Rock And Blues Custom Show -
Coney Showground, Pentrich, Derbyshire -
Day 1 - Thursday 29th July, 2021
Well it's been 2 years since the last one and let's not go into why because we all know that.. anyways, it's so good to be back at here again being entertained by a full hoard of great bands, not to mention the second to none Compere's, Clive Jackson (The Doctor) on the Main Stage and Chris 'Badaxe' Heath on the outdoor one. I have so missed seeing those two legends up there.
First band up on stage is a cracking young covers and originals band call 'Killglass' whose Frontman/Guitarist, Jack Daniels Hickman isa cocky, cool little f*ck*r with a lot of balls and swagger to him. He laps it up being the opener here after the tents 24 months of utter silence, gathering dust in a warehouse somewhere or some spot like that – haha.
The trio that is completed by Oliver Davis Moscatiello (Bass/Vocals) & Bubba Oreilly (Drums) go down brilliant and play very solid with elements of punk, rock and metal to a full house of fans new and old!
Highlights include the opening 'Make The Call'; 'Drugs That No One Wants', 'Killing In The Name Of' and 'Teenage Dirtbag'. Clive is really impressed with them too and has them deliver another song in case we have any drums left in our ears!
Women In Rock followed – an act that were due to play a club in dearest old Sheffield but it got pulled because of.. oh nevermind... so tonight, myself and Steve finally get a chance to witness them at last.. and what a feast for the eyes and ears to behold they are. Three gorgeous girls going by the names of Tanya, Jen and Rub who are expertly choreographed, pelting out a series of classic rock songs that as you have probably guessed by the name all sung by exquisite females.
We get hits from the likes of Pat Benatar (Hit Me With Your Best Shot), Four Non Blondes (What's Up), Suzi Quatro (Devil Gate Drive), Kiki Dee (I Got The Music In Me), Joan Jet (I Love Rock 'N' Roll) and may other notables too which are note perfect with a lot of vocal line trading as well where appropriate.
The backing band made up of all guys were absolutely killer and proved to be a fabulous musical match for these sazzy beauties. Funnily enough the bikers and rockers lapped it all up and loved every second of their rather impressive set.
Live/Wire are the headliners of the opening night who, if you know your Rock and Tribute bands, need no introduction because they are quite simply one of the hardest working acts in the UK who peddle their love for AC/DC in every venue they blast in.
It's been quite a long time since I have personally seen them with the Brian Johnson soundalike, Podge Blacksmith taking care of all the vocals which I understand has been the case for a good wee while now. The rest of the band consists of Dan (Malcolm Young – Rhythm Guitar), Ed (Cliff Williams - Bass), Paul (Phil Rudd) & Simon (Angus Young).
They open with the dark and powerful 'Back In Black' which sets the standard for what we are about to receive... (sorry I had to do that!!) and include a fair few faves by the UK/Australian Heroes ensuring that both eras get an equal split throughout the show. Highlights include classics like 'Shoot To Thrill', 'Whole Lotta Rosie'; 'Thunderstruck' & 'Dirty Deeds (Done Dirt Cheap)'.
The band are on fire and so pleased to be here for us as the first headline band! They are literally as good as the real thing too! 'For Those About To Rock' had authentic canons sounding the 21 Gun Salute - loud as hell too – we loved it!
Live/Wire were the perfect way to end the live proceedings on the 1st night of this years custom show!
Review & Photographs
by Glenn Milligan