So Friday at Guilfest marked a successful return for Tony Scott’s family-orientated festival, two years after its last appearance in 2012. On a brilliantly hot summer’s day, we bring you five of our favourite performances on a much anticipated first day at Stoke Park.
Bad Solution in the Big Cheese Cave, 5.30pm (pictured above)
In the dark depths of the Big Cheese Cave on a sweltering Friday afternoon, there came a deep roar, unsurpassed by any other who dared take the mic…
Bad Solution are a five-piece heavy metal band that originally had an all Polish membership when they formed in 2010, but have since recruited British drummer Joe Patterson and vocalist Alex Willox. The gritty and gravelly vocals were appropriately matched by the lead who noodled around at the dusty end of the guitar, with plenty of chugging coming from the metal guitar and a fast paced beat that thronged from the drums. Not hugely family orientated as most self-respecting heavy metal bands aren’t, but still, an energetic, if not sweaty start to the festival. One spectator aptly commented: “I really liked them; they were heavy as a boulder!”
Rock Choir on the Main Stage, 6.30pm
The Guildford, Farnham and Godalming Rock Choir, led by professional singer and pianist Tom George played their first set of the festival on the main stage to a warm and supportive crowd. As the blistering sun began to cool, it was the perfect moment for all the family to take a pew on the bank and support some great local talent. The 200 strong choir in their matching black tees with ‘Rock Choir’ emblems played some classic tracks like ‘Living on a Prayer’, ‘Can’t Fight This Feeling’ and ‘Time after Time’, before finishing on Queen’s timeless song ‘Somebody to Love’. There were some proud relatives watching on as some brave soloists made their mark and the choir will return on the Main Stage on Saturday and Sunday as well.
Fun Lovin’ Criminals on the Main Stage, 8pm (pictured above)
The large crowd that gathered to see the legendary Fun Lovin’ Criminals were not disappointed as the band played a number of their most famous songs from a glittering 20 year career in the business. The New York band were looking sharp as ever and played their unique blend of hip hop, rock, funk, blues and jazz to a delighted audience. Favourites included ‘Barry White’, ‘Scooby Snacks’ (that contains samples from iconic Tarantino films Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction) and ‘The Fun Lovin’ Criminals’, before finishing by doing a cover of Louis Armstrong’s ‘All the time in the World’. This was a particularly special moment as they brought out a close friend (Jay) to perform trombone on his birthday, while the willing crowd also greeted him with a chorus of Happy Birthday. A final touch to the classy performance was when drummer Frank Benbini threw his drumsticks to a boy in the front row who had been sitting on a relative’s shoulders throughout and had supported as vocally as anyone. True legends.
Public Service Broadcasting headlining the Good Time Guide Stage (pictured at top)
The very popular Public Serice Broadcasting take samples from old public information films, archive footage and propaganda material, in an attempt to “teach the lessons of the past through the music of the future”. That means the trio of J. Willgoose, Esq, Wrigglesworth and Mr. B blend a mighty amalgamation of live drums, guitar, banjo and electronics (with no vocals) to create something truly unique- really you have to see them to believe it. As the rain decided to splutter down at the latter end of the night, there was a fountain of sound and colour pouring from the second stage and although there wasn’t a huge crowd present, those who witnessed were certainly treated to this up-beat and contemporary mix!
Bob Geldof and The Boomtown Rats headlining the Main Stage (pictured above)
“Introducing the best rock band in the world… The Boomtown Rats” said the compere as Friday night at Guilfest pulled in another huge name from the world of music. Okay, there might be a few bands that could argue with the title, The Rolling Stones for one, but you cannot argue with the longevity of the music, nor the showmanship of charismatic frontman Bob Geldof. Geldof has had a (very well documented) bad few months after tragically losing his daughter and his place in the line-up was somewhat in doubt, so all credit must go to the man for fulfilling his commitment and strutting around in his “f*** off magnificent” snakeskin suit like he hadn’t a care in the world. The band drew easily the biggest crowd of the day and they were rewarded by a stunning light show and top performance full of energy. Despite the apocalyptic skies foreboding more dramatic lightning, the weather held back, unlike the band who rocked with a vigour and verve that a lot of modern artists could learn from.
Stay tuned for more updates from the festival as the weekend progresses and don’t forget to let us know who your favourite acts have been!
James Martin
A special thanks to Emilys Photography UK for providing images