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I'm a huge fan of the NWOBHM and through Mearfest we try and champion bands of that era and heritage I also love Classic British Rock from the Seventies. Occasionally I'm lucky enough to receive a CD to review and this fabulous album from Snatch back arrived a few days ago "Ride Hard Run Free" Snatch back were formed initially in 1974 and when you hear this album it has all the hallmarks of the best of British Hard Rock bands of that era. From the opening self titled track right through to the final notes of "She's dead" you are transported back in time. I'm in big old city centre pub Outside are parked Triumphs, Nortons and other British Stallions of the highway The place is packed out with leather jacketed punters. I've managed to get a pint of Worthington E Tobacco smoke hangs in the air Lights go down and arms raise up without a phone in sight. Valve amps hum, and suddenly were off!!! Ride hard, Run free the opening track is a bikers anthem it's full of power, chugging riffs and that galloping bass we all love so much It reminds me of very early Motorhead especially the vocal tone of John Cowley What follows is eight fantastic tracks of solid pure British Rock.(along with some great bonus live tracks from 78) Think of Uriah Heep, Wishbone Ash, Atomic Rooster, Quartz, Groundhogs and Troyen and you will be on the right lines. This band may hark back to a different era but the sound on this release is fantastic Crisp and clear as a bell You hear every note from Ste Byatts guitar John's vocals are perfect along with the bass of Ian Wood and the thunderous Steve Platt this is wonderful We may have all waited 40 years for this debut album but it's been worth every second. For lovers of the NWOBHM and Classic British Rock I really cannot fault this album Stand out tracks for me are the opener, "Rock in a cold climate"and" on the run " Snatch back keep a golden era of Rock not only alive but bursting with health and vitality Later this year Snatch back will be playing for Mearfest North once again and for very good reason. Bands with this amount of History and Quality are as rare as hens teeth Do yourselves a massive favour Beg, borrow or steal this album Better still buy it on LP (I'm ordering mine today) Magnificent!!! 10 out of 10 (Eleven if the dial allows)   THIS IS THE INCREDIBLE KEV MOORE from WITCH CROSS AND MANY MORE BANDS.
Be a voice, for those denied
Be a voice for those who cried Be a voice it's all we ask Be a voice a simple task Be a voice for those stillborn Be a voice for us that mourn Be a voice and make it loud Be a voice and make us proud Be a voice for those held dear Be a voice for Molly Mear Incredible pieces of art, dolls, bags, jewellery from the very talented Ceri Morgan have arrived today, each item has been beautifully crafted with the best materials, the ragdoll is a stunning piece of art in itself, perfect for the rockstar lady in your life (including your darling daughters). IF YOU WISH TO BID FOR THIS DOLL MESSAGE US! We hold an Auction and a Raffle over two days at Mearfest South We often have badges and patches and CD's etc from the bands but it's also wonderful to receive such lovely items If you would like to donate something from your band Merch or any item you think suitable we would be delighted to receive them Just message me and Claire. All funds from our competitions, Raffle, auctions etc go directly to our chosen Stillborn support group " Our Angel Bears" Ceri, thank you so much What a wonderful surprise this morning Xx Our Patrons Dibs Hawkwinder and Sam Kirwan snuck out and GOT MARRIED!!!!   Of course Molly was keeping an eye on things as she hung out with them, thanks to Mearfest rev. Carl Flynn Edwards. Farewell my harbinger of hope farewell my angel of dreams your skin is like holding ice Hope slips through my fingers I remain silent my expression is as cold as my daughters heart I leave you for I have work to do in the land of the lost and the living.   THANK YOU
Over the next few weeks we shall be holding an interview with each of the 16 bands playing Mearfest South on the 6th and 7th of June Today's band The Black Metal Gods... ABADDON!!! Antony tells us their story... 1, Tell me about the origins of the band? " Abaddon is the brainchild of myself ex Venom, Steve Hoggart ex Aardkore and guitarist extraordinaire David Bucket Turner 2, How did you hear about Mearfest? " I was made aware of Mearfest by the ex Venom Manager Eric Cook" 3, How would you describe your Music? " Our music is the very embodiment of everything Venom have ever stood for A mix of speed, punk, at extreme volumes" 4, What can we expect from your upcoming Mearfest performance " You can expect a fast, over the top hour of shout along Mayhem!!! 5, What are the bands future Plans? " We are looking to secure management and hitting the World Metal festivals" 6, What does the Symbol of Molly's hand mean to you? "Family, Pride, Passion"  Over the next few weeks we shall be holding an interview with each of the 16 bands playing Mearfest South on the 6th and 7th of June.
Today's band are the NWOBHM Legends Montreaux! 1, Tell me about the origins of the band "Montreaux Hail from Wolverhampton and were formed in 1981 Joining the effervescent NWOBHM scene to great effect!" 2, How did you hear about Mearfest? " We were contacted by fans from Europe who were interested in bands like us who played in the Eighties. They wanted to include us in a NWOBHM Encyclopedia!! Through this we heard of bands playing and enthusing about Mearfest" 3, How would you describe your music? "Melodic, creative, exciting rock and roll with a progressive twist"! 4, What can we expect from your upcoming Mearfest Performance? "A set containing a mixture of songs from our back catalogue and current material from our almost complete new album and of course a passionate performance is guaranteed! 5, What are the bands future Plans? " To promote our new album and to tour next year in the UK, and abroad and of course if invited play Mearfest!" 6, What does the Symbol of Molly's hand mean to you? "Out of Darkness, Cometh Light!" Montreaux play on Sunday Afternoon and having heard their glorious music I for one cannot wait for this!!! Over the next few weeks we shall be holding an interview with each of the 16 bands playing Mearfest South on the 6th and 7th of June First up is Steve Grimmett of Steve Grimmett's Grim Reaper who headline our Saturday We caught up with the main man in between his recording and touring commitments. 1, Tell me about the origins of the band? "Grim Reaper in one form or another have been going since the late seventies. GR originated in Droitwich and were a local band until Nick Bowcott reformulated the line up to include me and then things went from good to fantastic" 2, How did you first hear about Mearfest? " I think you came to a benefit gig but you had been talking to my Wife Amelia. Then we started to chat and it's all lead to this show for Molly" 3, How would you describe your Music? "Heavy Metal I guess I've never tried putting it in a box but I guess other people do." 4, What can we expect from your upcoming Mearfest Show? " WE ARE GOING TO RAIN DOWN HELL!!!!!" 5,What are the bands future Plans? "We are going on a 6 weeks tour of the States in August then there are plans to tour Japan, Australia and New Zealand in the Summer" 6, What does the symbol of Molly's Hand mean to you? " This means many things to me, Struggle, Grief, Charity, England at its best. The out pouring of love and hope are just the beginning from Molly's hand. I for one will always be holding it" Steve Grimmett's Grim Reaper will be heading Mearfest South on Saturday the 6th of June in Farnham Royal near Slough Berkshire    THANK YOU
 We will be singing "Angel of Dreams" along with Rampant on Sunday 7 th of June at Mearfest South
Over the weekend we will sing our hearts out. Along with Fifteen other original Rock bands we shall all be raising funds for the Stillborn charity (Our Angel Bears) Please come along to see us all Let's give a voice to Molly (something to believe in) |
MEARFESTBrian & Claire Mear pride themselves on putting on a good show. Photography is Claires passion, only the finest collection of images will be added here by the best photographers. We both hope you enjoy the show. Archives
May 2020
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