FIREFEST 3 - OCTOBER 28, 2006

Firefest 3 took place October 27 and 28 in Nottingham, UK at the city's famous Nottingham Rock City venue.
Dedicated hard rock festivals in the UK have a long history dating back to the 80s with the mainstream Monsters Of Rock Festival, but when the scene went underground, there were still those willing to put together specialist shows.
Mark Ashton and Now & Then Records did it over a number of years with The Gods, but when times got tough and finances dried up, a new team took up the challenge of putting on a show for those looking for a chance to see some of the best bands within this small scene live.

Kieran Dargan and Bruce Mee teamed up to bring us Firefest. Bruce of course was part of the Now & Then team in the day and now runs Fireworks Magazine.
This was the third Firefest. I saw the first – which was headlined by Soul SirkUS and I missed the last show, which was headlined by House Of Lords.

This one was to be headlined by Winger, but also featured several bands that had never played in the UK before, quite a feat for any festival organizers to arrange. That is, after all, exactly why these shows are so cool and need to be supported.

I flew into the UK on Thursday morning and spent the day in London. A spot of shopping and some general taking in the city. I like London a lot, great place to visit although bloody expensive as far as accommodation. A whole lotta cash for nothing more than a rat's cage with a bathroom!

On Friday morning I made my way to Heathrow Airport where I met John Dryland (Cargo Records, UK) and hooked up with a lift to Nottingham (some 2-3 hours north) with ARFM's Steve Price.
I have had a lot of dealings with both guys over the years, although John I hadn't yet met in person.
Also joining us for the ride was Kozzy from GuitarStore UK, who were sponsoring the event with the giveaway of a guitar and a bass.
It's always good to chat with the guys, and the trip went quickly. However, for whatever reason, the minute we got to the hotel I did my back in. It just went like nothing I have felt before and I was left hobbling for the remainder of the day.
The pre-show was that evening and I would find myself struggling to stand up or even move.

The pre-show is a great excuse for those that have traveled for the show to stay another day and make a real weekend of it.
The scene for the FF3 pre-show was underneath the main Rock City venue. Named The Rig, the low ceiling bar had room for 300 folks and was filled by mid-evening.
The stage was very small – a typical pub stage more or less – but room enough for a few bands to strut their stuff.

What struck me about the fans gathered for the pre-show was their enthusiasm. They really appreciated all 4 acts and clearly enjoyed the intimate atmosphere.
I spent much of the evening talking to friends and fans of the site – meeting a bunch of new faces and catching up with those I have met before. A definite highlight for me, as I don't get out of the office too often!
Mingling with like minded people is something that just can't be spoken too highly of. Spending a weekend at a festival like this is all about the music, but also so much else wrapped around that theme. There's the drinking, talking bands, music and whatever else with equally passionate fans and then there's the actual live performances.


PRE-SHOW

To those performances – first of all I have to say that the sound in The Rig was pretty poor. It was just too small a stage and the PA set up was pretty damn loud.
Steve Newman complained afterwards that he couldn't hear himself at all on stage, which would explain his few vocal problems.

Alibi – featuring Vince O'Reagn and his infamous guitar tone kicked things off. It was a solid performance. I like the vocals of Rick Chase and thought the band did ok, running through tracks from their debut album in a little over 40 minutes, culminating with the cover of Rocking In The Free World – also featured on the debut.

Bad Habit – had the unfortunate problem of not being able to find a drummer at the last minute, so the band played an acoustic set. I actually think this worked to the band's advantage, as the small stage and PA benefited from not having a booming drum kit up there. The band's sound was the best of the 4 acts tonight and the crowd really ate up the performance. They were the band of the night for me and I would love to see them on the main stage at another festival.

Bombay Black – were next up – famous for their attitude, I was looking forward to checking them out and wasn't disappointed, nor were the crowd. Again, the band was really appreciated by the crowd gathered and gave a tight performance that both rocked with energy and rolled with tongue in cheek moments.
The band's lyrics are very cool – they don't take themselves too seriously and I must say that having heard both albums, I was surprised at the level of energy coming from the stage and the tightness of their show. Not to mention they are a lot heavier live on stage.
That style of performance needs to be harnessed and transferred onto their next record.
I especially appreciated the band's own Forget About It, Better Off Dead and their cover of Night Ranger's classic Don't Tell Me You Love Me.
But perhaps the best song of all – a spirited performance of the hidden track from Anger Management U Suck. Classic.

Newman – headlined the pre-show and delivered a rare live performance. The guys were a little rusty perhaps and the sound was not to their benefit, but I thought the actual set list was superb and contained all the classic Newman tracks fans could want –new and old.
The new album was covered well, as were the best from the past and I think the crowd at front of stage were forgiving of any problems. The set certainly seemed to go over well for the majority.

After the event I chose to head back to the hotel – hobble back as it was – to try and rest my back.
I truly uncomfortable sleep saw me awake in the morning barely able to move. I had to call Phil Ashcroft to come down to the room for some advice on what the hell to do, but as usual, he had a better plan.
He called Dawn, one of the Fireworks gals, who was, along with her husband, looking after the Wig Wam guys.
Dawn as it happens is a trained physiotherapist and is called upon each year to fix someone. Last year it was James Christian, this time it was me. So with a little help from her husband, I'm laid out on the floor and punished for the next 30 minutes with some simply torturous maneuvers on my lower back.
But whatever Dawn did worked, as I could walk again. Albeit with a little pain, but walk I could and at least I could now see the main day of the show!


FIREFEST 3 MAIN DAY

The actual Firefest 3 show was another fabulous day and a great showcase for the bands gathered.
I'll continue to state this every time such a show is profiled - this event goes beyond the music...it's a great atmosphere of friendly, like-minded people, just hanging out and enjoying the experience, the company, the alcohol and yes...of course, the bands.

Nottingham Rock City was packed with some 1200 melodic rock hungry fans and judging by the merchandise sales - all went away happy and content with the events of the weekend.
I was surprised see the number of fans present from the outset of the show. It normally takes a couple of bands to get the numbers through the door and that was somewhat true again today, but it seemed a definite majority were there from the start.
And it simply amazed me to see the number of Journey t-shirts in the crowd. Yes I was one of them, but they were everywhere!
Journey was also the main talking point among the crowd, with it certainly being the #1 topic when I got talking to people.


I think all bands delivered good strong performances, but here were some definite highlights and only a couple of issues that need mentioning.
There were some technical difficulties throughout the day - something these festivals are prone too, as the bands don't get time to soundcheck as they would regularly do.
I don't recall as many issues at the last Firefest show, so hopefully those small details can be ironed out before Firefest 4 next October.

Talking to the many gathered during and after the show, all bands scored votes as favourites for the day but there was a clear majority for 3 bands - Gotthard, Wig Wam and Treat.

Nexx got the day off to a perfect start and I think their set (filmed for DVD release) got the crowd warmed up nicely.
The band were showcasing their new album, but split the set list between both records evenly and included a very cool cover of the Alan Parsons classic Eye In The Sky. That track really suited the band, but overall, it was a relaxed, laid back way to start a melodic rock festival and it was done in very fine style.

Treat had a great sound and friendly crown behind them. The band delivered a greatest hits set that drew from their recent compilation release, to as far back as their debut album and I think the crowd were a little surprised at just how good the guys were – especially so early in the day.
The sound was crystal clear and they really were super tight on stage and got the festival into party mode.



Next up were Wig Wam – a band that have taken the melodic rock world by storm – on record at least. What would they come up with live? Their appearance is something to be hold and I will never forget the image of the guys coming on stage for this show!
Wig Wam were simply outstanding - just great fun to watch, high energy at all times and completely over the top old-school glam rock.
The songs were faithfully reproduced on stage, but with that added energy that comes form a live show and although the music is rather tongue in cheek, I have to say that the band themselves are extremely good musicians.
They delivered a flawless performance that simply had the crowd buzzing and when required, were waving their hands in unison.
And to watch the guitarist and bassist at one stage bend over each other (hard to explain) and play each other's instruments was something to see.
I enjoyed their spirited covers of the AC/DC classics Highway To Hell and Back In Black and the extended version of the band's own hit song Hard To Be A Rock N Roller, which it think was also the crowd's favourite.
The crowd ate them up and at a later signing session, the band sold out of all merch brought along for the show. That says something. Watch for a live DVD of the gig in 2007.





xx




Fair Warning had a big job of following Wig Wam and like Gotthard, delivered a professional and tight set. They have a different approach and wisely stuck to what they usually do – professional, enjoyable, and they too engaged the crowd and had their fans up front, but perhaps didn't garner the excitement that Wig Wam did.
Still, the guys were there to promote their Brother's Keeper release and in-between tracks from that album peppered the audience with the best of their back catalogue.
I was impressed with the band after not expecting too much. I thought Tommy Heart was a good frontman and the band certainly sounded like a band that has a lot of touring under their belts.






Same could be said of Bonfire, who also filmed their set for an eventual DVD release.
The band played a best of set that was tight, entertaining in their own style and certainly left a general good impression within the crowd.
I'm not a big Bonfire fan, so I can't say that I was blown away, but the guys were solid, and put on a good show.

xx


There was an air of anticipation surrounding Gotthard's appearance on stage. It was as if the crowd saw the band as royalty, and their arrival saw massive applause and much cheering.
They did not disappoint. The guys did their thing perfectly and ran through a full set list that mirrored the recent Made In Switzerland live release.
I was especially impressed with Steve's lead vocals and his stage presence was one of the most commanding of the day.
Like Wig Wam, Gotthard really connected with the crowd and really made an impact. Their energy and the fan pleasing set list saw them considered by most as the band of the day – sharing the honors perhaps with Wig Wam.





xx


The full 90 minute set plus encores saw the band run over time and that unfortunately saw the guys from Winger seething backstage.
With a curfew in place, it was headliner Winger that would be impacted by the late running time and they were not happy about it.

That frustration was carried onto the stage in a couple of ways. A hastily arranged switchover between seemed to impact on the band's gear as they were besieged with technical difficulties that further hindered their own enjoyment of the show.
They were already unhappy with the circumstance – vocalist Kip Winger especially – but the extra problems once on stage were not hidden at all and the crowd definitely reacted unfavorably to that.

With the benefit of time (now that this report is running a bit late) I have seen what I expected – a very different set of opinions on Winger - call it the curse of the Festival Headliner.
I for one think they showed those attending what phenomenal musicians they all are and Kip Winger providing lead vocals, bass, keyboards and acoustic guitar parts was something pretty amazing to watch.
Musically no one can touch these guys, but emotionally – they did not connect with the crowd and that is why Gotthard were deemed to be the band of the day.

Winger delivered some bonafide classics, but they lost the crowd with a couple of the new album tracks and the inclusion of solos – despite the band running out of time and dropping a couple of expected tracks.
I would not have included the 2 guitar and a drum solos on a night where those assembled just want bands to get to the point and play the classics. That goes for all mind you – not just Winger.
In a festival environment, bands must adjust their set accordingly. Soul Sirkus drew the same complaints for their Firefest 1 set.





xx


It seems a continuing problem with these festivals that the headliner gets the raw end of the deal. I saw it at 2 or 3 Gods shows and also at both Firefest shows I attended.
The band going on before the headliner either blew the headliner away, or had the benefit of the most enthusiastic crowd, before the said crowd either got too tired or drunk to hang around for the last band.
These great shows need a fitting climax and I don't remember ANY of the headlining bands actually getting an encore and really closing the show in the fitting fashion they deserve.
If there is one thing I would like changed, it is that the headline band is truly the crowd favourite of the day and get time to play their full set and deliver a rousing encore.


WRAP UP

After the show it was time to say goodbye to everyone that I met through the day as we made our way out of the venue and back to the hotel lobby, where a postmortem of the day's events would take place.
The general feeling was one of extreme exhaustion, but relief that the show had gone over very well and the melodic rock fan base had voted for this event with their feet – it was the best crowd of the 3 Firefest's to date.

During the course of the day I spent a lot of time talking to general fans, but also a few special guests also.
No festival would be without the appearance of the Godfather of melodic rock – Bob Catley. I got in early on this occasion and had a nice chat to Bob before the celebratory drinking got underway!
Bob talked enthusiastically about the new Magnum album and how he thought it had more of a Storytellers Night feel to it. Looking forward to that!

I was very glad to talk to someone else alongside Bob and that was his former guitarist Vinny Burns.
Vinny has taken a year or so off the scene to move house and get settled in a new area of England, but is preparing to get to work again.
He says he is looking forward to working with Sam Blue again on a new Burns Blue record, perhaps in 2007.
We also talked about his time in Dare and the classic debut – and the second album Blood From Stone. Vinny was a little unhappy with producer Keith Olsen's dismissal of that album in the interview we did together.
Vinny said that the album cost the band a “shitload” of money to make and they were at the studio for 2 months, and perhaps the comments from Keith were a little unfair.

I also spoke with Steve Newman at great length and he promises a new studio album in 2007 – this time he will release it on his own.
And he also promises more live shows as soon as possible, stating that he really wants to get out on the road for a while and play.

Also in attendance at Firefest 3 was Talon drummer John Parker. John promises new material from the band next year after a long delay de to moving on from their last record label Now & Then.

Anyone I have forgotten, you will have to forgive me!

What I would like to state once again is a huge thank you to everyone that said hello to me personally and thank you for all the support of the site. Hello to all the old faces and new folk I met for the first time, I look forward to seeing you all at the next show perhaps? :)

Another big thank you to festival organizers, Kieran and Bruce – for a very fine show indeed.
The good time, the conversation and the awesome comments from all will last me the next 12 months!


Photo Credits: the good ones (you can tell!) are thanks to Johan Nylen at www.aormusic.com / www.myspace.com/aormusicdotcom. The rest are from me.


PHOTO EXTRA


Bob Catley and Vinny Burns


Wig Wam frontman Glam and myself


Me, Kieran Dargan and Glam (in uniform)


Wig Wam and down in front, Dawn - responsible for getting me walking again!


The Wig Wam obsession continues...this time it's those boots...