It’s been a tough year for Festivals over last few years and after some rather turbulent times leading up to today’s date, the Pandemonium Rocks Festival reached the finishing line, somewhat starved and slimmed down but just as determined to entertain. Original headliners Deep Purple, Placebo and Gang of Four fell by the wayside and the stage was reduced from two to just one and, reportedly, it was due to the sheer will of Alice Cooper and Blondie who worked together to rescue what was left.
And what was left was an eclectic but highly entertaining mix: the heavy shredding of Wolfmother, the indefinable Wheatus, the statuesque The Psychedelic Furs, the incomparable Blondie and the theatrical Alice Cooper. The crowd was large, boisterous and sated by the fare, and it was a testament to all involved that the Festival went so well.
Wolfmother thundered with all the heavy metal shredding you could desire: cathartic and expressive. Andrew Stockdale was undoubtedly the star of the show with his enigmatic rock star persona, expressive vocals and lighting fingers. He was ably supported by his band – providing a rock solid base for the scything guitar sound. It was a thoroughly enjoyable set and well appreciated by the sizeable crowd that had developed.
Wheatus seem to define a particular time in music and are most famous for their major 2000 hit ‘Teenage Dirtbag’ which I seem to recall featured in a popular movie at the time. Theirs was a dynamic set – passionate and enthusiastic. They spoke of being based in Australia for a while after the single first reached prominence and there was clearly a special connection.
The set went down very well, with the final track their noted single, an explosive end.
The Psychedelic Furs, I will confess, are a personal favourite of mine and this was the first time I had actually seen them live. Despite some initial sound issues, their set was dynamic and exciting with a list of favourites sparking joy (‘Pretty In Pink’, ‘Love My Way’, ‘The Ghost In You’, ‘President Gas’ and ‘Heartbreak Beat’ to name but a few).
The two original members, Richard Butler on vocals and his brother Tim on bass, presented as stately and urbane, and the band’s newer members were suitably rock’n’roll cool. The live sound was subtle and nuanced, the delivery pulse quickening and the Butler brothers enigmatic, looking like they were thoroughly enjoying themselves. As indeed were we in the crowd.
Blondie‘s perfomance was magnificent and the band provided a comprehensive run through of their greatest hits (from ‘Atomic’, ‘Hanging On The Telephone’, ‘Heart of Glass, ‘The Tide Is High’, ‘Call Me’, through to the more recent single ‘Maria’), with particular highlight for me being ‘Rapture’ (which also put on display ex-Sex Pistols Glen Matlock’s bass playing skills).
In delicate songs like ‘In The Flesh’ and ‘Denis’ (enclosed in ‘Fun’), Debbie Harry proved she could still deliver, and throughout the performance was the ultimate star and consummate entertainer. Clem Burke, the only original member other than Harry, provided proof that even at his age he is still one of the most proficient and dynamic drummers in the world.
The rest of the band were magnificent, with guitarist Tommy Kessler putting on an incredible performance.
Alice Cooper live is an electrifying experience that transcends mere concert status to become a theatrical extravaganza. From the moment the lights dim and the classic ‘Welcome To The Show’ kicked in, Cooper commanded the stage with his signature blend of shock rock and showmanship. His performance is a masterclass in entertainment, with elaborate costumes, intricate stage props, and a tight band that delivers each song with precision and power.
The band played their part magnificently with the full range of rock moves thrown in – flailing hair, power stances, arms in the air, gurning for the audience. It was pure fun and entertainment of the highest order, ending with an encore of the classic ‘School’s Out’.
Feature Photograph and Gallery: Arun Kendall
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