Rotherham Rocks 08
 

Whoever said the Rotherham never rocks! Please see my photo’s of the evening at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/2675954...665442/detail/
This is the review of the Saturday night part of the festival. Had to take my son to cub camp on Friday so missed out, I don’t know which of us was more disappointed!
After driving for an hour through the Yorkshire countryside I finally found Wath Upon Derne near Rotherham, a place famed in the UK for the Start of the National Miners Strike back in the 70’s.
The festival was put on by the UK Classic Rock Society (CRS), a great home for news and updates, plus some excellent concerts http://www.classicrocksociety.net. If any Moonie wants to stay in Yorkshire then give me a yell, but try and make it a night we can go to a CRS concert!
First up was The Watch from Italy. I had first heard them here on the Moon. They started out as an early Genesis cover band. When you close your eyes Simone Rossetti, the vocalist, sounded just like Peter Gabriel! They played a great set of their own music. The bass stick was an inspiration to me, never seen one of these instruments played live before. The singer was a great showman and I loved the flute solos he did. I was that impressed I bought their CD’s and T shirt – they must have been good for a Yorkshire man to part with his hard earned cash! Still the new T-shirt will give me something new to wear for SEFest later this year. I will have to compete with the ultra style Guru KW!!!
After a few beers (John Smiths) it was time for The CRS awards, which Eric Norlander and Lana Lane had won for best performers for 2007 and a big supporter of the CRS. I was really looking forward to Rocket Scientist and they did not disappoint. They played a mix set from their previous albums, promoting their new box set of CD’s. It was great to be with members of ‘The Watch’ in the audience, they even signed my CD’s! Again they had a chapman stick which was just the business. Don Schiff is a master bass merchant, to me the highlight of the set was his solo performance.
They were then joined by Lana Lane, it was my first experience of Lana, she is very popular at the CRS, must be something about Yorkshire men liking the larger model. All I could think of was ACDC whole lotta rosie!! She did have a strong voice though and a rockin’ stage presence, but I was really there to see the Rocket Scientists and I do like Mark McCrite’s vocals.
After a cup of tea, since I was driving!, and a chat with Eric (Norlander) who kindly signed my other CD’s, it was time to circulate and try and spread the good word about Aural Moon. I think I need the Vaxman to help me out here. There is scope for some joint support somewhere I’m sure. It was great to hear that so many lads are going to the SEFest, and 4 had just come back from ROSFest!
Last up was another group I had been dying to hear which was Martin Turners Wishbone Ash. I know that the others do a good job, but they do not posses the cockney whit of Martin Turner or the harmonious vocals of the man. They started with a couple of songs that never made it to their early albums, never been played live before either. I cannot understand since they were classic Ash. Then they went through the Argus album, fandidlytastic or what. I was 8 when I first saw this, I even had to go with my mum in those days!
Martin is such a charismatic front man, but his backing boys were superb. If you closed your eyes you would never know that you weren’t at their original concert. Well done to the boys. I even attempted some air guitar with Mark McCrite who joined us in the audience. What a night to remember.
A big thankyou to the CRS for a great evening and support to some great music.

Re: Rotherham Rocks 08
 

Nice review. How interesting that you saw a completely difference version of Wishbone Ash than we saw at RosFest. They rocked the house at RosFest.

I'm very interested to see The Watch if they ever come back across the pond.

Thanks for a great review and pics.

Re: Rotherham Rocks 08
 

Thanks OHD. A forum virgin here! I have seen both the versions of Wishbone Ash now and they both need to be applauded for strutting their funky stuff! My personal point of view has to be with Martin Turner for his rendition of Argus and Andy Powell for the future direction of the group. They are both great and it would be so cool to see them together! The Watch is a must see group, hope you get the chance to see them.

Re: Rotherham Rocks 08
 

Thanks Eloy for the great review. Rocket Scientists is fun - and all top-notch people. you are right on with your assessments of Don, Mark, and Erik. And lana...yes she is a bit plus-size shall we say...but I like that.

I didn't care much for the Watch when I saw them at Rosfest...but as I read more reviews like this I am willing to try again.

It does seem the only two people who don't want Wishbone Ash together are Martin and Andy :( That's ok in the UK you get 2 for 1 ;)

Re: Rotherham Rocks 08
 

After driving for an hour through the Yorkshire countryside I finally found Wath Upon Derne near Rotherham, a place famed in the UK for the Start of the National Miners Strike back in the 70’s.

And...Wath is where my Mum was born! (important to nobody but me). Thanks for the review.

Re: Rotherham Rocks 08
 

What a small world we live in!

Re: Rotherham Rocks 08
 

I rather like the fuller figure too! :grinz: But I am a Yorkshire man!!
Hope the next time you see The Watch you are convinced about their quality.
We are exceptionally lucky to have the two Wishbone Ash's, but would love to see the One again. 8-)

Re: Rotherham Rocks 08
 

And...Wath is where my Mum was born! (important to nobody but me). [/quote]

I care! (smooch icon here)

Re: Rotherham Rocks 08
 

Is that a prerequisite? Slowly learning by British terms :rulez:

Re: Rotherham Rocks 08
 

I'll have to take a trip there and pay homage to your mum mossy. :notworthy

Re: Rotherham Rocks 08
 

It's that Yorkshire blood....90 years old this July. I'll pay homage with you, Keith

Re: Rotherham Rocks 08
 

Found this cool pic of Wath Railway Station

http://cache.viewimages.com/xc/33165...5A1E4F32AD3138

Re: Rotherham Rocks 08
 

Superb photo that mossy. Wath does look a little different now though! Where did you find that one?

Re: Rotherham Rocks 08
 

Used to go to these gigs in Rotherham. Forgot they existed. Thanks for the reminder.

Re: Rotherham Rocks 08
 

Drop us a line sometime and we could maybe meet up at one of the gigs. Are you going to SEFest this year?