By Stuart Sinclair
Last weekend Billericay was spoilt for choice with live music! Not only did we have the Gala weekend at Lake Meadows, but also The New White Hart in the High Street playing host to the third consecutive Music festival ‘ThingamaGig’ - an all day affair which showcases local artists and raises money for worthy charities.
And this year, with an extra special warm up gig on Friday evening, the venue was buzzing with excitable music fans, itching for the weekend to start!
The ‘Pre ThingamaGig Gig’ (as it’s now affectionately known) offered a handful of bands such as Deferred Success, The Shivers and, my favourite, Splattered Apple throwing out some amazing songs and playing off the audiences’ aura to comprise a fantastic night.
The following day arrived all too soon, along with the sun and warm July weather. Music fans came out in their hundreds to support the event, which raises money for the J’s hospice and GOSH. The idea is simple - two outside stages playing live music from local artists.
Darren Jones was set to impress. With his acoustic guitar and gravelled tones he played us through heart felt songs.
Bloodshot Minority kicked some serious butt, with their Queens of the Stoneage sound mixed with Radiohead and Faith No More.
I have now seen Georgia Strand play about a hundred times and yet she never gets boring. Her Kate Nash singing style compliments her beautifully penned lyrics, with her exceptionally talented acoustic playing to boot.
Whoremoan (pictured below) are brutal! Their fast, tight and heavy metal music styling got everyone going. I am sure I noticed a kid’s nose start bleeding during their set! These boys are definitely the best metal band I have seen in years!
The headline act was split between two of the best bands in Essex right now – Von Jergo and Sans Wilfred. Bigstinkydog, who organise ThingamaGig, have recently put both these bands in a studio, recorded some tracks and Voila! A joint E.P! Genius!
Von Jergo thrashed out so much energy on stage, with their garage, punk anthems, which kept the crowd moving and jumping. And Sans Wilfred completed the night with an almighty set.
And then, the day was over. Tired, drunk and still full of beans, we headed home, knowing that. ThingamaGig truly rocks! Bring on 2011!