Music / BBQ
Review: Grillstock 2017
Closing in on Grillstock, first we hear the music, then we smell the grill. On Saturday, the rock ’n’ roll sounds of Bristol’s The 45s plus the smell of world-class burgers make for an exciting approach. Straight away we aren’t disappointed – The 45s, done up to the nines in white satin bomber jackets, thrill the already-excited crowd.
Photo by ShotAway
In keeping with the meaty atmosphere, the music on the main stage is punctuated by impressive eating competitions. Over the weekend we watch through our fingers as a bloke dressed as a hot dog smashes down six giant dogs in a cannibalistic frenzy, and we gasp as the finalists of the chilli eating competition gamely chomp down on the hottest chillies in the world while tears run down their faces. It’s not for the faint-hearted.
Photo by ShotAway
Food-wise, though, there’s much to tempt meat-lovers of all denominations. It’s tough to spot anyone without any meaty deliciousness in their hand, all provided by the best BBQ-ers from across the globe. Over the weekend we try burgers, ribs, wings and of course Grillstock’s signature pulled pork, all washed down with cider, wine and beers. Thankfully the down-to-earth tone of the festival keeps us from getting too Henry VIII.
is needed now More than ever
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Later we see Hayseed Dixie and Hot 8 Brass Band play back-to-back, each outfit breathing new life into contemporary songs with energy, humour and their respective trademark sounds. This is a tack we’ll observe on Sunday too with The Mariachis transforming chart hits into traditional Mexican music to the excitement of the packed crowd – their version of Despacito is a highlight.
Photo by ShotAway
Saturday’s headliner are LA hip-hop party-starters The Pharcyde who prove why they’re still in demand a quarter a century since their first demo was released. Though they’re now down to two members from four their vigour certainly hasn’t been halved, and they circuit the stage about fifty times only stopping to pop out some dance moves or compliment their impressive band. Their enthusiasm for the songs they must have pumped out hundreds of times before was infectious. Craig Charles’ Funk & Soul Club is another winner and gives us the second wind we need to chug out a few more dance moves before staggering home.
Photo by Jed Alder
On Sunday, two acts in particular steal the audience’s hearts: Goldie Lookin’ Chain and The Darkness. Newport massive GLC are in fine form, rapping their anti-PC rhymes against sample-heavy beats while keeping their tongues firmly in their cheeks. Tunes about Shopmobility, dildos and loads and loads of marijuana make the crowd both laugh and cringe, but most of all, dance.
Photo by ShotAway
The Darkness are Sunday’s headliner and their brand of cock-rock gets Lloyds Amphitheatre punching the air, throwing beers around and trying out frontman Justin Hawkins’ signature falsetto for themselves. Hawkins warns that this set will be mostly be made up of music “from yesteryear” which seems to excite the front row, some of whom are already donning Darkness merch.
Photo by ShotAway
Setting the tone with classic opener Black Shuck – a song based around a folk legend about a one-eyed beast – the band then rolled into a set of headbangers including new single Solid Gold, crowdpleaser I Believe in a Thing Called Love, and finished with KO punch of an extended version of Love with No Ice. Hawkins, poured into a blue catsuit, wowed with his spectacular classic rock roars and riffs, and blessed the audience with a headstand in front of the drum kit and a trip through the audience, ripping out riffs as he went.
If you don’t think meat and music mix, we think Grillstock might change your mind. You’ll never want to rock out without a burger in hand again.
Grillstock 2017, Lloyds Amphitheatre, Bristol, 1-2 July 2017
Hero image by ShotAway
Read more: Americana, Blues & Country Picks: July 2017
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