The Lionfest 11/11/06

It was indeed a privilege to be in the same room as the bands who performed at the LIONFEST last night, the whole event went off without a hitch apart from, 1 spilled pint and an occasional whistle on the sound (not a complaint MAL). We arrived just after NO MERCY For PERCY had finished which was a shame because they are an exciting young band with a bright future.
 

It wasn't long before the drink started to flow and the next band were up, GIRL KILLS BOY, who were, quite frankly, superb. They played a lot of their own stuff (and i know there has been a debate in the past on ROTN regarding bands playing original material) which doesn't go down too well at some gigs however, these boys really have got something to offer and the whole audience gave them an excellent reception when they were done. They can play, they can sing they are very energetic and enthusiastic they are also young enough to understand the present day problems and make comment (through their music) to the young uns of today. Stick at it lads and you'll make it!!!
 

DO$CH were up next and again, they were fantastic, it's the second time I've seen them and it certainly won't be the last, You're Just Tall and Bonneville Rebuild Blues were two of my favourites, but the whole set was filled with amusing blues, (can you believe that, amusing blues!!) dynamite!

The LION began to fill up even more as the hour approached (I could even hear a bell toll in the background) for the mighty RIFF RAFF, to take the stage, and sure enough we weren't disappointed when they did. The lads were in terrific form starting with Livewire and the intro to this song builds the atmosphere at the gig, to boiling point, before they explode into action (magnificent!). Jon, Ian, Tony, Steve and H are extra special when it comes to entertainment, not only have they captured the brilliance of AC/DC, they have stamped their own individual skill on a very knowledgeable audience that appreciates quality (which they have in abundance). The guitar work is exceptional and the drumming of Steve Todd is phenomenal, and then we have the vocals of Jon Bon Scott, what can you say about this little chap that hasn't already been said, we'll have to start calling him Charlotte (the voice of an angel), he was well on form and was absolutely brilliant, their whole set was astounding (you could cut the atmosphere with a knife, it was electric).
 

On to the lovely, Lady Pauline and ANGABART who were next on stage, with Ian and Steve from RIFF RAFF and MAL from SPUNKSTERS backing her she has to be at her best (isn't she always?), and we were not left wanting as they ripped through a set that contained quite a few new additions, which had everyone dancing round the pub. If you enjoy your music you must go see this band, they play a wide variety of songs the lady sings her socks off, Brass in Pocket was brilliant!
 

The SPUNKSTERS were the next to entertain us, and in their own inimitable manner they did just that (personally I was disappointed TERESA didn't get up to sing Teenage Kicks), they are a band that has revived the PUNK scene in and around CAS VEGAS, with the punk influence becoming more and more prevalent in the younger bands of today (which can only be a good thing with it\'s raw power). Lenny (60) god bless him, belts out the songs one after another and NELLY to finish with is a brilliant end to the SPUNKSTERS gig.

                                                        
Last but not least were the absolute creme de la creme of Rockabilly, CATHOUSE CREEPERS, DAZ MARTY and OLLY are without doubt the bees knees, dogs b******s, top drawer (to coin a phrase) band that everyone must see at some stage in their lives! They were absolutely stunning and had every single person, myself included (solo bopping!!) dancing to their fantastic music. I cannot stress enough that this band are guaranteed to lift even the most depressive mood with their unique (in this area) brand of rock and roll. These boys are extra, extra special and not to be missed if they are appearing near YOU!

 
Speaking of which, they are appearing at my daughters (JOJO) pub THE STONE TROUGH in Rawdon on the 30th November (minibus leaves CAS VEGAS at 7.45 that night, £5 each return, contact me please if you want a seat 07786732551). All in all this years LIONFEST was an absolute pleasure to attend it was well thought out, with the different types of music, and the way it was presented. The changeovers went exceptionally well and with little or no fuss, the bands were superb, DO$CH had to rush off to the VIC in Allerton Bywater immediately after their gig, and stayed throughout the evening to enjoy each others company. It was a tremendous evenings entertainment which I'm sure raised a significant amount of money for the AIR AMBULANCE charity, for which it was staged. Special thanks must go to the BANDS, JULIE and her staff (run off their feet) MAL and the BIG NONSENSE P.A (ably assisted by JONNO) and all the crowd that turned up for a quite superb night! I bought the GIRL KILLS BOY cd and it's brilliant (get one!)

Words and pictures by Tony of Cas (Tony Easton)