The second day of the annual Mayors Fest, presented by Rockers Through The Ages, (Day One was at the Giffard Arms ) sees both local bands and NWOCR stalwarts on the bill at Wolverhamptons KK’s Steel Mill, which is fast becoming a legendary venue and firm favourite with gig goers from all around the UK. There’s also an acoustic stage, so the music is non-stop throughout. There are bars, food and plenty of merchandise to keep you diving in your pockets, it’s also fantastic to be able to mix with friends in such a warm and friendly atmosphere.
A late change to the line up as The Suicide Notes are unable to appear, guitarist Alex Holmes having undergone an operation on his spine, that forced them to cancel. In come replacements THE SOUL REVIVAL who only formed last year and feature Karl Selickis (Wolf Jaw) on drums. A brilliant start on the main stage, vocalist Ste Nunn is a natural, commanding the floor as the band perform ‘I’m Done’ and ’Take Back What’s Ours’. Guitar supremo Jeff isn’t left out either, he dispenses some incredible solo’s, during the six songs on the setlist. We rock to ‘Outlaw’, ‘We’ll Fall Again’ and ‘Breaking Free’ before they end on ‘Only The Start’ and I have to agree with the last title, as this band have an amazing future in front of them. Local heroes WAKING THE ANGELS have been together since 2021 and have built up a huge following. Frontman Mike Deeley holds his mic close and delivers ‘Can You See Me Now’ and ‘Prisoner’ with such passion. Backed by Greg Dean on guitar, whose solo’s are intensely magical, they play the recent single ‘Stand Back From The Redline’ which sees the audience transfixed. Nine songs and a 40 minute set that ends with ’Toxic Lullaby’ and the eponymous ‘Waking The Angels’ which was gloriously fulfilling. Paul ‘Biff’ Bateman on bass and drummer Greg Rozzy Ison, were solid at holding down the rhythm. During the change over I watched Connor Emms on the acoustic stage, he had quite a crowd watching him. I loved his simple version of ‘Saviour’ which is the new single with his band New Saints.
Karl Selickis of The Soul Revival
Connor Emms
Back in the main room and I haven’t seen FALSE HEARTS for a while, so it was great to catch up with them as they arrived at KK’s. They are introduced by the infamous compere Pete K Mally who takes time out, to read us lines of wisdom from an array of books, mostly his own ! Joking aside, he’s a brilliant writer and I recommend his novels. Anyway, Emma Hodgson and her band get underway with the excellent ’See Me Now’ from 2021 and do a blinding set with songs from both the ‘Remedy’ and ‘Dirty Little Soul’ EP’s. There was also a chance to hear the new ’Shivers Burn’, yes Emma the vocals were spot on. Another walkabout to natter with organisers Doddy White from RTTA and Brett Hall and it was lovely to bump into Donna French with the charity bucket, which I donated to.
Emma Hodgson of False Hearts
All proceeds over the weekend will be heading to the Mayors chosen charities ’Wolverhampton Sickle Cell Care’, ‘Wolverhampton Compton Care’ and ‘ACCI’ The African Caribbean Community Initiative. The Mayoress Sandra Samuels OBE, took to the stage to thank everyone involved, with a short speech. Lovely of her to take part and reel off all the band names, in gratitude.
WHITE RAVEN DOWN are everyones mates, the Essex trio are so friendly and always take time out to talk to whoever they encounter. Guitarist and vocalist, Stu Bailey is doubly excited tonight, his wife Jo is in the audience and they are celebrating their seventh wedding anniversary. Tracks from the album ‘Don’t Shoot The Messenger’ and the single ’Take Me’ are played with the flames from the pyrotechnics warming us in between, gosh they’re hot ! Going down a storm as usual, with heavy riffs and grinding chords, if you haven’t joined The Conspiracy fan page yet, check the bands social pages to keep up to date. I grab some food and coffee while watching Blade Edwards on the acoustic stage. A local lad who never fails to entertain, with subtle wit and inventive music.
Stu Bailey of White Raven Down
THE HOWLING TIDES are up next on stage, four guys who have evolved over the past couple of years and now present rich, soul shaking music with layered blues and rock that oozes emotion and vehemence. ‘Blue Moon’ is the latest EP and the title track is up first. Along with the single ‘Thalia’ and ‘Cut Your Losses’ it’s well represented and reason to love what this band do. The debut self titled EP from 2018 is also remembered with ‘He Told Me’ and the rip roaring ‘Crack My Soul’ which gets the party in full swing. ‘White Crow’ is the string bender that brings the set to a brilliant close.
Rob Baynes of The Howling Tides
GORILLA RIOT have been on tour with the headliners for the past few weeks, but look as fresh as, to quote their description, ‘whiskey suppin’ daisies up on the stage tonight. Hard to believe Arjun Bhishma and company have been going ten years, I remember first seeing them at the Breaking Bands Festival and thought, yes this is pretty astonishing stuff. ‘Kerosene Clown’ may stem from 2016 but still warms you with those infectious harmonies. ’Still Doing Time’ featured on the chart hitting NWOCR Vol 1 compilation and as with ‘Most Wanted’, ‘Molotov Sister’ and ‘Blush’ I eagerly await a new recording from the band. Off the ‘Six Shots Down’ EP, I love ‘Hungry Like The Wolf’ and the epic ‘Last Hymn’, this is a stunning performance and everyone in KK’s is swaying along with the stoner rock and grunge based Mancunians. They have to be one of the bands of the day for me.
Unfortunately ‘The Hot Damn’ are unable to play due to illness in the ranks, so there’s a shuffle to the running order. No festival ever goes to plan, part of the game, but my friend and stage manager Nigel Poole, is an expert in these situations and we see TONY WRIGHT of TERRORVISION fame switched to the main stage for his acoustic set. I recognise a couple of songs, ‘Alice What’s The Matter ?’ and ‘Perseverance’ both really good Terrorvision hits, although I was never a massive fan. However, tonight Tony had me in stitches with his jokes, the tour T shirt for ’Tony Wright Acoustic Tour’ spelling out TWAT and his tales of Bradford. In-between songs from his solo albums ‘Walnut Dash’, ‘The Anti Album’ and ’Thoughts ’n’ All’ he tells us that one way of getting through situations is to have a drink every time someone cheers, so of course, there’s non-stop cheering and drinking for several minutes, hysterical.
Tony Wright
My feet are aching by now, so I take a seat at the back of the room, chatting away before the auction takes place. Wow, such generous people in the crowd, as guitars go for hundreds of pounds. Doddy and Brett remain up there to mention the sad loss of one of the most loveliest of men, Steve Downes the Metal Hobbit, who passed while on tour, selling merchandise with ‘The Darker My Horizon’ just a few days previously. A photo of him came up on the screens and I couldn’t hold back the tears, RIP to a legend.
THESE WICKED RIVERS headline tonight and the lampshades are in place, ready to light up the main stage. The Derby five piece, fronted by John Hartwell on vocals and rhythm guitar, are so popular and rising ever upwards, many of the recent tour dates selling out. The album ‘Eden’ is repped with the unmistakable ‘Shine On’ and ‘Evergreen’ as the packed audience gather and indulge in clapping along. Rich Wilson on keys and guitarist Arran Day strike up a compelling partnership with ’When The War Is Won’ and the new ‘Black Gold’ which John announces as something a bit different, is met with even more cheers. ‘That Girl’ is an older number but still captivates, it’s aimed at the females in the venue according to John. Favourites ‘Floyd’ and ‘Testify’ bring the night to an end, amid those flames again and showers of confetti. Dale Tonks on bass and drummer Dan Southall, complete the line up of this awesome bunch.
John Hartwell of These Wicked Rivers
The end of a day filled with friends, great music and mixed emotions. Always a marvellous event when Doddy and Brett are in charge and this years Mayors Fest has one more day to go, Sunday at the Giffard next.
Photo Credit – Lisa Billingham of Billibee Creative and Martin Power
Feature Image – Arjun Bhishma of Gorilla Riot
Thanks to – Doddy & Kathy White, Brett Hall, Rich ‘Tice’ Taylor, Nigel Poole, Lisa Billingham, Martin Power & Donna French.
