BlackBud

Following a huge crowd for a band such as the Levellers and being on at the same time, effectively, as Simple Minds, was never going to be particularly easy for the biggest of bands, but Blackbud had only been going up the scale recently. This was one of their first gigs since getting their first record deal, and so although not their biggest gig, Guilfest would be important to some extent.

The band seemed a little disappointed at the crowd, especially after probably the biggest crowd of the day before them, but soon seemed to settle down into the swing of things and I don’t think the lack of a huge crowd, ala the Avalon Stage or the New Tent phased them in the slightest (OK, it's the only 2 times I'd seen them previous).



The on stage chemistry was as good as ever, bassist Adam Newton moving around the most between drummer Sam Nadel and guitarist and vocalist Jo Taylor, and they could have been performing to a crowd of 10,000 by the confidence shown. Jo seemed to enjoy as ever going into the solos with a lot of passion, and even each performed short solos, drum bass and guitar alone, ala the great bands of yore.


Early feedback issues were dealt with professionally, simple tweaks with equipment, at least it seemed that way, I might just be stupid, the stage hands didn’t seem very concerned. And again a very solid set list of their songs, which were quite well received by the modest crowd, the most noise being made by their mate next to me at the front...and...me....

So overall a decent, if routine gig, that seemed to win them a few more fans.

review by Daniel Lee

Latest Updates