++GIG REVIEW++
Richard's Hove festy odyssey continues, with predictable behaviour from king twat Pete Doherty and a nice night time lullaby from The Raconteurs.
Today begins with the usual "will he/won’t he" shenanigans of PETE DOHERTY. BABYSHAMBLES are due to play tonight. Except, of course, no-one actually expects that to happen. If Pete wanted to be really controversial, he would just show up with his band and perform a tight set.
"Because, no matter what Babyshambles do, bar re-writing all their material, the music would still be a half-arsed regurgitation of parodic renderings of the ghosts of Libertines songs."
And so, most here concern their whole day with this game of cat and mouse, with Pete cast as Jerry. Except Artrocker, of course. We at Artrocker really wouldn’t give two hoots if Babyshambles arrived by helicopter and sprayed cocaine all over the muddy tents of Hove, performing their set hanging from bungie ropes. Why is this so? Why do we care so little, about that which others spend their days fretting over? Because, no matter what Babyshambles do, bar re-writing all their material, the music would still be a half-arsed regurgitation of parodic renderings of the ghosts of Libertines songs. Songs which, let’s face it, weren’t that good to start with. They don’t show, by the way.
Artrocker is more concerned with the fact that minimalist supergroup NEON NEON are joined by Har Mar Superstar onstage, who seems to have joined them permanently. Later, while sharing a drink, Har Mar let’s his feelings about us be known: “I love Artrocker! I used to come to your club in Highbury! I had lots of lost nights there!” Bless him.
His new colleague, GRUFF RHYS, of SUPER FURRY ANIMALS, as well as Neon Neon, fame also joins us. He loves Artrocker too. This bonding is augmented by the fact that Gruff shares a mutual acquaintance with us: gobby Welsh legendary fine artist BEDWYR WILLIAMS. We think that Gruff is a top bloke.
The night ends with the sleep-inducing, Led Zep-imitating yawnery of THE RACONTEURS.
They don’t half go on, we tell you.
++ Richard Davis ++
Artrocker rating: 4
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