The rain was an annoyance yesterday, although not unexpected as we are in Manchester! The sun is in and out for all of Sunday though, with not a bit of rain, though not as hot as last year. As Avondale 45 play the main stage, we head over to the TNS stage for Roughneck Riot, who have graced the main stage here before with their very tight folk punk. The covers of 'I Fought The Law' and Cash's 'Folsom Prison Blues' are great to hear.
Moral Dilemma have just supported DK's Jello Biafra in Sheffield, and were really tight to watch then too, with gruff vocals from the male and female vocalists. Trevor Roots And The Collaborators play just pure reggae, with chilled out tracks like 'Paradise' and 'Murder', a song to turn kids away from guns and knives. They are followed by The Marder's post punk, though these sound a little indie for myself, so I go and catch a little of The Skints reggae punk as they close the TNS stage for the weekend. Amongst the original tracks like 'Sociopath' there are a couple of covers like 'Murderer'.
Sat Nav Sam is a real inspiration. He is cycling from Land's End To John O'Groats, busking along the way. He played earlier at the festival and here jumps on stage to play a few more striped back punk songs before The Grit. Truly worth a listen.
The Grit are a punk psychobilly band from London, who apart from playing great foot-tappers of tunes also are pretty agile, as the double bassist balances on his instrument whilst playing it… Pama International are up next, and it's exactly a year ago since I left Strummercamp early to see these guys support The Specials in Leeds, how strange! 'Neither High Nor Dry' is a great track, and their dub fuelled ska and reggae is great to lead us up to The Blockheads, who headline the festival.
With five original members The Blockheads are still going strong, this show is a wonder to watch. The bassist Norman Watt-Roy especially is a legend, dancing around without a care in the world! The atmosphere in the tent is chilled out but nice, it might not be as manic as in past years with The Beat and Goldblade but no one is complaining.
Derek The Draw on vocal duties now has red clown noses and other things to wear or play on stage. Of course you can not ever replace Ian Drury, and I don't think they are trying to, but they guys wanna keep on playing, and so they should. 'What A Waste' and of course 'Sex and Drugs And Rock And Roll' are huge hits with the crowd, and this is a great way to finish the festival in style.
'Redemption Song' as covered by Mr Strummer plays out over the speakers and that is the end to this great weekend, well, I say the end, but the Rugby Club has its door open and allows acoustic unplugged jams on the stage, just as Joe would have probably liked (but without a fire). Excellent stuff, we can't wait for next year yet again.
review by Danielle Millea / Lawrence Conroy photos by Danielle Millea
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