A big thank you
As some of you may recall, I was asked to look after entertainment for Styal Beer Festival 2010. Whatever! played last year and had a blast, but we couldn't play this year due to other commitments; and besides, it's nice to have a bit of variety.
Many responded to my blog and in the end, I asked Kingpin to play the Saturday night slot.
Most of you who know me, know I hate those reviews where crowds numbers are exaggerated and band reviews are all kiss arsey and self congratulatory, so I will try to be as objective as possible - but it may be difficult.
Due to problems of their own (without going into detail as it's not appropriate nor my place to comment) Kingpin's Alyerpal and Keith were joined by Ben Murray (prev of the Fix and The Vuvuzelas) and Ian Wild (prev of The Kicks) at very short notice. Not that you could tell that it was short notice. I thought their performance was incredible and the feedback from the crowd and the rest of the Styal Beer Festival team has been fantastic (but if you're coming back next year, it's only to watch Whatever! ha ha ha ha)
We had a confirmed 1,000 people through the gates on Saturday alone and I reckon (conservative guess) Kingpin played to about 500/600 at the very peak. It was like Marigolds outdoors. A proper little summer festival with an appreciative crowd bouncing along and chanting with every song. I could tell the guys were buzzing off it. I enjoyed a little cameo appearance on tambourine too.
Thanks also to Bad Blood. A group of 4 thirteen year old boys who had the crowd begging for more (no exaggeration!) and who rocked harder than some other (adult) bands I've seen. They blasted out Ace Of Spades, Comfortably Numb, Whole Lotta Rosie and some cracking original material like they'd been playing for years. Definitely worth checking out if you get the chance.
And so all that remains is for me to thank everyone who showed an interest. Thank you to Kingpin for playing a blinder and special thanks to Al and Keith for the letting Bad Blood use their PA and for providing sound engineering skills. I'm already looking forward to next year!!