Live Gig Review
Let's Rock Southampton!
Saturday morning brought a trip to the large Common on the edge of Southampton, the occasion was for the latest leg of the Let’s Rock franchise. Located around the country in various different towns and cities offering a Retro mix of music mainly from the 80’s but also edging into the 90’s.
It attracts a multitude of outfits akin to the period of colour and pop, along with a general party atmosphere, the music is catered towards this with nothing too modern for the demographic. Though there is definitely a younger mix as well, possibly for the ability to sing along to well known songs and dress in outfits their parents used to wear! All the classic hits were piped around the site all day between the acts plus an appearance from a couple of DJ’s Pat Sharp and Harriet Scott who both added to the vibe of the day including a DJ Battle that really raised the packed crowd, an afternoon delight.​
First on Stage was Doctor & The Medics who beyond their obvious number one hit did entertain the crowd with some well chosen covers, plus a song written recently that all went well with the already busy and raucous crowd. Obviously the big sing along was reserved for “Spirit in the Sky” at the end of their set.
Next up Jason Donovan with the expected effect on certain ladies in the crowd, time of no consequence as if he was still parading around Ramsey Street, the screaming may be a little less but still evident.
China Crisis frontman Gary Daly often spins a yarn or two between songs, this time it was straight on with “King in a Catholic Style” with “Black Man Ray”, “Wishful Thinking” and the monumental “Christian”, their timeless classic, to follow. The sun was also making an appearance to really lift the mood plus copious amounts of various liquid refreshments from the bar and you could see the day already taking off.
Clare Grogan of Altered Images fame was dressed for success in a gold dress that glinted and shimmied along with her movement to “Don’t talk to me about love”, “Happy Birthday” and “I could be happy”; those songs that all conveyed the pure pop bliss they did back in the early 80’s.
A different sound followed with Kim Appleby performing the songs made famous in the later 80’s with her sadly missing sister Mel. It was amazing how many we all knew and Kim though singing solo had the energy to carry off the songs that she still holds dear to her heart.
One of the most revered and influential bands of the period were XTC, they produced many classic singles of amazing English alternative pop, many merely scraping the lower regions of the charts. Modern bands quote them constantly as an influence and though the band do not perform anymore, original drummer Terry Chambers holds the position on skins for EXTC to perform their songs with a three piece. To reproduce the sound of the original songs is no mean feat and this band did well to convey their somewhat quirky tunes to the masses. I am not sure how they went down with the average punter. Still “Senses Working Overtime” and “Making plans for Nigel” had “nods” of recognition as I looked around.
There was immediate recognition when From The Jam launched into “Town Called Malice” and arms flew into the air. Russell Hastings certainly has a lot of Paul Weller's style, attitude and charisma plus he is a great example of getting that Rickenbacker sound, so important to The Jam anthems. The big singles kept on rolling "Down in the tube station at midnight", "Eton Rifles", "That's entertainment" and "Going Underground" .... who could argue with that lot?
Peter Hook has an amazing back catalogue to choose from having been in two highly influential bands plus an offshoot in the nineties. He now resides as leader of Peter Hook and the Light and ploughs straight in with "She's lost control" from Joy Division who probably are more well known than when they were first on the scene back in 1979 when they released their debut album "Unknown Pleasures". The band swapped between New Order and Joy Division plus the hidden gem that is "What do you want from me" a song Peter wrote with the band Monaco. Just as they played the song for World Cup 1990 "World in Motion", the England National Football team were in fact battling out a Euro Quarter Final against Switzerland. Peter Hook broke off a couple of times to quiz the crowd of the score. Sadly "World in Motion" didn't inspire them to score at that time but as the crowd revved up a bit later it was clear they had scraped through again on penalties... Finishing with "Love will tear us apart" it was a pleasure as the sun dipped low just to close your eyes and soak it in.
On to a band who hadn't far to travel, as Mark King of Level 42 resides on the Isle of Wight. They were on at a perfect time as the weather was at it's beautiful best and the sound of the bass on top of the brassy funk arrangements was a tonic to all those who had spent a long day in front of the stage. "The sun goes down (living it up)" just timed to perfection along with "Something about you", "Lessons in love" and "The Chinese way" all highlights.
We were at the end of a wonderful day with no one better to share it with than The Human League. Such magnificent songs with Phil Oakey's delicious vocals still faultless on delivery. Who can argue with their work it simply bounces along. Phil Oakey motored around the stage between Susan Sulley and Joanne Catherall, to the back, to the front and every inch of the stage available, like a catwalk model on speed, with the attire to match. What songs though! If there was just the album "Dare" that would be enough for most bands but we have "The Lebanon", "Mirror Man" and
"(Keep feeling) fascination" on top of those Dare classics. The encore was a colourful finish the "Being Boiled" back drop erupted in red and orange leading to Moroder's "Together in Electric dreams" a fitting finale to head to the exits.
Don't worry there is still time to put on the party gear as the Festival travels to other corners of the UK. Take a look at Let's Rock 2024 for more details.....
Photographs by Dan Reddick
Review by Dan Reddick