this time, rather than being in the "grandad's seats" at the back of the theatre. And also having Pedders next to me singing most of the words... ("look at the person who is standing to your right - see how he's slowly going mad!").
A rare good word for Asia - played all the 1982 debut, which I had part exed many years ago. Might have to get it again
Just got home after a few post gig drinkies [ not forgeting the ten pints at the festival] and i just want to say ELP f**king rocked :D
WOWEE WOW!! sounds like it was truly awesome to witness all of this. I gotta see footage of Hackett with TA!!!
Got back to the wild west at around 3AM. Great day. Started out watching Wishbone Ash do all of Argus. Then an awesome and far too short set by Steve Hackett which means I will be getting tickets to see him in Bath on November 25th. Watched Bachman Turner do good ol' boy rock from outside the beer tent while enjoying refreshments, then caught Joe Bonamassa's set. He can play a bit!
Followed that up with watching Argent play lots of hits from a long way off before setting out to get near the front of the main stage for ELP.
And they were huge. Bigger than huge. I've waited 37 years to hear them live. It was dream-come-true time. I don't know if it will ever happen again.
It's a shame we didn't get Saturday tickets. I would have loved to reprise Transatlantic.
It will be interesting to see if this is the start of a regular festival. I hope so.
Thoroughly enjoyed both days of the festival too.
For the Saturday I was rooted to the spot at the rail, front and centre, at the Prog stage and loved every minute of it...yes, even Big Elf and Zappa (largely because my musical tastes are quite varied, they played what they played very well and, let's face it, it's a festival so whoever it is is not on for long! Mrs Pedro was there with me for the first two and the last two bands (Touchstone, Pendragon, Asia and Transatlantic) but had to take a bit of a break from the crowdiness on what was quite a hot day.
Fortunately, the way the stage was aligned, the first few rows of people were in the shade for the hottest part of the day.
The Sunday had to be a more relaxed day (couldn't keep up with the pace and the previous day had knackered almost every joint from the neck down!) so we we did the rail for The Reasoning but then had a wander about and a sit down for Wishbone Ash, Magnum and Uriah Heap returning to the melée for Hackett onwards.
Marillion were really good...(whisper it) my first time seeing them.
We staggered (really very, very knackered now) over to the main stage to watch a good chunk of ELP from quite a distance (good sound and pictures on the screens).
Getting towards the front was a pretty good idea a) for Mrs Pedro to be able to see stuff and b) to reduce the "crosstalk" from the metal stage which was noticeable but not *too* bad.
I'm completely sure that Frost* could have comfortably filled a slot and gone over extremely well.
Fantastic event, technically brilliant - the stage handovers really were stunningly well done with very few small delays and suprisingly few technical hitches.
Entrance gate arrangements were rather chaotic and the disconnect between pre-event info and actual fact info regarding what you could take into the site was shockingly bad.
People had cool boxes full of stuff and folding chairs, etc. all of which I had been led to believe would not be allowed - but apart from probably paying too much for our tickets I don't have much to grumble about.
I gather that ticket sales were not enough for the event to break-even, which is a real shame because this deffo proved beyond any doubt that Prog can fill larger venues. So I really hope that they do put on another one (the lanyards referred to HV 2011) but I hope they learn from this first one and refine the process.
Pictures and video to follow.
I was there both days with Mrs Lacklight seeing bands across all 3 stages, started on Saturday with a nice set from the Black Spiders. then wandered off to see The Union on the Main Stage but they disappointed with a dull, lacklustre set in my opinion. Then over to the Prog Stage for Focus who were great (34 years since I saw them last) followed by the mighty Bigelf who were loud and splendid. A quick peek at Cathedral followed, then off for a fun display by Foreigner and an emotional Heaven & Hell. After that we caught the last 20 minutes (although it felt longer!) of The Whirlwind, followed by a bonus with Transatlantic were joined by Steve Hackett to do a superb Hogweed.
Sunday started with a rockin good time provided by The Quireboys, then UFO who were great despite some technical problems. Unfortunately that meant missing Steve Hackett's set but we got there in time for Magnum. I love Magnum, but I think they missed a trick by playing a lot more of their recent songs which is fine on tour but those songs got nothing but polite applause from the crowd. Stick to the 'hits' guys, it's a festival! Uriah Heep were amazing but Demons and Wizards is one of my favourite albums so I was in heaven! Then came Opeth, who were.... Opeth! 5th time in 18 months I've seen them and they were great again. That took us to Marillion (via a trip to view the wall of death). A slowish start gave way to a fine performance, although occasionally hampered by technical problems and Down's set clearly being heard on the Metal Hammer stage during the quiet Marillion bits of which there are many. We then wandered over to view ELP for a bit, but fatigue got the better of us (as did an Emerson piano solo) and we headed for home.
We didn't encounter any problems at the gate, but then we didn't arrive till about 12.30 on both days. Overall, we had a great time and will watch with great interest to see if 2011 materialises.
Here's a link to my photobucket photos from High Voltage for anyone who's interested:
//http://s56.photobucket.com/albums/g166/Cynthias_Mallet/July%202010/
I thought the weekend ROCKED! I enjoyed Sunday more than Saturday but highlights for me were Pendragon, Saxon - Biff was a great crowd pleaser and looked HOT, Steve Hackett - even though I could have done with triple the set time, Bachman Turner - a surprising highlight for me, Argent - magical, and ELP - especially the Moog getting a cheer as it was brought on stage, Keith daggering his organ, the Moog Plank spraying sparks and of course, the canons going off which made me jump - Prog-f**king-tastic! We were also there to see the Ian Hunter 'shouting and pointing' incident, and also a highlight was seeing Trevor Bolder and hearing that famous bass - you were almost back with the Spiders at times. Thanks to Mr & Mrs Pedders for the front row spot during Bigelf - got some nice shots.
(//http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g166/Cynthias_Mallet/July%202010/P1090793.jpg)
For those who don't frequent the fishtank...
Queues to get in were as expected most frustrating. I got there at 11ish but the volume of people meant most did not get in by 12.20. I missed the opening of Touchstones set - only getting there for the end of Wintercoast. :x They were fab - not that I am biased in anyway ;) Pendragon were great too. Then had a lovely time drinking Pimms. Saw some of Gary Moore, jeez he never was an oil painting but time has not been good to him. Foreigner were great!! I am such an 80's rock chick :D Heaven & Hell disappointed and went over to see Transatlantic but then felt like a migraine was coming on so went home. Therefore missed ZZ Top which I am sad about as I have never seen them. :cry:
I saw MikeEvs & Pedro :D
So the Sunday. Got there as Wishbone Ash were nearly finished. Didn't know their music and was quite surprised that I liked what I heard. There was a lot of people at the prog stage for that. The Sunday was much much busier than the Saturday. Stayed for Steve Hackett and was disappointed that his set was so short and that for most of it all I could hear was the metal stage. :x Went to main stage and watched Bachman Turner. I enjoyed them but I'm not sure if it was because I was laughing at them. Any band that sings a song with a chorus of Hi de hi Ho de ho is alright in my book. The weird thing was that all of their songs started like the song so I kept thinking it was going to be the song and eventually it was. Joe Bonamassa was also not known to me and he was very impressive but like Clapton, I got bored by him, all too samey. Saw a snippet of Down n Outz before heading over to the prog stage for Marillion.
Honestly - I really did want to like them. The opening song was so downbeat and miserable, loads of people obviously didn't know that Marillion aren't Marillion anymore and started walking off and in the end I looked at my Mum and we both agreed that we thought it was awful and so we went home. Sorry guys! It is just not my taste.
Comments re the festival...
Should have opened at 11.
Toilets were good, liked the toilet roll and hand wash and the water facilities.
Range of food was good and very nice, I think I was ok with the prices for what you got.
The prog stage was too close to the metal stage and you could hear the metal stage. Very annoying.
Happy to hear more than one Frost*ie was pleased with Foreigner. Foreigner is my all-time favorite band and, though Mick is the only original member left, Kelly Hansen sings the hell out of the old stuff and does it proud. Despite being a HUGE Lou Gramm fan, I would dare say live Foreigner never sounded as good as it does with Kelly.
Sorry marillion didn't go over with you, Sarah. An acquired taste, I s'pose, though I know Pete had some technical problems. Much of marillion is somewhat quiet, not unlike iQ in some regards. I enjoy iQ, but I've yet to embrace their music to the degree I have marillion.
Ahh - we thought the singer for Foreigner was different but wasn't sure
Kelly Hansen was lead singer for Hurricane back in the late '80s. Jeff Pilson (bass) played with Dokken for many years. Jason Bonham was Foreigner's live drummer for a few years. Since then, they've changed drummers like changing their underwear.
The band leader collects players from other bands and swaps them out at will. What a novel idea.
I thoroughly enjoyed the Sunday. Marillion and Steve Hackett were brilliant, but the cake has to go to ELP. Cannons, knives in the old Hammond, the whole of Tarkus, that air raid siren bit during Pictures... Awesome! :D
I've put some photos up here (//http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=192242&id=552434683&l=6afd871468), if anyone's interested.
It was great to see Mike, Pedro, Bert, the guys (and gal) from Touchstone, and I ran into Steve Rothery too, which was nice. :)
Quote from: "Cynthia's Mallet"...and also a highlight was seeing Trevor Bolder and hearing that famous bass - you were almost back with the Spiders at times.
I helped to record an interview with him last year. He's a jolly nice chap. I was surprised by how small his hands were for a bass player. I sure as hell don't doubt his talents, though. :)