Church End, Little Hadnam, Herfordshire
A terrible night’s sleep (or lack of it) means I lie in until around eleven. Due to my two friends unfathomable lateness I miss Big Top openers Membranes (who I have seen recently) and Armoury Show (who I still haven’t)!! I catch the second half of the rather entertaining Main Stage openers, Death of Guitar Pop with their wonderfully original take on Ska. These guys are out to entertain and don’t disappoint. They obviously have a decent following here today judging by the amount of their T-shirts on show. Their rallying call (and song) ”Ska is the Bollocks” is not lost on the early risers as they energetically entertain this crowd.
Silky (Lead Vocals) is the consummate frontman, an energetic rabble rouser with a great voice to match. Despite the midday heat these Essex boys are immaculately attired. They may be new to me but I wouldn’t hesitate to see them again, such is the vibe they bring to the show. For their penultimate song, the infectious “69 Candy Street” they invite one young fan and “Silky Mini Me” to join them onstage, complete with his umbrella. More brollies suddenly appear in the crowd as we all dance and sing in unison. A great start to a busy day but one has to ask, why are they so low down the bill?
A quick pint is taken on board and I return for a band I have been looking forward to seeing for years now. Wallasey’s finest The Boo Radleys take to the stage as it seems to be getting even hotter. Minus original guitarist Martin Carr the Boo Radley’s proceed to deliver a set choc full of songs old and new. Sice (Lead Vocal/Guitar) looks pretty much the same as back in the day and the years have clearly been kind to his voice.
From memory “Barney (and me)” and “Lazarus” are early highlights before they debut one or two of their newer songs to this crowd. “From the Bench at Belvedere” is that mid-set, chill song – just right for this time of the afternoon. I just wonder if the reason behind them omitting their best three songs is down to Carr’s absence, I would love to have heard ‘C’mon Kids, “Does This Hurt” or “What’s in the Box”. Oh well… At least they end on a high with their Top Ten Hit “Wake Up Boo” which is a real pleaser. They leave to good applause as I opt for a quick lunch and miss Sad Café.
I stick around the Main Stage to catch The Beat (the Dave Wakeling version for the purists). Currently on a successful run of shows the length and breadth of the UK, The Beat are here to keep the Ska fans happy and pull a huge mid-afternoon crowd who respond by dancing non-stop throughout. With a healthy back catalogue to pick from we get all the hits and more. “Stand Down Margaret” is re-hashed to apply to the current incumbents of Downing Street.
Set highlight for me has to be “Can’t Get Used to Losing You” while “Hands off She’s Mine” is equally popular. Dave elongates some of the songs to give a “cabaret feel” and this crowd seem to warm to these versions. “Twist And Crawl” is a song I haven’t heard before while “Best Friend” is truly great. “Too Nice To Talk To” takes me right back but it’s their final track that we’re all waiting for. “Mirror In the Bathroom” sounds as fresh today as back in the day, as Dave once again extends the song to get us all involved. Whichever “Beat Camp” you’re in, one thing is for sure – it’s all about the songs, and great songs they are. The band leave to long, loud applause as I head over to the Big Top to catch a bit of Derek Forbes And The Dark.
I must confess, I’m not a massive Simple Minds fan and I guess I’m looking for Derek and band to impress? I stick around for four songs that (to my ears) sound identical. Derek’s vocal I’m afraid is lost on me and while I will admit to a penchant for most things Post/Punk, these songs do nothing for me. I am however in the minority as a decent sized crowd seem to be enjoying their material.
I head back to the Main Stage in readiness for Altered Images. Having seen the band at last year’s Rebellion Festival I know what to expect, and Clare Grogan and band don’t disappoint. From memory they open with “See Those Eyes” and follow up with “I Could Be Happy”, setting out their stall early doors. Claire. Grogan looks resplendent in a red sequin dress and happily banters with punters throughout. She also gives a shout out to the late John Peel for promoting their early single “Insects”. “Dead Pop Stars” is dark, heavy and brooding and a clear set highlight and the whole band seem very comfortable on the Main Stage.
Ok so we all want to hear the biggie – cue “Happy Birthday” which sounds as fresh today as it did way back when. Clare’s voice has not been affected with age as she sounds as good today as ever. Altered Images bring the fun to the party and leave to generous applause. I skip “Tom Robinson” in favour of food and a bit of a wander and gorge myself on Cola Bottles (sweets). It’s then back over to the Main Stage for some 80’s nostalgia.
And, what can I say about Heaven 17…. Well I bought an album back in the day but never thought I’d ever go see them live – until now… Another large crowd awaits them as they take their places on stage. I have to say, all band members are immaculately attired. Glenn Gregory (Lead Vocals) hasn’t lost his voice and still comfortably hits the high notes. Martyn Ware (Backing vocals/Keyboard) hidden underneath a Stetson hat is no less important as master of keys. Anyone hoping for a “best-of” is not disappointed.
Obvious highlights are the singalongs – “Temptation”, “Come Live with Me” and it was good to hear lesser lights even I had forgotten like “Play to Win” and “Live So Fast”. They proceed “Geisha Girls” with a hilarious reference to Top of the Pops which may be too risqué for this article (I guess you had to be there)?! Gregory gives us some band history midset, whatever happened to The Human League?! They attempt a Bowie cover “Let’s Dance”; which for me isn’t their finest five minutes, but otherwise Heaven 17 are still a great live act I wouldn’t hesitate to see again – they too leave to great applause.
I nip back over to the Big Top to catch a bit of Bow Wow Wow. The “Burundi beats” are the standout sound as ‘Annabella’ (Lwin) patrols the front of the stage singing songs old and new. “See Jungle” is the first song I recognise, along with “Do You want To Hold Me”, but she seems to struggle with the high notes on that most famous of singles “Go Wild in the Country”. They aren’t playing to the biggest crowd and I feel Annabella is trying too hard to please a reticent audience. I stick around for a couple more songs but make my exit as not to miss one of my favourite acts “Inspiral Carpets”.
A quick toilet break is interrupted by the opening bars of “Commercial Reign”. The Inspirals have pulled good numbers who just want to dance in the late afternoon sun. The line-up has changed somewhat since the heady days during the early 90’s but original singer Stephen Holt is now back in the frame with Oscar Boon taking on bass duties. ‘Kev Clark’ has the unenviable task of filling the shoes of the late Craig Gill on drums. Seeing Craig’s name on the bass drum is a nice touch, honouring absent friends.
Despite the changes in personnel it’s business as usual. The effervescent Clint Boon (keyboard/Vocals) is chief rabble rouser as he regularly banters with this crowd between songs. I’m pleased to say it’s a best-of set and its great hearing the classics like “She Comes in the Fall”, “Dragging Me Down” and the brilliant “I Want You”. Holt never keeps still for one minute, often jumping down into the pit area to be nearer the punters – he has seamlessly grabbed the baton from one Tom Hingley and made it his own. “This is How It Feels” gets the huge singalong it deserves while “Saturn 5” is their set highlight and closing song. Hearing Clint namecheck every member of their crew is quite humbling after what has been a truly brilliant set. They depart to long, loud applause.
Immediately I head back to the Big Top to catch the second half of The Primitives set. Tracy Tracy (Lead Vocals) looks stunning in a red sequinned number and her voice is in fine fettle as she uses every inch of the stage. I’m just in time for their biggest hit “Crash” which gets the audience moving. One or two newer songs are played before they depart us on my favourite, “Way behind Me”. And once again they too leave to decent applause.
With festival sustenance required I watch Peter Hook and the Light from a distance. His set is predictably bass-heavy with a solid mix from the New Order/Joy Division back catalogue. I tuck into my noodles to the sound of “Isolation”, “Transmission” and “She’s Lost Control” while “True Faith” is simply a prelude to an excellent rendition of “Regret”. Hooky’s voice at times comes across as strained, as if he’s trying too hard – but even from a distance I enjoy what I hear and looking at the crowd size, so are most attendees of this festival. With food on board it’s time to head back to the Big Top for the penultimate act.
It’s been a good few years since I last saw “Bradford’s finest” so I take my place in readiness for the mighty Terrorvision. There’s a ten minute technical hitch which only serves to shorten their set, but they waste no time once they arrive on stage. Once again it’s a best-of set and I’m happy. The thing about these guys is they have so many singalong songs and never disappoint live.
Tony Wright (Lead Vocals) is his usual energetic self, covering every inch of the stage while encouraging the singalongs. “Oblivion” is an early highlight while crowd participation is encouraged with “Alice”, What’s the Matter?’. “Perseverance” sees a few inflatable dolphins head stage-wards while “Tequila” is another singalong favourite. Other classics like “Josephine” and “My House” don’t disappoint. I can’t remember what song they end on but you’ll forgive me as I’m having far too much fun in the Big Top! The band leave the stage to long, loud applause as we await tonight’s headliners.
At around 9.50pm the signs are not looking good for Therapy?, there’s barely 100 people in the Big Top – it would seem that Squeeze have pulled the numbers over on the Main Stage. But fear not, this crowd is growing. As the band arrive on stage I glance behind me and suddenly it’s packed. Putting personal allegiances to one side I will attempt to give an impartial view on tonight’s set. I have seen Therapy? 15+ times previously; but never in a festival setting, so tonight is a first for me (technically)!! The big question is, would the band settle for a Greatest Hits set, or debut songs from their well-received recent album release. Well thankfully it’s a good mix from their 33 year back catalogue.
They open with ‘They Shoot the Terrible Master’ from the recent “Hard Cold Fire” (Lp). Andy Cairns (Lead Vocals/guitar) voice is in fine fettle as he contorts his face like a man possessed. “Stories” follows as they ease their way into their set. “Isolation” sees a welcome return to the set with a dedication to Peter Hook no less. (I must confess I prefer this version). This crowd are starting to respond as a small but energetic mosh pit is in full flow, which continues during recent single “Poundland of Hope and Glory”. “Turn” and “Trigger Inside” keep the older fans happy while another recent single ‘Joy’ sounds huge. Andy encourages this crowd to join in with the vocals on ‘Diane’ and reminisces with the timescale of the release of live favourite “Teethgrinder”.
During “Ugly” there’s a wonderful moment where Michael (Bass/Lead Vocals) is having technical issues and takes a seat on the drum riser. Andy looks across, sees his mate and joins him like two old musicians having a jam – they look at each other, exchange smiles and once the tech sorts the problem they get back on with the song. Now, anyone who has seen Therapy? Since Neil Cooper (Drums) took over the drum stool will know of the now familiar “drummer’s Birthday/drummer solo” during live favourite “Potato Junkie”. I for one have lost count how many Birthday’s Mr. Cooper has had but one cannot but admire his percussion skills. It’s also a chance to sing the immortal line “James Joyce is f*cking my Sister” continually at the top of our voices!
“Die Laughing” is dedicated to the late Andy Rourke (The Smiths). Penultimate song “Nowhere” is a mosh pit inducer and they end wonderfully with their biggest hit “Screamager”. My love for this band has never waned but looking around me, I feel they may just have garnered a few more fans who came along open-minded. I’m told Squeeze performed a great set, but I was never going to be anywhere else but here. The band take their bows, Michael takes a crowd selfie and they leave to great applause.
To sum up: Sign of The Times is a festival that ticks many boxes. To start with, a great line-up; great setting, friendly staff, good selection of food outlets, well run bars, ample camping and considering such a line-up, a competitive pricing strategy. Now in its third year it appears to be going from strength to strength. I for one will be monitoring the socials for next year’s early bird line-up announcements…..
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https://www.signofthetimesfestival.co.ukbut
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Article and Media by Ross A. Ferrone
