Phoenix Rock Show
Station 18 Festival - Hangar 18 Swansea April 2023
Day One
The whole event kicked off with a bang as Adam & The Hellcats hit the stage with their energetic dual lead vocal undefineable attack, getting the audience on their feet and joining in especially with their set closer Peace Love and Rock n Roll, they were followed (after a few technical issues) by Zac & The New Men, a band whose songwriting and delivery of a modern spin on 70's blues rock belies their youth. Next up was Sam Millar and the Sass Bandits, the former Bigfoot guitarist bringing a more chilled and melodic feel to the day. Now every band on the line up were spectacular, but there were a few stand out moments, a late addition to the line up was former Sons of Liberty front man Rob Cooksley's new band Greyfox Conspiracy, this was their second gig, you couldn't tell. Rob was looking well and sounding great and has a band that has reinterpreted his writings with a much larger heavier sound which I think blew us all away, they also brought us three new songs, which I can't wait to be released. If I was emotional enough next up was Dead Man's Whiskey I have loved this band ever since seeing them support The Fallen State in Plymouth and again they didn't disappoint. Nico told the story behind Make You Proud and there wasn't a dry eye in the house.
Topping the bill on the first night was the mighty Collateral, and this was the first time I had seen them since Todd left, standing in the space stage right was Miguel Montalban, himself a solo artist and outstanding guitarist and it was interesting to see the new dynamic as his style and tone was very different to Todd's, what can be said he has amazing stage presence and helped the band to finish the night off with a very busy venue singing along to what have now become new classics from the first album as Angelo had the audience in his hands with his energy infectious delivery.
An absolutely staggering and shattering first day.
Phoenix Rock Show In The House - Photobombed by Adam and The Hellcats
Day Two
Day two started with a strong set from Our Last Goodbye a local band with a modern feel, with some quality technical guitar playing, unfortunately it wasn't the music that everyone was talking about after, (despite an attempted intervention from a bar person). During their set this character bounced in the venue all smiles and taking photos, it transpired he was the front man of the next band up another local band Yaki Dah , their arrival on stage lifted the energy in the room. With Christian bouncing all over the stage and bass bins, they brought us their blend of raw punk rock blues which had me buzzing and smiling, they have never played in England. We need to make that happen. Dig Lazurus followed them, again another really strong set of rock n roll, before a very special moment. The 501's were supposed to play next, but unfortunately two members decide to leave the band during the week, not wanting to let the organisers down, Shane turned up with his acoustic guitar and offered to do a solo acoustic set and as the visibly nervous singer took to stage without the safety net of his band members, he brought one of the special moments of the weekend. He had nothing to worry about the audience were with him all the way and after the energy of the opening three bands, the respite was very welcome (something to think about in the future). The respite was needed because Blind River brought the party and soon had us bouncing and singing along with their energetic and fun set. We then had a brief interlude and another special memorable moment as I brought Martin Law and Dawn up onto the stage, so that Martin could propose. Dawn said yes! Phew!! The proposal was followed by The Brink who I was really excited to see live as I love their album Nowhere To Run. The arrived on the stage sounding and looking like they just arrived in a telephone box from 1989! By far the most melodic band of the day. Bring on the Hippie drapes and the standard lamps it can only be one band arriving!! These Wicked Rivers the band with the beards, hats and outstanding boots and a surprise appearance from journeyman (Aaron Buchanan, Tequila Mockingbyrd/Amorettes, Bootyard Bandits) Mart Trail depping on Bass bringing their own brand of southern rock and blues and great humour and energy.
The Saturday headliners As December Falls hit the stage with the most modern sound of the weekend, they brought their own sound engineer which if I have to be brutally honest didn't do them any favours, as we got predominantly bass and there wasn't even a bass player, which was a shame the songs sounded great but were lost in the mush of the mix. Sorry.
Yours truly in full swing
Photo - Paul Hutchings
Day Three
On to the final day, I arrived nice early as had the first band King Kraken, what a lovely bunch of gentlemen, massive inflatable tentacles adorned the stage. before the show we had a massive group photo of the GOR (Fear of the Duck) members in attendance which was a nice touch to start the day. We also seemed to have an influx of photographers, it got a bit cosy. But then King Kraken are very photogenic :) They also woke us from our hungover slumber as they rocked our asses off again with loads of great humour. Next up was Scarsun another band with a more modern rock sound and feeling the heat on the stage. They were followed by the force from the North West that is the Takeaway Thieves, the energy from what felt like five front men, the bass player covering every inch of the stage. Next up were Grunge rockers Just A Ride bringing us their nod to the Seattle sound, whilst delivering a great performance it came a moment of respite for the audience before White Raven Down hit the stage, who had the crowd singing back during their line check!!! Stu Bailey delivered a masterclass in audience participation along with banging tunes. Next up Bastette kept the pace going followed by Empyre who had a massive fan base in the crowd, Henrik's voice was outstanding, so rich, this band was probably the most technically complete band of the weekend.
The headliners Bad Touch had me singing and dancing along to a phenomenal set, with tracks from all of their albums , Stevie keeping the war weary audience heads up. I personally enjoyed them, because without them I probably wouldn't have been as involved in live music as I am now.
After Bad Touch finished I called the team that were still in the building up to the stage to take a bow.
It was a great weekend and I really hope they will do it again and ask me back.
The Team on the last night - L-R Claire, Gary, Tom, Kelly, Matt, Mike and Ross
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