HRH AOR V
So a good couple of
thousand descended on the tiny Chwiliog,
aka Hafan Y Mor, for this, the fifth HRH AOR. Once shared as a fest,
it's now finally gained its own independence as a stand-alone festival which
shows how strong this genre has become. AOR has always been an underground
scene, but the people who follow it are very passionate and dedicated about
their bands. A lot of the audience are returnees, in fact most can be seen at
any melodic rock gig across the country and beyond.
Credit to HRH, as this
is a mighty fine festival, it's all contained, the stages are close, except the
acoustic, the food is a bit 'meh' (OK if you can live off Fish n chips, and
Burger King, or Starbucks) and the drink plentiful. It leads itself to a nice
warm, cozy and very friendly festival. My only gripe - NOT ENOUGH AOR!!!!!!
My day started on the
Friday with a couple of stunning acoustic sets courtesy of The Radio Sun, and
then the same guys being joined by Paul Laine. It's great news to have The
Radio Sun returning for second year in succession. The Aussies certainly made
an impact last year and gained a lot of new converts along the way. First of
all, the banter is great, we got to hear about the guys travel from South to
North Wales and their traffic encounters, and Jason being one of the
'Wiggles"! Don't ask! It's the quality of the songs that make the biggest
impression. 'One In A Million' is just wonderful, it highlights just how strong
TRS are with harmonies, in fact very few of the bands over the whole weekend
can match these guys. 'Wrong Things Right' and a sterling Andy Taylor cover 'I
Might Lie' (the one with the riff that’s VERY Eddie VH ‘Beat It’)! 'Maybe'
finished off a short but very memorable set. (8/10)
Without any further
ado Paul Laine stepped up and you knew he was going to be trouble (but in a
good and very funny way!). Paul set up a high seat in front of him so he could
read some of his lyrics. Bless him. Obviously a forgetful chap, he has self-declared
Paulzheimers! 'Going All The Way' eventually kicked off the set. Paul's vocals
would be one of the best over the whole weekend. You can tell that both TRS and
Paul had spent time with Blood Red Saints as jokes and insults a-plenty were
traded between Paul and Jason....'Does The Rock know you've stolen his 80s
haircut?', and 'Jase, you're doing this (makes yapping sound with his hand)'
and I want you to do this (shut up hand signal). You had to be there!! There's a new double act
in town folks. That said, I think it's all stemmed from love and respect. But,
it's his show, so Paul is in charge. Up came 'I Still Think About You' and it
was just sublime in this acoustic setting. Laine’s vocal's are undiminished
from the fist time I ever witnessed him from his performance at The Gods over
twenty years ago (on the telly). After 'Comin Home' we were even given an
encore of 'Dont Walk Away'. TRS firmly set the bar for the weekend, and Paul
Laine raised it. These two sets were to be one of the main highlights of the
weekend. About 120 people witnessed something special here. (9/10)
We legged it to the
main stage for a band I'd only looked at the day before....Walkway. As far as
first bands go, Walkway were the best opening act I've seen at 4 AORs. This is
a band that clearly tour…..a lot! I missed the first three songs, and entered
for ‘Overrated’. That’s one thing that this band definitely are not. Their set is smooth as silk and very polished.
They are not exactly AOR, more classic rock, but when it's as good as this, who
cares. Frontman Chris Ready obviously has Robert Plant as an influence, and
this is no complaint from me. With a song armoury like ‘Best I Ever Had’, Stutter’,
‘Rise’, and the instantly memorable ‘Streetwise’, I really hope these lads get
the major break they deserve. Guitarist James Ready, who was fucking
outstanding I have to say, went on walkabout during the final song ‘One Touch
Too Much’. Walkway were another memorable highlight of the day and weekend.
Catch them live again if you can, you will not be disappointed. If you
are, I will refund your money myself!! (8/10)
Last year I loved
Kane'd(s) brand of music. More Within Temptation, than melodic rock, but their
difference stands out in sisters Steph, Stacey and Chez, and lead guitarist
Harry Scott Elliott. At first glance, there’s that many of them, you would
think they are a Caucasian tribute of Earth Wind & Fire. However, this time
something was amiss, the spark wasn’t quite as bright this time. It wasn't all
Kane'd as I had doubts over the quality of the sound. The vocals were too loud
and pitchy. It was eventually sorted and the songs do the talking – the
highlights being ‘Beautiful But Tragic’, Guilty Of Nothing’, ‘Covered In Roses’
and the utterly infectious ‘La Di Da’. What with a guitarist like Harry Scott
Elliot and the vocal assault from the girls, I fully expect greater things from
this bunch moving forward. Time for a new album I think and a move up the next
step of the ladder….? (7/10)
It was time to show
the young whippersnappers a thing or two. Romeo’s Daughter are a class act.
I’ve seen them quite a few times over the last (cough), thirty years, and they
have NEVER let me or the audience down. The set was to be quite wide ranging,
mixing the old and the new seamlessly, proving that the new songs are just as
good, if not better than the older songs. Leigh Matty looks gorgeous as ever,
and if there were awards for best hair, she would win hands down. In Craig
Joiner, Romeos Daughter have one of the most underrated but finest songwriters
of his generation. His playing isn’t necessarily flashy, but its honest and
from the heart. ‘Heaven In The Back Seat’ - a song that should have made them
household names, opened up a short but superb set. The good side of playing a
55 minute set…..all the stops are pulled out. From ‘Velvet Touch’ from the 80s,
to the likes of ‘Bittersweet’ and ‘Radio’ from more recent years, Romeo’s
Daughter have not lost any of their effectiveness. They finished the set 80s
heavy with the upbeat ‘Inside Out’, ‘I Cry Myself To Sleep At Night’ - one of
my all time favourite tracks, and finishing with a blast of the song that Heart
covered, the obligatory ‘Wild Child’. Class. (8.5/10)
All of a sudden, when
you thought the main arena couldn’t get any busier, it suddenly became almost
unbearably full. In three previous visits, I’ve never seen the arena as full as
this. The reason I hear you ask……’Jizzy Pearl’s ‘Love/Hate’. Fair play to
whoever built a massive cross out of Budweiser cans. They opened with ‘Wasted
In America’ and the crowd went nuts. If anyone on the bill, looked like they
had lived, loved and survived the 80s up until now, it was Jizzy pearl, looking
all the part a rock star. I’m going to wind a few people up here but the vocals
got on my wotsits a little bit. It was like someone was kicking a bagful of
Yorkshire Terriers around. I caught the first seven songs, and whilst I enjoyed
the set. I wasn’t as keen as all the people around me, which is probably
because Love /Hate aren’t AOR to me. I am sorry that I missed the classic
‘Blackout….’ (7/10)
I trundled over to the
second stage to catch HRH virgins Epic. Fronted by the spectacular vocal range
of Tanya Rizkala Agostine (she’s not Welsh!), this is a band (Like Bailey) that
should have been performing on the main stage. If you haven’t heard of Epic,
where have you been? Opening with the extremely powerful ‘Love Will Find A Way’
Tanya’s vocals were even better than the recorded version. Some naysayers may
have a dig at the taped backing vocals, but its not sacrilege. Only miming gets
up my tits, and there was only powerful vocals on show here today. Epic give
the bigger and more established bands a run for their money. Great things come
in small packages, and that’s what Tanya is. Her vocals could strip paint at
50m, and couple this with the fretwork dexterity of Mario Agostine and some
Billy Sheehan-esque bass playing from Carlos Bouchabki and great things ensue. Throw in drummer Souheil Moukaddem, and Epic
give one of the performances of the weekend. Again, its more classic rock per
se than AOR, but us AOR fans know a good band when we see one. As the set went
on the audience grew. My fave was the 80s rifftastic ‘Like a Phoenix’ followed
by a great rendition of AC/DCs ‘Highway To Hell’. For some reason their
allotted time wasn’t filled, and they finished with the sexy ‘Nah Nah Nah’. I’d like to see Epic re-invited as they
deserve another crack at the main stage. This was another highlight of the
weekend (8.5/10)
I scuttled back across
to the main stage to view the last three songs of Bang Tango. They were a band
I never got into in the 80s and the reason was in these last three songs. The
vocals were whiny and just poor. The crowd around me heard a rendition of
‘Highway To Hell’ and went nuts, but Epic did it so much better ten minutes
earlier. If I was harsh on Jizzy Pearl, then Joe Lesté fans should stop reading
now. This sleaze (not AOR HRH!) was as fun as a root canal without the
anaesthetic. And then doing it all again. And again. (4/10)
I’ve been waiting to
see this next band for the best part of 30 years. I’d have killed to have seen
them with their original singer, but that was not to be, so I had to settle for
two originals…..Steve Lynch and Horny Horn ( I mean Randy Rand) of Autograph!
Yes I was like a dog with two dicks, or as happy as pig in shit. They are now
completed by Simon Daniels (Vox/guitar) and Marc Wieland (drums). If I were any
closer I’d have been either in the photo pit, or as a guitar tech. Autograph
exploded into life for me, and I soon forgot about the Plunkett effect. ‘Deep
End’, ‘Dance All Night’, ‘Loud and Clear’ came at me faster than a bullet strapped
to a greased pig. Lynch’s guitar playing was as I heard on record 30 years ago,
and Rand looked like he had stepped straight out of a Marlboro advert. I’ve
heard the sound was pish from others, but down the front it wasn’t felt (Most
had issues on the main stage – sort it out next time HRH!). ‘Blondes In Black
Cars’, ‘Send Her To Me’ and ‘All I’m Gonna Take’ were sandwiched by two fairly
new songs, with ‘I Lost My Mind In America’ being the best of the new. After
Lynch’s stellar guitar solo it was time to cry like a baby
and witness one of the best ever AOR songs laid down on vinyl, ‘Turn Up The
Radio’, and thanks to GTA its also a song for all ages. It was a perfect
ending, and Autograph were the band of the day for me. (9/10)
Again Like Romeos Daughter,
FM are as reliable and faithful as a reliable and faithful thing. Its now a
full ten years since they reformed and their output has been prolific and also of
very high quality. Coming on 10 mins later than planned and finishing near to
time, I felt a bit short changed. But what was missed in time was made up in
the set list of some FM outstanding classics. Jim Kirkpatrick looked every inch
the star with a trimmed look and aviator shades. He’s really added extra punch
to FM since his arrival. FM is mainly about one guy, and that is the UK Michael
Bolton…..Steve Overland, rightly known as THE VOICE! FM did something I’ve not
witnessed in years, opening to a couple of
pyro’s for ‘Diggin Up The Dirt’. Again the first few songs were a bit
ropey in the sound dept., not FMs doing. All was sorted for the best song that
never appeared on an album, ‘Let Love Be The Leader’. A couple of hardly played
songs made this evenings set, the song that should have set their path to stardom,
‘Someday’, and the superb ‘Tough It Out’. They went for the big finish with
‘Other Side Of Midnight’ and on the basis of the songs on offer, in my humble
opinion a mistake was made with the headliner, as FM have the songs and
substance to highlight this great AOR festival. Considering the type of
festival this is, they were the first band to have a keyboardist on show.
(8/10)
The headline act is
Lita Ford. I saw her in the early 80s supporting Rainbow on the ‘BOOS’ tour. To
be honest, I can hardly remember anything from that set, and the chances are,
give me a month and I will be in exactly the same position after this set. I
cant complain about the sound, as the songs paled into insignificance with
other bands on this bill today. One thing I will say is that Lita Ford still
looks fantastic. However, looks cant carry you forever, the songs have to do
some talking. From where I was stood (on the upper level near the bar), the
songs were bland and uninspiring. I was wondering how someone can headline a
festival based on 2 solo songs in ‘Close My Eyes Forever’ where she was joined
on stage by a crowd member who was dressed like a Poundland Ozzy, miming the
Ozzy parts, and the encore ‘Kiss Me Deadly’, and the other well known song from
The Runaways…‘Cherry Bomb’. I looked around near me and I think this is a sign
of what I’m thinking, as lots of people near me were having conversations, and
at no point in time did people stop and look up and listen, which would be the
reaction to have for a great performance, or song. It was not to be. Near the
bar, and way before the last few songs, the area, which was packed out at the
beginning of the set, was almost empty. If I judged it by colour, it would be Magnolia.
(6/10)
Saturday…..
I watched the last
three songs of Haxan based on their T-shirt. ‘You don’t need a cock…..to know
how to rock’. My kind of band I thought. The reality was a bit different. I
have to give them kudos and balls for a three piece that wants to rock out, but
they were let down a bit by the quality of their songs. The feistiness is
there, which is great, and I hope they develop into a great little band. Their
best shout came from a Zep cover ‘Rock and Roll’. There are lots of other AOR
bands in a similar position who would have killed for a slot like this. (6/10)
‘Watch Devilstars’
says Dennis, they’re great. So I did, up to a point. Their intro tape meant they could have almost
fit in an extra song. They looked the part, but the sound of the vocals was
inaudible. I don’t think it was down to the sound guy, it was just piss poor
projection. I lasted just four songs of the set, and was glad to get out to the
main stage. Who did I see in there…..yes, Dennis, who had lasted just two songs of
his own tip. Twat! (5/10)
Summers were well into
their set by the time I landed. This is the third time I have seen them and the
first two times they were great. The last was at the inaugural HRH AOR at
Magna. What I got this time was a disjointed Summers. Whereas a lot of other
bands had a theme or a ‘look’ Summers didn’t know what direction they were
headed in. Yes the sound was dodgy again, but I give the bang the benefit of
the doubt. Crash Summers appeared to be disinterested and there had a severe
lack of activity up there. Plus, his gran would have been well pissed off when
she realises that he was wearing her curtain tie-backs. ‘Inseparable’ was like
a Bon-Jovi country track which is now all the rage. They made up for it with decent
versions of ‘Shot In The Dark’ and ‘I Came Here To Rock’. Five years ago I
thought Summers had a great future, but they have been over taken by bands on
this festival that are now higher up the bill. I really hope they pull
something good out of the bag in the near future as I still want them to make
it. If they do, it will probably be the hard way. (5/10)
The next band should
have the previous three I have mentioned, standing in the photo pit
taking
notes on how a gig should be done. Or at second best giving them all lines.
The
Radio Sun, making their second appearance in a row at HRH (four if you count
their own, and six if you add the Paul Laine gigs), are aeons ahead of most of
the bands on this whole roster. I was
hoping for a bit of light hearted banter,
with say the ‘Home & Away’ theme tune as an intro, but they came out with
all guns blazing for ‘Tell Me What You Want’ With Steve Janevski and Jason Old,
pulling out the 80s shapes and style, the only thing missing was a Scorpions
pyramid. Their ace up the sleeve are Robbie Erdmanis and Ben Wignall. Why you
may ask?
I will tell you why, because
when these two are added to the mix with Steve’s BVs all backing up Jason, then
its pure harmony heaven. ‘Wrong Things Right’ drove this fact home even more,
as the final lines send me and hopefully others into a goosey frenzy! ‘One In A
Million’ follows the same path. Why if it aint broke, don’t fix it. Highlights
for me are ‘Worlds Crazy Now’ and their cover of an Andy Taylor classic ‘I
Might Lie’. The Radio Sun are a class act, and should they make it three in a
row, they fully deserve at least an hour to perform next time around.
(9/10)
The spit and polish
effect continued into the afternoon with Brit melodic rock starlets, Vega. I’ve
previously stated that these guys get better every time I see them. Well this
is the third time in less than 6 weeks, and I still stand by that statement.
Vega are built for the big stage. Their songs are made for it, their vocalist
Nick Workman is made for it, Bollox, all of them deserve the bigger stage and
the chance to play in front of thousand(s). Should Vega stick around long
enough, they are at the sharp end of being the best in their field. All the
songs are anthems, end of. No expense is spared when it comes to their tunes.
You can tell that every note and word has been carefully chosen and sweated
over for maximum effect. Vega are the second
band of the weekend to have the
‘must have’ AOR keyboards. Vega prove to be one of the best bands of the whole
weekend, their time on the road currently with DRN has tightened up their
repertoire even more. Its just killer after killer – 'Stereo Messiah', 'Every
Little Monster,' and WTH just bombarded us with quality, and 'Fade Into The
Flames’ highlights just how good a singer Nick Workman is, he just doesn’t
stand still and is the focal point for Vega. The pièce de résistance for me is
the set closer ‘Saving Grace’, an absolute defining song for Vega that shows
they are ready for the next big step.
(9/10)
My final viewing of
the day was for Paul Laine (I had a meeting to keep with a real Count! I’m sure
it was Count!!). Backed by the lads from The Radio Sun for their third
appearance of the weekend, I knew it was going to be a bit special. I caught 8
of the 100 songs of the set and was blown away by how good Laine is, even when
he is well on the way to being shitfaced! Some people may find him a bit
arrogant due to the drink, but I prefer to let the voice literally do the
singing. What with Paul also playing guitar, they are the AOR equivalent of
Iron Maiden, because with Steve and Jason also playing, there’s absolutely
nothing
that can be played.
There wasn’t
much solo stuff to be played unfortunately. Then again, he was in D2 after all.
I’d love to have heard a Defiants track if I’m honest, but its no loss, as Paul
is still fantastic. His on loan guitar from Lee Revill kept failing in the
strap dept., so there’s now’t that duct tape can’t fix, even if it probably
lifts the lacquer of it. ‘Under The Gun’, ‘We Are The Young’ and ‘Don’t break
My Heart Again’ just tripped off the tongue. I’d love to see him, and as The
Defiants invited back. I just hope his liver allows him to!
(8.5/10)
One again, HRH have
one of the best organised festivals in the UK. Whilst I don’t necessarily agree
with their choice of bands (at the very least, Epic and Bailey should be on the
main stage) as more than a few were sleaze than AOR, and it proved overall to
be very good, but it could have been great. I’m already looking forward to the next
one.
Pictures courtesy of Simon Dunkerley and Sean Larkin
