A Big Thank You!
by The Team on June 10th, 2010
With a band called Scorched Flesh on the line-up the weather just had to be fine and so it turned out for this year's TWANGFEST. 650 paying customers came through the gate and when added to performers, guests and volunteers around 800 attended through the day. Event lead Martyn Page is delighted. He said 'the atmosphere on site from start to finish was amazing and all who came should take a pat on the back for that. Everyone who said they would perform a support role delivered. It really was a great community effort and made the months of planning all worth while'. Across the day 17 bands performed across the 2 stages. Many had local representation and several of the younger bands have strong links to Testbourne School which speaks highly of the Arts Performance team at the school. Bands traveled from as far a field as Exeter (the amazing Le Chat Noir) and Brighton (rapper Tricky Mickey). Their biggest challenge was to press gang an audience as most of the crowd were content to just relax outside and take in the Open Mic stage which again was a measure of the amount of talent we have in the area. As is tradition the event ended with a polished tribute act, this year in the guise of Queen B. 'Freddie' had the crowd in his hands from the first number to the last, with Radio Ga Ga getting a frenzied response. Amazingly the volunteers all turned up again the day after to dismantle for another year. Even a couple of the bands who had camped over helped-out out of appreciation of the good time they had had - praise indeed! Any feed back on the event while still fresh in the mind is welcome via getinvolved@twangfest.co.uk Otherwise see you next year.
We will update the gallery with this years offical photos soon.
Ticket winners
by Nick on June 4th, 2010
We had many entries for the free ticket competition but in the end the two winners were Heidi Dowie and Simon Hambleton, Well done guys we hope you and your guests have a great time.
Cider house rules, ok!
by Nick on April 30th, 2010
In the immortal words of The Wurzels: "I am a Cider Drinker, I drinks it all of the day, I am a Cider Drinker, it soothes all me troubles away, Ooh arrh, ooh arrh ay, Ooh arrh, ooh arrh ay (Proper Job! Wanna try some, young 'un? C'mon, young 'un! Get a couple o' pints down 'ee then.)"
Wise words indeed. The TWANGFEST team are over the moon to confirm (as per the really big logo up there!) that, once more, Brothers Cider are supporting this years' event. TWANG fans will have access to a range of very reasonably priced Brothers' Ciders. Ooogh aaarrrgh. This is obviously for over-18's only, and TWANGFEST and Brothers support responsible drinking. We've done all this for you - Enjoy!!
Maximum Punk Rock
by Marie on April 29th, 2010
So you think you're punk, punk? Well let us introduce you to one of the original punk bands, straight out of 1976, with a direct line of sight to the anarchic days that spawned a genre, TWANG fans please welcome "London" to this years' sensational line-up!
London were one of many bands who formed at the end of 1976 from the ranks of eager young musicians (and non-musicians), their disillusion from a stagnant music scene all but shattered by a certain notorious quartet. A couple of ads placed in the music press by vocalist Riff Regan recruited drummer Jon Moss who had briefly been with The Clash until he could stomach Joe Strummer's humourless pseudo-revolutionary rhetoric no longer, plus guitarist Dave Wight and bassist Steve Voice. Steve came to TWANGFEST last year, had a great time, and said today, "I came to TWANGFEST last year and had a great time. I told the boys all about it and we are delighted to come and play this years' event. Just for fun. All for you." The TWANGFEST team are pretty pleased too! TWANG fans, this is pure punk in it's original form and the team can't stress enough how lucky we are to have this band on our line-up. Do yourself a favour and spend some time swotting up on London, this is a great place to start, then start counting down the days 'till 5th June when it's proven once and for all - "Everyone's a winner"!!!
The Guns of Pig Alley
by Marie on April 27th, 2010
GOPA GOPA GOPA!!! Get to the front of the crowd early for this one TWANG fans, we've only gone and booked The Guns of Pig Alley! Back to full strength after one of their number returned from an antipodean adventure. The band has an enviable track record, securing accolades such as supporting British pioneers The Vibrators, The Specials, 999, Kid British, and Chaz and Dave, not to mention headlining the official Dirty Pretty Things after-party by special request. With clever and quirky lyrics wrapped around a jaunty beat, each song has a story to tell and no two sound alike. Quintessentially English, the guns take you on a drink-fuelled nostalgic trip through the backstreet pubs and youthful indiscretions of their small town existences, introducing you to the characters and cautionary tales that have influenced their lives. With stomach-churning drum beats, rapid lyrics and even faster guitars, it is impossible to listen to the Guns and stay still. Ben 'Pie' Peart plays drums and said today, "I'm actually a fully qualified lawyer, so all the jokes about drummers simply aren't true.". Enough said.
KTS
by Marie on April 27th, 2010
A young band, KTS are already producing some beautifully fresh and exciting sounds. The (Tadley) three-piece use a combination of sequencers and live instruments to bring their musical vision to a live stage and are fronted by the lovely Mel, who's breathtaking vocals are causing a stir wherever they are heard. They are currently recording their debut album which will be availble soon. Absolutely a band to keep an eye out for.
Ruins of earth
by Marie on April 27th, 2010
Having only been in the public eye since January 2009, Ruins of Earth have already played over 60 shows, including 2 UK tours with the likes of Viatrophy and Shadow Law. The band was formed by guitarists Daniel Smith and Andrew Wilson, who were soon met by drummer Thomas Brooker, creating the foundations of what would later become Ruins of Earth. The current line up was finalized by vocalist Colin Russell and new bassist Fred McCauley. Their long anticipated debut EP 'Ashes of the Ocean' is now finally available (as of the 21.01.10) featuring 5 tracks of technically tinged thrash metal with brutal breakdowns and soaring melodic passages. The band are set to destroy the UK with their devastating live show in support of this new release, which is sure to pave the way for Ruins of Earth to deliver a shockwave amongst the overcrowded metal scene.
Rocco Lampone
by Marie on April 27th, 2010
"Rocco Lampone are a three piece punk band charging out of Blazingsmoke at 100 notes per hour. Be careful where you stand when these guys play 'cause they're LOUD, fast and a bit anarchic (like all good punk bands should be). Martyn "El Pagmeister" Page went to see them recently and reported, "I got too close, man". Check out the music of Rocco Lampone here, become huge fans now, then sing their songs back at them on 5th June. Punk."
redflag
by Marie on April 26th, 2010
'Next in the seemingly never ending stream of quality announcements from the TWANGFEST team is confirmation that redFlag will be making their TWANGFEST debut at this years' event. This four piece band are on their way up, using their own different backgrounds to come up with a sound they sound comfortable with. Described as Indie Soul, but heavily influenced by Rock and R and B, they are what they are. Come and show your support to this band of brothers and wave a red flag at redFlag."
The Scallywags!
by Marie on April 26th, 2010
The Scallywags formed in mid 2009 and have been playing gigs for a few months. Formed through a common love of music, The Scallywags want their music to be known and appreciated by everyone who hears it. Nick from the TWANGFEST Team asked the band for a cheeky comment, they said, "We're sick of all the mainstream music being pumped out. We have played some really good gigs which we're proud of because we haven't been around for too long yet and we wanted to get the chance to play at TWANGFEST to spread our music even more.". The Scallywags are influenced by British music from the 60's to now; by the way they get treated as people of this generation; and by the British way of life. Without planning to leave Blighty however, The Scallywags look set to take the world with them instead. All aboard the ScallyBus!
Tricky Micky
by Marie on April 23rd, 2010
We're delighted to announce that Brightonian rap star Tricky Micky has been added to the line-up for this years festival.
Micky started out chatting to drum and bass and garage. At the time drum and bass was massive but garage was dying a painful death. His love of 2pac, Eminem, Dr Dre, Meth & Red led him to the start of writing to the true musical art that is hip hop. As MC Envy he reached the last 10 of The BBC's and Trevor Nelson's 'Urban Music Prize 2003'. His track, White Van Man, didn't win the competition but he had performed on TV. He was the only solo rapper picked out of a pool of 3000 entries. At the end of 2003 he attended a music production course in London. He came out feeling confused and £300 out of pocket. A producer who went by the name of Sly Fox did understand what was said though and hooked him up with some hip hop beats. He changed his name to 'Tricky Micky'. 'Micky' is his name. 'Tricky' is an Italian mafia alias for someone who sells dodgy goods. Enough said! That is how he found his stage name. 2007 brought the start of a new, promising partnership with former Big Brovaz producer Mr Skills and also the experience of several gigs. Everybody said he was 'SICK' but the doctor said there was nothing wrong with him. They are now ready with a new sound for the young generation. They mix big ‘street’ beats with sharp, witty raps and catchy hooks.
Lad Britain. He is the truth. The overworked. The underpaid. The much anticipated buzz of the weekend. The booze. The hustle. The girls. The fights. The side-splitting laughs. This is lad culture.
This is... 'LAD RAP'
Rusty Metal Anyone?
by Marie on April 21st, 2010
I do believe it's booze o'clock!
Karrion are a good ole heavy metal band that are out to put on a decibel ridden show of 80’s heavy metal mayhem and showmanship!
The biggest aims for Karrion are to play the music that they themselves love and put on a show louder and more entertaining than anyone else. One of thier biggest philosophies is that they can never have too many props or put on too much of a show. Karrion believe gigs should be as entertaining as they are musically interesting, and the TWANGFEST team totally agree! Karrion can fill an hour with their own originals or a great selection or rock and heavy metal covers such as Iron maiden, Thin lizzy and Alice in Chains. Karrion have been playing together since November 2006, starting out at the George Venue in Andover. Since then Karrion have played over 70 gigs, including main support slots for Hi On Maiden, 101% Pantera and the Wurzles! In addition, they have often played with other national circuit bands such as Godsized, Mr Temper, Mendeed, Sondura and many more. This will be the third time that Karrion have played TWANGFEST and we promise them a hardcore metal welcome - Devil horns and headbanging all round. Marie "full metal jacket" Page said, "Without the enthusiastic support of Karrion, we would never have been able to develop the 'Backstage Beer Voucher' scheme. In fact, Karrion are the inspiration.". Beer o'Clock indeed.
Scorched Flesh
by Marie on April 21st, 2010
A 4-piece Egyptian cider core band formed within the depths of Boozingstoke. A heavy metal experience with a difference, taking you on a magic carpet ride over Arabian deserts and through futuristic cider producing factories of the future. Originally formed in 2003, now on Mk6. The band has taken to the stage nationally attracting a cult fan base which fills the arena with energy and face paint. Scorched have recently been recording their first professional EP, soon to be released. Clive, who runs the secret TWANGFEST tea tent ('Sshhh') said, "I love cider and this band love cider. It should be obvious to anyone, therefore, that I'm going to love this band. If you like cider, or Arabian carpet rides, then you too will love this band.". Mmm, apples.
Mr Temper
by Marie on April 21st, 2010
Mr Temper was formed by a natural geological process that involved taking very hard rockers and heating them to volcanic temperatures. This process released the essential 'ore' within - which is an extremely rare and sought after heavy metal named 'Mr Temper'. These guys aren't 'precious' though. The TWANGFEST interview monkey was dispatched to get a relevant quote from the band - lead singer Alex, said "In this explosive world we live in, music is our means of anger management teamed with a need to vent some creativity. When it comes down to it, there's nothing better than a rocking riff, a gut wrenching scream and a good mosh!". Roy plays rhythm and added, "Nothing can beat the feeling of cranking that amp and bruising some ear drums!". Hopefully our PA system will cope with the pressure without blowing its stack. Turn it up to 11 and stand well back TWANG fans.
Bastad! Rats!
by Marie on April 19th, 2010
Bastad! Rats! are a new punk band from Basingstoke / Tadley. I could give you a shopping list of local bands the members are / were in, but that would be quite boring, and actually reasonably pointless. Pointless because they don’t really sound like any of their previous bands. There’s something anthemic about the songs they have already, I can pretty much promise you that the first time you hear them you’ll be wanting to sing along despite having never heard them before. It’s one of those cases where friends who’ve known each other for ages and played in different bands come together, and it just works.
Le Chat Noir are back
by Marie on April 15th, 2010
Le Chat Noir are hard-rockin' Transatlantic desperadoes Teddy Hesper and Eileen Spruce. The band formed in the winter of 2006, shortly after Spruce moved to England from her native Los Angeles. Since then the duo have hit the European gigging circuit hard, never taking their foot off the accelerator. Le Chat Noir have performed close to 300 gigs in 8 different countries, their full throttle live performances leaving stages soaked with sweat and blood and littered with broken drumsticks. This'll be the 3rd time the band have played TWANGFEST and we are VERY EXCITED again. If you haven't seen Le Chat Noir play before, then shame on you - follow this link at once. In addition to the quite incredible sets they've played at TWANGFEST, Teddy and Eileen have shared a stage with acts such as: Motorhead; UFO; Saxon (Bulldog Bash, Warwickshire, UK, 2009); Nick Oliveri of Queens Of The Stone Age (Muziekgieterij, Maastricht, NL 2009); The Sonics; MC5; The Dwarves; Wanda Jackson; The Bellrays (Sjock Festival, Gierle, BE, 2008); The Datsuns (Rock Wauberg, Wauberg, BE, 2009); The Gories; The Oblivians (Blast Off!, Nottingham, UK 2009); Nine Black Alps (Centre Spot, Exeter, UK 2009); She Keeps Bees (Cavern, Exeter, UK 2009); and The Kids (Nonsense Festival, Peer, BE, 2008).
Nick Shipway off of the organising team said today, "Le Chat Noir ROCK and I bloody love them. I wish it was TWANGFEST every day and that this band was the last thing I heard each night before I cuddled my snuggle-bunny and went off to sleep and dream of fairies and stuff." .
unexpected good fortune
by Marie on April 14th, 2010
How lucky are we? I mean really? We've only gone and booked all four pieces of The Fortunate. Bursting forth with vitality and energy, the band consists of Lead Vocalist Natalie, Guitarist Sam, Bassist Rich and Drummer Simon. A random fan of the band said, “Big gushing hyper pop sound, driving indie rocking guitar underpinned by broad melodic bass lines, swathes of keys for colour and bombastic drums”. He loves it. The Fortunate formed in early 2009, and have played loads of cracking gigs throughout the year, sharing the stage with some incredible bands. They continue to gig frequently and look forward to an even more successful year in 2010, especially after their soon to be legendary TWANGFEST set.
Queen B
by The Team on April 2nd, 2010
The TWANGFEST team are proud to announce this years’ headline act as… drum roll please… the sensational “Queen B”. Hoorah, there it’s out, we said it! The team have been struggling to keep this under wraps as it is a MAJOR COUP to have secured one of Europe’s leading tribute acts. Queen B concentrate on looking and sounding exactly like the original artists, playing all the popular Queen hits and encouraging the audience to join in singing – positioned as the final act of the day, with a fully licensed bar, guarantees that you’ll all be in a ‘singing mood’!!
Chief Chieftain, Martyn ‘Paggy’ Page said, “I thought I’d seen it all. U2 by Blood Red Sky were amazing 2 years ago; Bob Marley and the Wailers performed by Legend were legendary last year. Queen B are the biggest yet, with some incredible songs to choose from – they’ve played Wembley 3 times. I have high expectations!!”
Why Have a Tribute? Why the hell not?! The TWANGFEST team have built up a serious reputation for being in it for the fun. We also fully appreciate that you want to see the best original material, and that’s why we build at least 3 stages to showcase local talent. The Tribute act at the very end of the day is meant to be fun. Pure, unadulterated fun fun fun. Mike Poole, off of the open-mic stage said today, "We reckon the Tribute act is worth the entrance fee on its own – that means all the other performances (~20 bands plus open-mic action) are all pure ‘added-value’ – you can’t put a price on it!"
We've placed one of Queen B's promo videos below for your viewing pleasure...