Set within a colossal former steelworks, Magna also echoes with the rich industrial heritage of the UK steelmaking industry which once used the natural resources of earth, fire, water and air - to manufacture steel products which were shipped around the world.
The steelworks closed in 1993 but the original building has been largely preserved as a monument to its industrial heritage. Impressive artefacts such as hulking hooks, winding passages, cupolas and cranes are still in position around the science adventure zones in Magna today. They are silent reminders of the cathedral-like building’s industrial past. A perfect backdrop to a religious gathering of Prog & AOR followers...
This weekend it wasn’t so much steel, as
Metal (O.K. AOR and Prog) that was being forged to the impressive numbers
amassed at the inaugural HRH AOR and Prog festival, and I was one of many lucky
punters in attendance to witness this spectacle.
For those who thought Prog, and AOR in
particular were genres both on their arses, forget it, as the venue was almost
at capacity. I have to applaud the guys (and ladies) of Chic-PR / HRH in
holding this festival, as it takes some balls (and other lady bits - OK I don’t
need to go there but you know what I’m getting at) to set up a gig of this stature.
It was perfectly organized, with food (not
expensive), a metal market where you could get great T-shirts from a bloke who
at his age had no right to be wearing spandex; jacket patches, jewelry, bongs,
and even on site massages. What more could you ask for!!!
So onto the show. It was decided to stay mainly
in the AOR zone and a have decent attempt at one genre, than a half arsed
review of both (with the exception of the Von Hertzen Bros).
Sat – Day 1
First up on the main stage (quite late)
were local outfit Spill Sixteen.
Even though behind schedule they managed to tear through their set in enough
time and have time for their intro tape of Magnum’s theme tune. Highlight of
the set were the impressive bluesy opener ‘Doing It Tonight’ with a very
excited and animated singer in Steve, and are cross between a Bad Co and Mamas
Boys vibe. Spill 16’s Bass drum was turned up to 15 as I could actually feel my
hair moving (upstairs and downstairs!). Other notable offerings was the well
received ‘Damned’, and new single ‘Come With Me’. If a twin Les Paul attack is
right up your street with no nonsense rock and roll then Spill 16 deliver. Just
cheer up guitarist, you know who you are (OK Its JJ). Spill Sixteen are ones to look out
for in the future

Dante
Fox were firsts for two reasons.
1) First band with keyboard player in tow, and
2) Sue Willets wielding a tambourine (the first of many over the weekend). I have a few DF albums and was wondering how they would come across live. My doubts were immediately extinguished as Willets’, vocals (despite her apologizing for her croakiness) were damned impressive. Tim Manford’s guitar playing was up there with the best, and also Sue’s banter was quite witty and relaxed. Most of the set came from ‘Under The Seven Skies’ with Sue showing her vocal chops on the excellent ‘Walking The Line’. Dante Fox were responsible for my first ‘goosebump’ moment of the day (many more were to follow over the course of the weekend) with the excellent rendition of ‘Limara’, I mean ‘Remember’, with Willets hitting a stellar note at the end that made me have a nice sit down and a calming cup of tea.
1) First band with keyboard player in tow, and
2) Sue Willets wielding a tambourine (the first of many over the weekend). I have a few DF albums and was wondering how they would come across live. My doubts were immediately extinguished as Willets’, vocals (despite her apologizing for her croakiness) were damned impressive. Tim Manford’s guitar playing was up there with the best, and also Sue’s banter was quite witty and relaxed. Most of the set came from ‘Under The Seven Skies’ with Sue showing her vocal chops on the excellent ‘Walking The Line’. Dante Fox were responsible for my first ‘goosebump’ moment of the day (many more were to follow over the course of the weekend) with the excellent rendition of ‘Limara’, I mean ‘Remember’, with Willets hitting a stellar note at the end that made me have a nice sit down and a calming cup of tea.

Danny
Vaughn was up with an electric set for once. I love
his acoustic renditions , because of its intimacy, but when you have a
repertoire like Danny’s its rude not to show it off with an electric set, with
a mix of solo (some not so well known) and a couple of Tyketto ('Meet Me In The
Night', 'Battle Lines' & 'Seasons' – probably the best of the set judging by the
audience reaction). It’s the solo songs that show the quality of Vaughn, from
the country sounding 'Just Like That', to the anthemic 'Badlands Rain', and
haunting opener, 'Bad Water'. Not be outdone, Danny’s vying with Leigh Matty for
shiniest hair in melodic rock accolade. Result? A close second for Danny!


For the encore they played 'Little Suzi', but I must admit I was a little disappointed they didn’t play to the GTA (Grand Theft Auto) crowd in us all and hammering us with 'Comin Atcha Live', but that’s just me being a little picky.

Highlights of the day – Daylight Robbery, Romeos Daughter, FM (again) and Tesla
Lowlights, the bloody cold, the venue
was cold! More on that in Day 2 review…
All photos copyright Mark Lloyd
All photos copyright Mark Lloyd
LIVE VIDEO FROM DAY ONE OF DAYLIGHT ROBBERY HERE:
ReplyDeletehttp://youtu.be/-vPA6X9PRdA
ANOTHER LIVE DAYLIGHT ROBBERY VIDEO - WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING HRH AOR 2013 http://youtu.be/QNwp7zWtzWw
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