Basking in the tropical heat (and it is only going to get hotter) Bearded Theory is the place to be today. So much variety on offer today makes it more challenging for those who like to plan their day with military precision (kind of like me). Friday was another fantastic day of music, food and meeting interesting, friendly, people.
My first set was Rianne Downey, no stranger to Bearded Theory after an incredible headline set with Paul Heaton here last year. Rianne kicked off the celebratory mood with her set of folk and country originals, her charm and gorgeous vocals. Leading by example she noted that she was on her first Prosecco despite the early start someone in the crowd yelled that she had started late. Rianne ushered us into the day with lovely renditions of ‘Home’, the folky ‘The song of Old Gencoe’ her song with Paul ‘Quicksand’. Rianne included a cover of ‘Rotterdam’ by The Beautiful South before she finished with ‘The good in goodbye’.
Westside Cowboy were introduced to me by my son Sam and have quickly become one of my favorite bands to listen too. They will be adding to their two perfectly formed EPs with a new album It goes on in August. They were also one of my must see bands this weekend and didn’t disappoint. ‘Shells’ and their debut single ‘I’ve never met anyone I thought I could really love (until I met you)’ stood out but their entire set was incredible. Since forming in 2023 they have developed their sound sharing vocals and writing some amazingly catchy songs. They shared their song ‘Paper Chains’ off their new album which was full of the same fizzy energy. One to definitely get a ticket for on their upcoming tour before they become massive.
Ferocious Dog have announced they are playing their final Bearded Theory set and went out with a bang. An appreciative crowd welcomed their fiery, energetic take on Celtic folk rock and it was easy to see why they are so loved and will be missed.
Pop Will Eat Itself remain a ridiculously fun band to see live. Still full of energy they played a mix of old and new (from their really good Delete Everything album). I found myself somehow remember all of the lines from ‘Can you dig it?’ but struggle with remembering more recent events. PWEI’s set included’Wise up sucker’, ‘Disco Biscuits’ and ‘Def Con One’ making a lot of Adults of a certain generation very happy. They are frenetic, noisy and likely gathered some new converts after today.
The Damned are here with their classic lineup and sounding formidable and majestic. Dave Vanian’s vocals sounded great and the rhythm section including Rat Scabies were superb. Captain Sensible’s guitars providing the bite and individual personality of his valued contribution to the set. Starting out as a punk band they have moved on to other musical styles but their punk spirit is never far from the surface. The Damned treated us to both sides of their band playing earlier releases such as ‘Neat Neat Neat’ and ‘New Rose’ alongside other dramatic numbers such as ‘Eloise’. It was great to see a band that could be seen as a heritage act remaining relevant and having as much impact and energy as a band half their age.
Peter Hook headlined the Meadow stage and played a set of stone cold classics by Joy Division and New Order. The first part of his set focussed on Joy Division and it was quite emotional to hear these songs played by someone who helped write these beautiful songs. ‘Isolation’ and ‘Shadwplay’ felt particularly poignant. Hook then moved on to the New Order part of the set with spirited renditions of ‘Temptation’, ‘Bizarre Love Triangle’ and ‘Crystal’ before ending the set with ‘Love will tear us apart’.
Ferocious Dog https://ferocious-dog.co.uk/
Peter Hook https://peterhookandthelight.live/
Rianne Downey https://www.riannedowney.com/
The Damned https://www.officialdamned.com/
Pop Will Eat Itself http://www.popwilleatitself.net/pwei/
Westside Cowboy https://www.westsidecowboy.com/
Article by Jason McDonald
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