Andy Bell is no stranger to creating musical alchemy and his work with shoegaze legends Ride, Beady Eye, Hurricane #1 and of course Oasis showcase not only what a consummate musician he is, but also what a fantastic songwriter and guitar player he is too.
Andy Bell on stage as GLOK
With GLOK, comes something a little different, fusing together a myriad of genres to create the most intriguing and experimental soundscapes, on record GLOK is a kaleidoscopic whirl of brilliance, but the sonics are elevated even further on the live stage.
This is largely aided by the striking and creative visuals created by artist Innerstrings who has magically created an almost psychedelic whirlwind of colours and shapes that are executed with precision timing to the music of GLOK.
Andy Bell – Glok gig review
Ably supported by Warmpth who performed an inspiring set whilst charming the crowd, Andy arrived on to the stage in his truly understated style to a warm reception from the crowd. Incredibly humble, we had the pleasure of chatting to him at the bar beforehand and really enjoyed learning more about the origins of GLOK.
Andy has reworked several of the tracks for the live shows from his two GLOK albums ‘Dissident’ and ‘Pattern Recognition’. Alongside a carefully reimagined cover, unreleased tracks and a cheeky snippet of Ride fan favourite ‘Vapour Trail’, the closing track from Ride’s debut album from 1990, the crowd were utterly mesmerised by this aural adventure.
GLOK has allowed Andy to further expand his auditory horizons by fusing electronica with hedonistic guitar riffs as well as incorporating elements of krautrock, synthwave, art rock and techno too as demonstrated with some superb renditions of tracks from GLOK’s stunning debut album ‘Dissident’ with the titular track closing the set.
‘Pulsing’ with its shimmering and ethereal synths is almost cinematic and ‘Cloud Cover’ also made an appearance. All three tracks are multi-layered and almost take on a new dimension with Innerstrings strong visuals.
‘Day Three’ and ‘Memorial Device’ from 2021’s ‘Pattern Recognition’ alongside ‘Invocation’ takes the enraptured crowd into an almost meditative state. With GLOK, you are taken on an intoxicating journey that is truly hypnotic, dreamlike and surreal.
Andy Bell performs as GLOK
The crowd were treated to the debut of a new track coming from a future album called ‘Magic and Light’ which was absolutely sublime and gave the audience a real sense of what is set to come from GLOK.
Eclectic, bold and euphoric, GLOK will take you for the most extraordinary ride into something that is truly mesmerising.
Photo Credit: Joe Flanagan and Emma Harrison
Additional reporting: Joe Flanagan
On a rainy night in London, four guys from Staines lit up the stage of the Troxy in East London. This was always going to be a special gig and the sold-out crowd were ready for this highly-anticipated set from Hard-Fi.
The band had been on hiatus for almost a decade and played a one-off gig at the 02 Kentish Forum last year followed by their only festival appearance in the UK this year at Victorious Festival. Hard-Fi are no strangers to selling out venues, and have historically sold out five consecutive nights at Brixton Academy.
As always, their set starts with a harmonica playing the evocative Once Upon A Time In The West by Ennio Morricone which echoes around The Troxy – an Grade II-listed Art Deco building that is positively resplendent.
It’s the moment we have all been waiting for – Hard-Fi are here and they kick off with the familiar notes of the rousing ‘Middle Eastern Holiday’ from their critically-acclaimed album ‘Stars Of CCTV’ which was one of their most political tracks on their groundbreaking 2005 album which was nominated for a Mercury Music Prize and sold over a million copies.
Richard, Ross, Steve and Kai are on fire and execute every track magnificently, delivering slam dunk renditions of tracks from the aforementioned ‘Stars of CCTV’, but also tracks from their sophomore album ‘Once Upon a Time in the West’ and 2011’s ‘Killer Sounds’.
Richard Archer and Hard-Fi perform at the Troxy London. Photo Credit: Simon Reed
It was great to see three tracks from the sublime ‘Killer Sounds’ on the set list, ‘Good For Nothing’, ‘Fire In The House’ and the epic ‘Stay Alive’ which were absolutely fantastic.
‘Watch Me Fall Apart’ with Richard on shared vocals by Bruce Breakey (who is one half of alternative indie duo ‘Good Health Good Wealth’) delivered an impassioned and mesmerising performance which showcased Bruce’s fantastic stage presence.
Richard and Bruce delivered a dynamic, intense and emotional rendition of what is one of the best tracks on ‘Once Upon a Time in the West’.
As well as a much-needed nostalgia trip into both classic and deep cuts in the Hard-Fi back catalogue, the band also debuted a brand-new track ‘Always and Forever’ which is chock-full of twangy guitars and even sees frontman Richard Archer picking up his six-string to this rousing and anthemic track.
Hard-Fi perform at the Troxy in London. Photo Credit: Simon Reed
He also breaks out his trusty melodica to drive the unique sound that kicks off two of the classics: ‘Cash Machine’ and ”Better Do Better. The former track which was on ‘Stars of CCTV’ still feels as relevant today than it ever did with lyrics like ‘I scratch a living, it ain’t easy / You know it’s a drag/ I’m always paying, never make it’ and the band plays with an almost ferocity which is felt by the crowd who sing it back to the band.
One of the best things about Hard-Fi is that they are all compelling and talented musicians in their own right, but collectively they create a really compelling music alchemy.
Richard Archer, frontman and sometime guitarist had charisma in abundance and conveys his disbelief that over 3000 hard core Hard-Fi fans have made the journey to watch them perform. He seems pretty moved and tells the enraptured crowd that it blows their mind that they are able to do this twenty years on and that we don’t know what it means to him and the rest of the band.
Hard-Fi play to a sold-out crowd at the Troxy in London. Photo Credit: Simon Reed
The emotion is felt, especially with the encore which consists of the excellent ‘Move On Now’ the titular track to their stunning debut and of course as it was a Saturday night ‘Living For The Weekend’ which closed the show.
From the superb ‘Suburban Knights’ which sees some serious audience participation from the crowd to the joyous and brilliant ‘Hard to Beat’ which saw the energy levels reach unsurpassed levels of delight, the set was an absolute triumph and the band executed a truly energetic and exemplary performance.
At one point throughout the energetic set, Richard asks the crowd: “So London, do we still have it?” and the unequivocal answer is a definitive yes! Hard-Fi have always had it, but on a rain-soaked night in London, they reminded everyone of their musical prowess and not only what an impressive back catalogue they have, but how incredible they are as live performances.
Richard Archer declared that he promises that next time the wait won’t be so long and after such a momentous display, we can’t help but think that we will be seeing Hard-Fi perform again very soon.
Introducing you to the Balmer Lawn hotel, New Forest
From its fantastic two-AA Rosette restaurant to its friendly service, a stay at the characterful Balmer Lawn Hotel, one of the region’s most historically rich hotels was always going to be highly enjoyable.
History of the Balmer Lawn hotel
And you will be in splendid company too, as this imposing family-owned hotel has hosted esteemed guests including royalty since the mid-1800s such as King George V, Queen Mary and Winston Churchill.
Situated in the heart of the stunning New Forest and the picturesque town of Brockenhurst, the Balmer Lawn is an expansive four-star red brick hotel surrounded by 500 acres of picturesque expanses of forestry complete with the obligatory cute ponies.
Balmer Lawn hotel in the New Forest, Hampshire
The building has taken on many guises over the years which includes a hunting lodge, field hospital and General Eisenhower even issued orders for the D-Day Landings during the Second World War from here.
The hotel has maintained many of its historical features and this aesthetic has been extended to the decor such as the antique-style furnishings, Windsor chairs and the vintage-inspired four-poster beds.
Staying at the Balmer Lawn hotel
We stayed in one of the sumptuous traditionally-styled queen rooms which makes for a truly romantic experience thanks to its traditional wooden furniture, heavy curtains and queen-sized four-poster bed. Heritage and vintage aesthetics are the name of the game and many of the rooms overlook the lush greenery where ponies roam.
Balmer Lawn hotel reception area
Balmer Lawn hotel facilities
The hotel has an outdoor heated pool towards the rear of the hotel which made for a relaxing dip. It also has an indoor pool, sauna, gym and jacuzzi. The spa makes for a relaxing experience and has a cosy relaxation area where you can zen out with a healing cup of herbal tea.
Balmer Lawn hotel swimming pool
The spa at the Balmer Lawn hotel in the New Forest
Beresfords Restaurant at the Balmer Lawn hotel
As well as its stunning location in the Hampshire countryside, one of the highlights of staying at the Balmer Lawn is the amazing food at the two AA-rosette Beresfords restaurant.
Headed up by esteemed executive head chef Andrew Gault and head chef Ben Brooks, Beresfords have an impressive menu filled with delicious dishes with ethically and locally sourced ingredients.
We started with one of the ‘Beresfords Bites’ – the Gloucester Old Spot Pork Crackling with an apple and pear compote which was one of the best dishes of crackling I have ever had.
Beresford restaurant at the Balmer Lawn hotel in the New Forest
All of the dishes from the starters through to desert are jam-packed with flavour and enjoy exquisite presentation. The Cornish lobster souffle, the quail scotch egg and the vibrant salt-baked beetroot with goat’s curd are all excellent choices for starters and the watercress risotto, Cornish wild sea bass and roasted fillet of chalk stream trout are an absolute delight.
One particular highlight was the 28 day matured fillet steak which comes with thick chips, salsa verde and confit tomatoes.
For more informal dining, you can enjoy snacks and light bites at The Lodge Kitchen and Bar, which stretches out into an alfresco eatery.
The bar at the Balmer Lawn hotel
There are some interesting wines to choose from on their expansive wine list and you can also opt for a beer from the local Ringwood Brewery.
The glorious New Forest is amazing all year round, but a stay at the Balmer Lawn makes for serene and highly-satisfying getaway.
Check in: Double rooms start from £215 per night or for a luxury four poster bed- £300 per night.
One of the biggest bands of the nineties and beyond – Manchester’s very own icons Oasis have been revealed at having two of the most streamed albums from the nineties.
The band have teamed up with National Album Day to celebrate their career and era-defining first two albums, ‘Definitely Maybe’ and ‘(What’s The Story) Morning Glory?’ which have been revealed as the two most streamed albums of the 1990s.
Taking the top slot was ‘(What’s The Story) Morning Glory?’ closely followed by their debut album ‘Definitely Maybe’ which took the second spot.
In celebration of this stupendous achievement and to commemorate National Album Day tomorrow (October 14) the band have released a brand new lyric video for their song ‘Listen Up’.
This brilliant track was never released as a dedicated single, but was a very worthy and somewhat underrated B-side to ‘Cigarettes & Alcohol’ which was released on the 10 October 1994 as the final single from their debut album ‘Definitely Maybe’
The track (complete with lyric video) has been taken from the forthcoming 25th Anniversary Edition of Oasis’ iconic B-sides album ‘The Masterplan’, will be available to view exclusively on the National Album Day website here from 10am for 24 hours.
Intrigued by what other albums made the cut?
Make sure you tune into Steve Wright’s radio show on BBC Radio 2 this weekend where the legendary presenter will take his listeners through an exciting countdown of the top 40 most streamed albums from the 1990s during his BBC Radio 2 show this coming Saturday 14th between 1pm and 3pm.
Oasis fans will certainly want to ‘Listen Up’ as both Noel and Liam Gallagher will be sharing their thoughts on what it means to them to hold the two top spots with Oasis’ first two albums.
Sharing his thoughts on this monumental achievement, Noel Gallagher commented that:
“I’m thrilled, but I wouldn’t say I was that surprised that ‘(What’s The Story) Morning Glory?’ has been voted the most streamed album of the 90s – I still do have my faith in the taste of people in this country.
I mean if you’ve got Wonderwall and Don’t Look Back In Anger on an album, you’re gonna be all right aren’t ya… For certain people, it’ll be bringing back memories of their youth in the 90s and that brilliantly amazing decade we all lived through and then for the young people coming to it now, the songs deal with just the universal truths of life, and they will always be timeless…
You know, of love and loss and heartbreak and friendship and the weather. All the universal things that we that we live through on a day-to-day basis that we don’t really notice. So thanks to everybody!”
You can’t really top that, but it’s no real that their debut and their sophomore album has taken the two top slots. Without doubt, Oasis defined the nineties and beyond both musically and culturally and their influence continues to be felt today.
His brother, Liam during the radio show commented:
“All right, this is Liam G and I’m here to congratulate Definitely Maybe for being the second most streamed album of the 90s. Love that record, without it god knows where I’d be and god knows where we’d all be! I’ll be celebrating it in my own way next year by doing some gigs, so stay tuned and listen out for details in a bit.”
Originally released in 1994 as the B-side to ‘Cigarettes & Alcohol’, ‘Listen Up’ has gone on to become one of the bands most popular B-sides.
You can buy your own copy of a limited-edition collectors item of ‘The Masterplan’ via Big Brother Recordings Ltd on November 3rd which celebrates the silver anniversary of ‘The Masterplan’ on CD, cream cassette, and limited-edition double vinyl formats (heavyweight silver, green and black marble and black).
The new formats feature remastered audio, taken from the ‘Chasing The Sun’ reissues are now available for the first time as one collection.
The album includes several landmark Oasis songs, tracks like ‘Acquiesce’, originally found on the ‘Some Might Say’ CD single, ‘Half The World Away’, from their ‘Whatever’ CD single, which later found fame as the theme tune to the much-loved comedy series ‘The Royle Family’ – not to mention the epic title track, which originally appeared as a fourth bonus track on the ‘Wonderwall’ CD single.
Noel has often described ‘The Masterplan’ as one of the best songs he has ever written. The original album charted at No.2 in the UK Official Album Chart UK selling almost 122,000 copies in its first week of release in 1998. ‘The Masterplan’ went on to be certified triple platinum and has sold over three million copies worldwide.
There’s nothing better than discovering a new band, especially when it comes to Elephant Kind who have launched their new EP ‘Live In London’ today alongside a live video of their single ‘Follow Through’.
The EP was recorded at London’s very own Camden Assembly earlier this year and it demonstrates how the trio have evolved, especially with regards to their sonics and exemplary musicianship.
Certain bands are hard to define, especially if they are akin to a smidge of genre bending, but Elephant Kind effortlessly fuse a delectable and effervescent kaleidoscopic collision of invigorating indie beats, arresting alt-pop, and psychedelic jazz-fuelled vibes .
As well as the dynamic and well-rounded ‘Follow Through’, the EP also includes a new track called ‘It Meant Nothing’. Both of which reflect the new sonic shift that Elephant Kind are pivoting towards.
Despite a focus on bringing in the new, there are also a couple of fan favourites in there too from this year’s ‘Superblue’ EP, and ‘Scenario II’ from the soundtrack to their short film project ‘Scenarios’.
One of the best ways to get better acquainted with Elephant Kind is to go check them out on the road as they are embarking on their first UK headline tour. The gigs take place between October 23rd and October 27th and the band will visit cities such as Birmingham, Bristol, Sheffield, Manchester and London.
The excitement is palpable and frontman and founder Bam Mastro says:
“We’re thrilled to embark on our first ever UK headline tour later this month, and the excitement is off the charts! As a special treat, we’re releasing a live EP to give you a sneak peek of the electrifying energy that awaits.”
Despite being in the industry for ten years and having established themselves as one of Indonesia’s leading bands as well as performing with international artists including The xx and Franz Ferdinand, the band have moved to the UK to immerse themselves in the UK music scene and are already creating quite the stir.
It was a bold move – to leave their home country and in essence start over both professionally and personally. Their relocation and journey has been documented in a new short film which is already making waves for Elephant Kind.
But fortune favours the bold and their gamble is beginning to pay off, the first result being the release of their EP ‘Superblue’, which was produced by Sam Petts-Davies (Thom Yorke, Puma Blue, Warpaint) which is already being picked up by the music press as well as seeing their fanbase grow in the UK.
It was all about the show-stopping theatrics at the O2 Arena in London thanks to a stupendous performance from Muse. In a year of standout live shows, Muse put on a thrill-a-minute set that reiterated why they are such an incredible live act.
With an intriguing and visceral theme that fused elements from futuristic sci-fi artwork, dystopian visuals reminiscent of Mad Max, flames that were furiously shot out from canons on the side of the stage, fake snow, streamers, confetti and of course, rock star lasers (rock lasers!)
Muse performing in masks at the O2 Arena in London
Whilst Muse have been no strangers to a grandiose and extravagant display, their ‘Will Of The People’ tour has infinitely taken things to a new level.
Even if you look beyond the pyrotechnics and the intriguing robot masks, Muse meant business with their high octane show which was filled with anthemic crowd-pleasers as well as a few deep cuts which coupled with a viscerally rich stage production delivered a stirring and theatrical display.
The energetic and exhilarating night of music was expertly started by the brilliant Nova Twins who were Muse’s fantastic support act. The dynamic duo are a formidable tour de force and they delivered a slam dunk set welding their guitars as if their life depended on it.
The Nova Twins have such a distinctive sound and whilst they take influences from rock, rap, grime, punk and more, they are essentially almost genre-less in their approach. What is evident is the duo’s evident chemistry, driving bass lines and crystalline vocals and stage presence where they effortlessly executed tracks like ‘Cleopatra’, ‘Choose Your Fighter’ and ‘Taxi’.
The energy from The Nova twins set the standard for the night and this led to one of the best gigs from the powerhouse trio that they have ever performed. The set was chock-full of Muse hits from their career-spanning three decades in the music industry, but in typical Muse style albeit with a few surprises into the bargain.
Taking to the expansive stage with mask and leather hoodie to ‘Will of the People’, the trio quickly segued into the barnstorming ‘Hysteria’ and ‘Will of the People’, the set was a stylistic masterclass in lyricism and performance which demonstrated the bands prowess in delivering driving rock anthems and why they are such a tour de force in musicality and are such consummate musicians.
With standout performances such as an explosive ‘Knights Of Cydonia’, ‘Supermassive Black Hole’, ‘Compliance’ and a mesmerising rendition of ‘The Dark Side’, Muse delivered a sucker punch of a scintillating set which also included ‘Plug In Baby’, ‘Kill Or Be Killed’ and a soaring version of ‘Starlight’.
It was great to see several tracks from 2003’s ‘Absolution’ which included an emotionally-charged ‘Time is Running Out’, a rousing edition of ‘Apocalypse Please’.
It’s staggering to believe that just three individuals plus one other can make such an unbelievably supercharged set that really showcases the band’s undeniable musicianship and star power.
They had the crowd in the palm of their hand and the energy shared between them and the sold out crowd was palpable and even exceeded the electrifying pyrotechnics that were on display.
The rock band closed their show with Knights of Cydonia from their fourth studio album ‘Black Holes and Revelations’
This was an absolutely extraordinary performance which took fans on a totally immersive and electrifying journey that was absolutely first-class.
San Francisco is a city that’s renowned for its diverse and dynamic live music scene. The city has been home to some of the most iconic musicians of all time, and the venues in the city have played a significant role in shaping the music culture of San Francisco.
The city’s live music scene is not only a reflection of the city’s vibrant culture but also a testament to its rich history.
One of the most legendary venues in San Francisco is of course -The Fillmore. This iconic venue has been a fixture in the city’s live music scene since the 1960s and has seen performances by some of the greatest musicians of all time, including Jimi Hendrix, The Grateful Dead, and Janis Joplin.
The Fillmore is not only renowned for its music but also for its stunning chandeliers and psychedelic posters that line the walls, making it a must-visit spot for music and art enthusiasts alike. Can you say you have experienced San Fran’s music scene without paying it a visit?
If you’re looking for a more intimate setting to catch live music, The Independent is the perfect spot for you. With a capacity of 400, this cozy venue is a great place to catch up-and-coming artists and indie bands. The Independent also boasts a fantastic sound system that ensures an unforgettable live music experience.
Another unique spot to catch a show in San Francisco is The Chapel. This former mortuary turned music venue has stunning architecture and acoustics, making it a one-of-a-kind spot to catch live music. The Chapel has a diverse lineup of musicians and performers, and it often hosts events such as open mic nights and comedy shows.
The Great American Music Hall is another beautiful venue that is not to be missed. This historic venue, which opened in 1907, has hosted countless performances by musicians of all genres. The Great American Music Hall has a grand ballroom with a spacious dance floor, ornate balconies, and a vintage ambiance that transports you back in time.
Apart from these venues, San Francisco has a plethora of other spots that showcase emerging talent and offer a unique live music experience. From the legendary Warfield Theatre to the cozy Cafe Du Nord, there’s no shortage of venues in the city that cater to all kinds of music lovers.
The live music scene in San Francisco is not just limited to the venues, though. The city also hosts several music festivals throughout the year, such as Outside Lands, Noise Pop and Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, that attract music lovers from all over the world.
These festivals are a celebration of the city’s vibrant music culture and offer a unique opportunity to experience live music in a festival setting.
What can’t be denied is that San Francisco’s live music scene is an essential part of the city’s unique culture and identity.
From iconic venues that have hosted some of the greatest musicians of all time to intimate spots that showcase emerging talent, the city’s live music scene is diverse, dynamic and sure to satisfy.
So grab a friend, head out to one of these amazing venues tonight, and experience the magic of live music in San Francisco!
Situated in woodland between Southampton and Portsmouth and in close proximity to Manor Farm Country Park and Titchfield Nature Reserve, the Solent Hotel makes for an ideal relaxing break away.
Contemporary in design, but without lacking in character, there are charming design quirks around every corner from the wooden hexagonal reception area that is manned by friendly, yet professional staff to the modern art that has a real nautical feel that is dotted around the hotel.
There’s a large glass wall of wine (big tick) displayed at the entrance too.We were upgraded to a family suite, a spacious and well-equipped room with a Nespresso coffee machine, bathrobes and White Room toiletries decorated in soothing hues of grey and cream. The bed was comfy and gave me one of the best night’s sleep I have had in a long while.
The AA Rosette-rated, British/ Mediterranean-themed Terrace Bar & Grill FYR had a fantastic menu and were able to cater for all dietary requirements.
With fantastic starters like grilled octopus, beef short rib and grilled mackerel, mesmerising mains like a succulent monkfish tail, Gressingham duck breast and grilled lobster, guests will have plenty of fantastic dishes to choose from. We couldn’t make room for a dessert sadly, but rest assured they looked incredible.
Relaxation is the name of the game here and the hotel backs on to a small wooded area which makes for an ideal leisurely walk.
One of the main draws for the Solent hotels guests is the spa facilities which includes an impressive gym which holds classes, a sizable pool area with whirlpool tub, sauna and steam room.
The pool was rather busy during the duration of our stay, which was largely attributed to a large proportion of the day being allocated to family swims which made taking a quiet swim whilst staying overnight a tad challenging, but the whirlpool tub and sauna were most enjoyable. This is a great place for families, but it would have been lovely to have a bit more time dedicated to quiet swims for sure.
One of the standout highlights is the meadow hot tub which is an outdoor hot tub that overlooks a wild garden. This does cost extra to book, but for just £45, you can exclusively reserve it for an hour and enjoy a relaxing retreat complete with a glass of the fizzy stuff.
If that wasn’t indulgent enough, you can opt to have a spa treatment where you can enjoy massages, nail treatments, facials and more all using products from the French skincare brand Caudalie.
If you are looking for a cost-effective spa break with good links to two major Southern cities, head on over to the Solent Hotel.
Check in: An overnight stay costs from £103 per night for two sharing a Double Room, including breakfast. To book, visit https://www.solenthotel.co.uk/ or call 01489 880000
With three days filled with stellar performances from world-class acts like Kasabian, Jamiroquai, Ellie Goulding, Johnny Marr, a UK exclusive set from Mumford & Sons on Sunday and more, you would be hard pressed to find a more well-rounded music festival than Victorious in Southsea.
A perennial favourite in the festival calendar, Victorious provides something for everyone whether you favour indie classics from the likes of The Charlatans, no-wave post-punk from Billy Nomates, electropop from Sigrid to name but a few.
Photo Credit: Tom Langford
Victorious made one hell of a statement on day one with indie rockers Blossoms who, despite being early on in the day, the Stockport quintet got the party started with tracks like ‘Your Girlfriend’, ‘My Swimming Brain’ and ‘Honey Sweet’.
We then saw Billy Nomates take to the Common stage who showed her professionalism when despite experiencing technical issues, she valiantly carried on and gave a sublime performance.
Photo Credit: Tom Langford
One of Friday’s standout acts was The Charlatans who treated the audience to a fantastic set of deep cuts and fan favourites like ‘North Country Boy’ and ‘The Only One I Know’. Tim Burgess looked as cool as ever, resplendent in a jazzy-looking shacket rocked the stage and had the crowd in the palm of his hand.
Amping up their indie-disco energies, Friendly Fires got the crowd dancing and brought on those Friday night vibes, setting the tone for the first night of festivities.
Raye demonstrated her musical chops with a splendid set that effortlessly blended blues, pop, soul and dance delivering passionate renditions of tracks from both her debut album ‘My 21st Century Blues’ as well as some of her earlier collaborations.
Photo Credit: Tom Langford
Closing out Friday night was the one and only Jamiroquai who got the crowd dancing with a fantastic collection of seminal tracks in a career-spanning and nostalgic set which included ‘‘Seven Days In Sunny June’, ‘Virtual Insanity’, ‘Little L’ and ‘Cosmic Girl’.
Photo Credit: Tom Langford
Saturday started with the brilliant Natalie Imbruglia who captivated the audience in the coveted lunchtime slot with a heartfelt and impassioned set.
Pale Waves lit up the stage with a superb set filled with attitude delivering powerful renditions of tracks from their three albums.
Photo Credit: Russ Leggatt
We then hotfooted it over to the Acoustic stage which is one of the most underrated stages in the entire festival to see the wonderful James Walsh who is always a festival highlight.
His songwriting, vocals and performance skills are second to none and he effortlessly commanded an audience of several thousands delivering beautiful versions of songs from his solo career including tracks from his latest solo album ‘Coming Good’ as well as tracks from the Starsailor back catalogue such as ‘Alcoholic’, ‘Lullaby’, ‘Good Souls’.
He also showcased his new song the reflective and hanting ‘The Ghost In Me’ and an intelligent and sophisticated reimagining of ‘The Universal’ by indie stalwarts blur.
Another Saturday highlight came in the shape of Scottish rock band Belle & Sebastian who gave a mesmerising and commanding performance with a deep dive into their back catalogue which included an extended rendition ‘The Boy With the Arab Strap’ where the ever-charming Stuart Murdoch encouraged members of the audience to join him and the rest of the band on stage.
Photo Credit: Elliott McRae
If a riot was to be predicted, it would always start with Ricky Wilson and the gang who started Saturday night with a bang. Drawing in one of the largest crowds of the day, the band delivered a blistering set filled with some of their most-loved tracks such as ‘Oh My God’ ‘Never Miss a Beat’ ‘Ruby’ and of course ‘I Predict A Riot’.
Closing the Common Stage on Saturday night was Kasabian who brought the rock ‘n roll with a high-energy set and thunderous set which included tracks like ‘Vlad the Impaler’, ‘CHEMICALS’, ‘Club Foot’ and culminating with the electrifying ‘Fire’.
Sunday could have been renamed ‘Super Sunday’ with back-to-back sublime sets from the likes of Hard-Fi who were performing their first UK festival in over ten years.
The band were in excellent form and showcased their impressive back catalogue with tracks like ‘Good For Nothing’, ‘Hard To Beat’, ‘Cash Machine’ and a high-octane ‘Living For The Weekend’. They were one of my favourites not just from Sunday, but from the entire festival.
Dylan delivered an energetic indie pop set which included samples of Guns N’ Roses’ ‘Paradise City’ as well as Harry Styles’s ‘Kiwi’ which made for an intriguing combination.
Photo Credit: Emma Wurfel
The fantastic Sigrid was on top form and showed what a great performer she is. Not only has she got a beautiful and powerful voice, she also is incredibly enigmatic and charming. From ‘Strangers’ to ‘Don’t Kill My Vibe’, her talent and charisma show why she is a fantastic addition to any festival line up.
Ellie Goulding provided the enraptured crowd with a jam-packed set full of her most loved tracks on the Common stage which included ‘Burn’, ‘Miracle’ and ‘Love Me Like You Do’, whilst over on the Castle Stage.
Photo Credit: Russ Leggatt
The energy levels were beyond elevated thanks to a standout set from The Vaccines who seemed to enjoy their set as much as the delighted crowd. From the lively ‘Jump Off The Top’ to ‘Headphone Baby’ and ‘Post Break-Up Sex’, Justin and the gang had everyone singing along and provided a real feel-good vibe as the festival drew to a close.
The Victorious audience were in endless deliberations with regards who to see as the final acts took to the stage. Would it be the magnificent ‘Mumford & Sons’ in their only UK festival performance this year or would it be rock ‘n’ roll royalty in the shape of Johnny ‘Fucking’ Marr?
Both acts promised a stupendous performance, but having seen Mumford at MadCool only a month prior, it had to be Johnny all the way who provided a crowd-pleasing set filled with seminal tracks from The Smiths such as ‘Panic’, ‘This Charming Man’, ‘There’s a Light’ and ‘Bigmouth’ as well as songs from his illustrious solo career such as ‘Easy Money’ and ‘Spirit, Power and Soul’.
Whichever act you opted for, Victorious ended on an absolute high and we can’t wait to see what next year’s lineup brings.
Introducing you to the Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa in Tuscany, Italy
Nestled in the rolling Tuscan hills, the Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa makes for an unforgettable and idyllic rustic retreat.
It’s remote, once you are there unless you have a car or access to a taxi, you are pretty much confined to the resort as nothing is within walking distance, but if this doesn’t faze you and a ‘do nothing’ kind of holiday appeals, then this four-star hotel will certainly appeal.
The biggest draw to this hotel and spa resort is the spectacular scenery which is simply spell-binding. It’s set on a lush green hilltop surrounded by over 1,500 acres of land which includes the Serchio Valley.
The nearest town Barga is just a short drive away where you can find a great selection of shops, bars and restaurants.
Everything you need is at this mid-Century Marriott-owned resort including a rather sublime spa. Expansive is an understatement, it feels huge despite only having 180 rooms and suites.
Upon arrival, you are greeted by a small selection of shops and the resort entrance with its warm terracotta exterior and terrace which overlooks a large azure-hued swimming pool.
Most of the rooms afford awe-inspiring views of the pristine Serchio valley making it quite the impressive wake up call when you open up the shutters first thing in the morning.
At night, the expansive skies are filled with stars with the surrounding towns lights twinkling in the distance.
The 180 rooms of the hotel are spread across two buildings and over seven floors. All are elegantly finished with a blend of traditional Tuscan styling and contemporary touches.
We stayed in a delightful junior suite which had a large bathroom complete with tub, a huge walk-in wardrobe (with his and hers bathrobes), seating area and a super-soft king sized bed.
There’s also a large balcony with those all-important valley views, ideal for enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning. Each room has lovely touches of detail including plush armchairs, crisp white linens and a lovely marble bathroom.
One of the main attractions is the spa which has a superb selection of both traditional and more wellness-oriented spa treatments.
From relaxing massages to invigorating scrubs and streamlining wraps, if you are looking to reach an inner (and indeed outer!) state of zenned out bliss, you are most certainly in the right place.
Guests can also take advantage of both the heated indoor pool, sauna and steam room as well as the aforementioned outdoor pool.
There’s also a gym and a tranquility-inducing relaxation area for those wanting to take a slightly less active approach.
The hotel’s main restaurant is Le Salette which serves up a fantastic selection of typical Tuscan dishes which includes a pretty mean risotto.
The waiting staff both at dinner and breakfast are absolutely first-class and made every effort to give us a magical experience. Dishes include an intriguing octopus tentacles on purple potato, salmon tartare, saffron risotto, Tuscan style soup, potato gnocchi and honey-glazed duck breast.
Whilst some might feel a smidge cut off, there’s something truly timeless and liberating about this hotel which really allows you to unwind. If stunning views somewhere that is truly special is high on the agenda, make sure you head on over to this off-the-beaten-path valley and rellllllaaaaxxxxx.
Check in: Double rooms start from £130 per night (not including breakfast)
