Arriving at the base of the bumpy track, that climbs the mountain, it was obvious from the plumes of dust being created by the vehicles in front that it hadn’t rained here for a good while.
But we’re in Wales and it always rains here especially for the Steelhouse festival, doesn’t it? Maybe the weather gods will be good to us this year! We collected our passes and headed on in.
The crowd was slowly gathering around the always impressive stage with its central runway which ensures everyone gets a good view and adds to the spectacle. At just after 4pm, looking cool as ever, Planet Rock’s Paul Anthony revved up the punters for the fourteenth Steelhouse festival and announced the first band, Asomvel.
I swear there must be some of Lemmy’s blood in Ralph Robinson somewhere as the resemblance is uncanny.
Add to that the fact he plays a mean bass and has that “I’ve gargled with gravel and drunk whisky since I was 5” kind of vocal that until now I thought only Mr Kilminster had mastered. So, powering through the gritty rawness of `Motherload’, `Born To Rock ‘n’ Roll’, `Payback’s A Bitch’ and `Outside The Law’ these guys show that they mean business.
Full on in yer face rock n roll that takes no prisoners and sure as hell blows the cobwebs away from any sleepyheads in the crowd! The meaty blues rocker `Luck Is For Losers’ got the crowd bouncing and was quickly followed by `Light Em Up’ and the appropriately titled `If It’s Too Loud, You’re Too Old’ rounded things off.
Their set was short but potent and set the bar high for the rest of the bands to follow.
As you would expect tributes to the late, great Ozzy Osbourne popped up on the video screens at regular intervals and were often met with cheers from those gathered around the stage.
Next up was Marisa And The Moths who we had seen in Exeter recently. Ably assisted on guitar by none other than Mr Myke Gray on that occasion but today the normal lineup was in place and beaming from ear-to-ear Marisa hit the stage.
The sun was blazing by now as the band ventured out on to the runway. Marisa decked out in fishnets, leather shorts and big boots was on top form as they smashed out their tracks and got the first crowd singalong of the day with `Choke’.
The build up of `Borderline’ shows just how good Marisa Rodriguez’ voice is as she takes this track from gentle and demure to a raging crescendo all the time matching the power and the might of Alez D’Elia’s screaming guitar. D’Elia made his own Ozzy tribute but emblazoning Ozzy on the rear of his guitar body which he proudly to the crowd.
The band finished their set with `Who Are You Waiting For’ and were truly on fire here and went down a storm.
Paul Anthony returned to the stage ahead of the next band to do a moments tribute with all gathered here today to Ozzy. It was a strange feeling as whilst we all are shocked and saddened by him leaving the rock n roll world, there is an air of celebration as he left behind a lasting musical legacy that will never be forgotten.
Back to the bands and a name that also brings with it a raft of musical history. Blaze Bailey and his band, Wolfsbane who are celebrating the release of their re-recording of `Live Fast, Dia Fast’ entitled `Live Faster…’ got a big welcome as they kicked into gear.
Bailey was ecstatic to be performing here and run through some tracks which many of us haven’t heard for years. ‘Money To Burn’, the Maiden-Esque `Killing Machine’ and `Temple Of Rock’ pounded out to a great reception ahead of a singalong Ozzy classic – `Changes’ which saw the Welsh mountain filled with emotional voices.
We were back into `Smoke & Red Light’, `Kathy Wilson’, the mighty `Manhunt’ and lastly `Paint The Town Red’. Yes, the band has got older (haven’t we all!) but the passion and gutsy drive is still there.
Stepping out into the light, ex Murder Dolls Wednesday 13 quipped that the band normally only come out at night and tells the evening sun to fuck off.
The straps, chains, leather, and gothic make up are a world away from Wolfsbane as are the horror punk rhythms pounding out across Steelhouse. `Rotting Away’, `When The Devil Commands’ and the infectious `Summertime Suicide’ getting the whole place jumping.
The audience were captivated as `Monsters’, `Good Day To Be A Bad Guy’ and `Nowhere’ ring out.
Strutting out on the runway for `I Walked With A Zombie’ Wednesday 13 screams out the lyrics before then heading back to the main stage and announcing `I Love To Say Fuck’. Then once more back out onto the walkway but this time with a `Fuck’ emblazed umbrella of all things! Whilst they may not be everyone’s cup of tea, there is no doubt that these guys can put on a spellbinding show and can thrash their asses off.
As the sun started to set Ginger Wildheart, Ben Marsden, Jon Poole, Charles Evans, and Carol Hodge, collectively known as The Wildhearts hit the boards as tonight’s headliners.
Ripping through tracks including `Troubadour Moon’ and the sheer brilliance of `Diagnosis’ sees the band laying down some great straight-ahead rock.
Ginger always gives 110% but, on this occasion, he gave a little too much and found his voice was going but never one to give up he soldiered on just adding a little extra gritty sound to his vocal. What a hero! `Vanilla Radio’, `Jackson Whites’, the heavier `Eventually’ and `Failure Is The Mother Of Success’ all followed.
These guys were clearly having a blast! Barely stopping for breath (or a throat spray!), the catchy chorus of `Take Me Out’ rang out.
We then were taken back to his first album with `Everlone’ then we were treated to encore ending with `My Baby Is A Headfuck’. What a way to end the first night!
Review by Heather Coleman for MPM
Photography by Paul Sabin for MPM
