A fine Example at Nottingham Arena

Example at Nottingham Arena, Thursday 26th April 2012

Well what can you say about Example, having not been an avid fan I was instructed I had to go by girlfriend Sue, who loves ‘em and also at the request of the support Wretch 32′s Charm Factory media moguls.

A capacity 10’000 jumped, bounced, moshed and sang out loud as the “Example” anthems rolled off their musical production line.

Best thing to do is just watch my blurry video …..  or better go see ‘em for yourself

see me & Sue bouncing, well Sue anyway, I’m the one holding the shaky camera…. youtube at

From the opening number Guns N Roses Experience Infected the gathering of Rock Amigo’s with a Plagued Onslaught of darn right Hard & Dirty Classic rock roll, and were very impressive both musically and vocally, to that of the original Gun N Roses. Their set list was also on the mark playing amongst others Night Train, Mr Brownstone, Welcome To The Jungle, Patience, Rocket Queen, Live & Let Die to name but a few. However, the highlights of the evening for us by far were, Don’t Cry, Paradise City, November Rain in addition to The Godfather Theme and without being predicable Sweet Child Of Mine.

It must be said that we found the Guitar Licks of Mr Maxxi Valentine (AKA Slash) on the money, and vocallyLaz Berenyi (AKA Axl Rose) was very strong. We must also mention Mr Boom Boom Mick Rice, who we felt did an absolutely sterling job. Rock Raunch And Twisted strongly recommend that you so see the Guns N Roses Experience and they are playing a number of dates across the UK, in aThe Rock And Bike Festival, taking place from the 12th to 14th July at Elvaston Castle in Derbyshire. For futher information on Guns N Roses Experience, Rock And Bike Festival and/or all things Rock Raunch And Twisted, visit our Facebook Page.

Til The Next Time > Rock Long…Rock Hard…Play Harder.

ROCK RAUNCH AND TWISTED \m/

Nottingham Arena, Thursday 26^th April 2012

We knew we were in for a special night as we climbed the arena steps with a throng of bustling fans from Wretch 32 & Example. A capacity crowd of 10’000 took their seats and to their feet in the standing part of the arena.

No messing, Wretch 32 bounced onto the stage in an explosion of sound and light and instantly had the crowd bouncing with delight as you can clearly see from my picture  from the safety of my seat I hasten to add. Not being that familiar with Wretch 32, I was not quite sure what I was in for but this refreshing rapper Wretch aka Jermaine Scott and his band mixed it up with their set of hip hop, rap and dance music.

The Arena bouncing to Wretch 32

Songs from his album “Black & White” featured heavily and even I recognised some of the amazing songs from this very creative album. It was great to see and hear a live band with Jermaine with whom he generously shared the stage and female backing vocalists were featured on lead vocal giving a new soulful dimension to the Wretch 32 sound.

He was truly a magnificent support to Example and am sure will go on to his own Arena headline tour in the very near future.

Reg Enderby, editor, The Nottingham Gig Guide

The raw energy that Black Stone Cherry  generated, assisted by bouts of bass-speaker  bouncing  by rhythm guitarist ( Ben Wells) and  Bassist (Jon Lawhon) and the BOOM BOOM of drummer Mr John Fred Young, was  infectious and  added to the masses not only physically  rocking, but also singing  right  back at them. It was very interesting to  observe what I felt was a new  breed of fan coming through, with clear  appreciation of  Black Stone Cherry’s latest tune In My Blood. Although  a good song, which we  wish  them the best of luck with, we personally  have not yet made the  transition, but we are sure it is only a matter of time. In the meantime a good thrashing was had with the Rain Wizard Brethren who quite clearly still lean more towards ‘old school’ Black Stone Cherry.

We say to our fellow Rock Amigo’s if you have not seen Black Stone Cherry yet, go see them. We also say to Black Stone Cherry, Great Night Chaps, and we would love to see you in the UK at one of our Regional Open-Air Festivals, Rock n Bike Festival, comes to mind. This year sees the Rock n Bike Festival taking place at historical Elvaston Castle in Derbyshire on the 12th, 13th & 14th July, attracting many thousands of Rock Fans. Maybe too late for this year, as the line-up is almost finalised, but we would put a word in for you with the organisers if you fancy a stop-off, following your reschuled Hamburg gig on the 3rd July…let us know…

In finishing, and looking to keep things all cherry and not sour grapes, we would just make the following constructive observation in regard to Rock City. We do value the pedigree and all that Rock City stands for, and we are all for atmosphere. However, please give some consideration to the fact that most Rock Fans do like sardines, but  they would rather not feel like them.

For further information and to keep updated on all things Rock Raunch And Twisted, please visit us on our facebook page….

In the meantime...Rock Long…Rock Hard…Play Harder

ROCK RAUNCH AND TWISTED  \m/

Sack Sabbath delivered a powerhouse set of all the greatest doom laden anthems from the masters of metal, performing only
songs from the classic era of Sabbath 1970-1978.

They transported the gathering of ROCK AMIGO’s back in time to the mid 70’s when Black Sabbath were at the peak of their game and ruled the rock world.

Download 2012 aside, the only way anyone can get to see the legend that is BLACK SABBATH represented in it’s most authentic full glory is to see Sack Sabbath..So we say Go See!!!! .For further details about SACK SABBATH, and all things BIKER ROCK & PUNK visit our Facebook page ROCK RAUNCH AND TWISTED…Rock Long…Rock Hard…Play Harder \m/

Their most recent gig was at The Bank – Spondon. They play a wide range of styles from Rock, Indie, Punk, Blues to R&B. The guys infused with raw energy, inject natural passion into their music, which is a joy to behold.

They have a very diverse set list, performing songs by such Artists as The Clash, Rolling Stones, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Arctic Monkeys, The Beatles to The Jam & many more. Our personal favourites are their covers of Echo Beach (Martha And The Muffins), Swords Of A Thousand Men (Tenpole Tudor) and No One Knows by Queens Of The Stone Age.

PARKER are:

Iain Parker – Vocals, Guitar & Harmonica
John Parker – Bass & Backing Vocals
Dean Parker – Lead Guitar & Backing Vocals
Colin Parker – Drums & Backing Vocals

We strongly suggest you go see PARKER. Further information & detail on PARKER and all things Biker Rock & Punk can be found via our facebook page > Rock Raunch And Twisted…Rock Long, Rock Hard…Play Harder..\m/

Nottingham Arena  Tuesday 6^th December 2011 – by Reg Enderby

Simon Le Bon & John Taylor

It was great to see the lovers of all things 80’s congregating for pre drinks in Nottingham’s Bunkers Hill Bar and getting into 80’s retro mode as the bar had laid on back to back Duran Duran hits on the jukebox.

A quick hop step and a jump to the arena and we had joined the mass of fans eager to see the return of their 80’s iconic heroes.

There was no messing, straight into the hits that had made them household names throughout the world with John Taylor and Simon Le Bon strutting about the stage like a Top Of The Pops Christmas Special. John Taylor still looks like an 80’s child complete with hairdo and eager to pose for close up photos. Le Bon has matured gracefully, no longer sprouting the famous blond mullet but still commanded an aurora of awesome magnitude.

The arena was rocking and the sound system rattled the very bones of my body as the hits rolled out on a conveyer of Duran Duran’s most memorable hits. I did not realise they had so many, but all were brought to life and rekindled by the capacity crowd now bursting with joy.

The stage set was something else, like a film set from HG Wells War of The Worlds as the huge crane like monsters with eyes that lit the whole arena, danced eerily to the lighting and fog effects.

It just all went to fast, but still the hits came, Reflex, Notorious, Hungry Like The Wolf, need I go on?, plus songs from their new album “All You Need is Now” kept my adrenalin rush to max and to top it all off, the final song of the night “Rio”……. Pure 80’s bliss

You can get the new album and tour dates at www.duranduran.com

14^th – 16^th July 2011, Stanford Hall Estate, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE12 5QW

It was with some trepidation that I packed all the camping gear for a festival I had been looking forward to for quite some time. A gloomy weather forecast and new venue were all playing on my mind. On arrival we were quickly shown to our campsite and after a few battles with a blustery breeze the tent was up and the first tinny cracked open.

The opening night Thursday had been in the past a bit of a practice run for the marshals, bands and stage crew, but with a fantastic turn out for the first night the pressure was on.

First up in the marquee stage an original set from 5 Man Army, with songs written by Ian Burton and performed by Verbal Warning front man John Lomas eased us into the festival spirit. Pressure off the good mood continued with The No Tomorrows, Rock & Bike favourites Toxic Federation and risqué Accident & Emergency with their bizarre adult comedy to finish.

Toxic Federation and Fan

Friday arrived and weather forecasters were proved wrong as the sun shone through bright and hot creating a great atmosphere in the main outdoor arena as the rock and bikers chilled out in the summer sun…and of course sank a few cold ones.

Friday night was a case of who to see first with a few clashes on the times of marquee and arena acts, so it was a case of juggling both stages to see as much as I could. Some old pals of mine “The Steve Naylor Band” were a must see for me and I enjoyed their set of classic rock covers. Meanwhile Foreigners Journey with their double barreled tribute were belting out all the hits on the arena stage culminating with all the crowd singing along to “Don’t Stop Believing”.  Headlining tonight it was girlie faves “The Quireboys” with fans hovering around backstage to get a pic with sexpot lead vocalist “Spike”.

Spike, the girls fave

These guys are true entertainers and had the crowd in the palm of their hands as they rocked with every bone in their bodies. It was truly a great end to what had been a great night.

Annabelle Eve

Clive Eastwood

Saturday morning I was awoken to the sound I did not want to hear, rain! and plenty of it. Luckily by mid afternoon it was all blue skies again and we were set for a great Saturday night finale. Our very own little Clive Eastwood in his many guises was our very own opening star joined by Annabelle Eve with performances on all stages, grass banks and tents, you name it, he played it.

Special guest for the day was Toyah Willcox,

Stone joined by Toyah Willcox for Rebel Yell

who not only sang for her supper, but was on hand to award trophies and have her picture taken with the winners, the bands and the public. A festival first was also the Pirate theme day, where even I made an effort, but sadly missed the judging part due to a sick parrot. It was fantastic to see so many had taken to the spirit of the theme and there will be some great pictures to come from official photographer Laureen Clifford and hopefully you the public.

Pirate Day

Local band “Stone” really embraced the theme and the whole band were dressed as pirates, but their thoughts were more with how they were going to perform  alongside Toyah. A poor show  would see them walking the plank and a quick acoustic run through in the dressing room was all they were going to get. All fears were soon allayed as Toyah joined the band mid set and quickly whipped the lads into shape with a very raunchy costume as she belted out “Rebel Yell”

The evening continued with both stages in full swing as I ran between them to see as many of the bands as possible before my final destination to the main stage for the sensational “New Model Army” who did not disappoint with their energetic stage show and effects, a great end to a great night and an even greater weekend.

1st in the Tattoo comp "Si Ross"

Special thanks to

All the volunteer helpers, marshals, stewards and stage crew.

Dan Diamond

Dan Diamond, the singing barman

Stanford Hall Estate for providing a great venue

The Steve Naylor Band, for the bacon sarnies Sunday morning

Roll on next year !!

Reg Enderby

Copperhead "rocked"

Well where did that year go, doesn’t  seem a year ago since we were there. I had been looking forward to this event for the past few weeks and on the Thursday afternoon the car was packed and we were on our way. Looking up at the sky wondering what sort of weather we were going to have. As it happens the weather was great, just a bit of rain Saturday morning, but the sun was soon back out by late lunchtime and we were back out there sat on the grass enjoying all the entertainment that was put on for us.  Thursday evening people started to gather in the marquee where my favorites of the night were performing and i can only say the air was electric with energy from the young  band with lots of hair whipping and jumping  in the air. Friday night The Quireboys

Quireboys front man "Spike"

rocked us with there good choice of tunes and Spike was very entertaining  and a pleasure to watch. Then across to the marquee to catch the Steve Naylor band  which were excellent.  The last day and night was upon us, we were having so much fun we didn’t want it to end catching up with good friends and meeting lots of new ones.    In the day it was wrestling and pirate fancy dress. At night we had the headliners “New Model Army” and “Stone” with the amazing Toyah Willcox who thrilled us with her dancing and singing on the outdoor stage.   I enjoyed Sack Sabbath and got to see Copperhead at long last and they didn’t let me down, they were great!  All in all we had a great weekend of rock and a lot more…..

me and Ozzy!!!