Facebook - FRIEND OR FOE?
It was perhaps on the first night i visited Pontins in Southport for Bugged Out that i understood how dominant facebook has become as part of general life. Only when i could not access it and the withdrawal symptoms occurred all weekend did i have this epiphany. In this far flung corner of Ainsdale, there was absolutely no signal running through my allegedly smart phone. I mean come on, surely in this glorious age of technology there would be a tiny whimper of signal anywhere on this globe, barring maybe the Sahara desert and in the middle of an ocean. But it certainly got me thinking about why i wanted access to it so badly.
In little more than ten years, if that, this behemoth of a website has immersed itself so far into modern day life. It is kind of difficult to remember the times we didn't have it. But of course we did. And before facebook, there was Myspace and before that my personal favourite as a horny 18 year old was MSN messenger. But in the glorious days of old, i certainly dont remember access to these sites being so universal, and it now feels that everyone and their mums has a profile page, and if you haven't got someone on facebook who lives within a ten mile radius, its hard to imagine they even exist.
Obviously the improvement in technology has meant that every detail of your life can be posted within mere seconds, and for many of the people out there, this means our walls are constantly filled with gossip, bitching and general bullshit. But we soak it up every day, we can't get through a dinner break without a quick skim over our newsfeeds and we cant get through a train journey without posting a status about it.
But is this everyday essential really a positive addition to our lives. Or is this actually having a negative impact on our social lives. We speak to our friends through instant messages, we can tell them everything that happens over the web but sometimes this can stop us from actually making plans to go and see people and tell them our stories face to face. You can sit in any bar on any given day and you are likely to see a group full of friends. Sitting with their phones out probably talking to each other over facebook. But no words are heard from their actual mouths.
And obviously another advantage of facebook is that we can do mass invites to all those parties/gigs/events we want all our friends to go to. Right? Wrong. And what do we do? We hit that maybe button. Poor turnouts can be found at any night that rely on facebook advertising. The best way to fill a room is still to spread the word yourself by talking face to face with people.
I could probably list a whole host of other things that grind on me every day when looking at my facebook news feeds, i hate how many kids photos are put up of kids doing fuck all with the hash tag bobbies first gargle, i hate it how now when celebrities die the rip bandwagon drives through my feed all day, i hate seeing those attention seeking girls posts that reads "OMG i am just so pissed off with life right now" and hate it further still when those creepy guys comment back "HUGS", i hate how many shit meme's are posted with the words "FUNNIEST THING EVER" above it and don't even get me started on Necknomination.
With all that said, there must be some redeeming features, and of course there are. Last months incredible no make up selfie campaign which raised all that money for Cancer research being a prime example of how good facebook can be when used in the right way, but my point is that so often we abuse this gift. We are all completely connected with each other every minute of the day, And too often our lives our full of the junk that is posted and the good shit is forgotten about, wedged between a post that reads "22 problems all people with resting bitch face will understand" and one that reads "Like and share this to win a free domino's pizza"
But hey, i am no facebook saint. i want my like count to rise and rise just as much as the next guy. And that really is the sad aspect of facebook. Too much is set up for people who just seek admiration on every detail of their life, instead of actually finding the admiration of that moment in their life. Is this rant a complete hypocrisy. The cynics among you will undoubtedly be saying "yes it is, as you are putting your views out there to see if anyone else shares it and clicks that glorous like button" And i couldn't really argue. Such is the nature of facebook, everything you say or do or share, is constantly scrutinised by your facebook acquaintances and yet we still do it.
Perhaps the point of this blog is purely just to see if anyone else is as frustrated as i am, at how much we cant live without this website that most of us will probably say we hate 50% of the time. But will i be deleting my account? No! Will i go and check my newsfeed now i have finished this blog? Yes. And to quote Mark Zuckerberg "The question isn't, 'What do we want to know about people?', It's, 'What do people want to tell about themselves?' I implore anyone who reads this though to make sure we don't waste what facebook can offer us, and use it for good, and for pity sake if i write a status. Hit Like!
Wednesday, 30 April 2014
Thursday, 20 March 2014
The Answer, Liverpool O2 Academy, Thursday March 20th 2014
The Answer – Thursday March 20th 2014
I awake from my slumber in the afternoon after a rather heavy night out in Ormskirk the night before. I had accidentally attended a night dubbed “Rock Night” at Styles in Ormskirk. I will always admire people who get up and do something like run their own night, when most people, myself included, always ramble drunkenly about setting up our own nights, but never actually go out and do it. But I do wonder when looking around the room of this bar last night at the very small congregation of people, none of whom look entirely interested in rock music, whether the organiser thinks it’s worth it. Poor song choices like a truly awful metal version of Daft Punk’s Get Lucky that I care not to hear any time again, it gets me to think has Rock had its day? There are crowd pleasers though. Alien Ant Farms cover of “Smooth Criminal” and songs I haven’t heard since My Chemical Romance went swiftly out of fashion. But the problem is there is no crowd to please.
It is this lingering feeling I have mused on the night before that gets me apprehensive about my plans for that evening. I’m off to see one of my favourite modern rock bands. Generally within the last 20 years this has been a genre that has fell out of fashion, and usually it is only the bands that were there in rocks heyday that can actually pull off a decent show. There are thankfully a few exceptions and the Answer are most definitely one of those bands. Great live with some terrific classic rock songs that actually don’t sound outdated, they may not be as big as the behemoths of 70’s rock music. But their songs sit comfortably alongside them on my Ipod.
I had seen them numerous times before. The first time thanks to a particularly poor line-up at Download Festival, where I stumbled on to them in the early stage of their career. In a small tent with not many of us knowing who they were or what we were in for, they completely blew everyone away. It was enough to make me rush out and buy their debut album Rise. The years passed and 3 more albums later, I have caught them 3 times since and every time they have surpassed my expectations. But now I sit here wondering what fate was in store for rock music and rock nights after the poor showing the night before.
Doors are at 7pm. fashionably late we arrive at Liverpool’s O2 Academy at 7:45, fully expecting to walk in and be ready for the first act. Entering the room, the small turnout can’t be ignored. My fears of the previous night realised. Rock just does not draw big crowds anymore. Undeterred my buddy and I head for the bar, small crowd or not, we were here to drink beer and give support to a great live act. And who turns up for a support band anyway, the people would come later. My next big shock comes after getting a pint put in front of me and the bargirl stating “That’s £4.50 please” I will never understand how venue’s like this feel they can hike the prices up. It is little wonder why most of the crowd have opted to come later and enjoy a beverage somewhere else until The Answer come on.
Unfortunately then, support act Black wolf take to the stage with not many people to encourage. It is a decent enough effort from all involved on stage though, in particular a fine display from the drummer who hammers through the set and makes sure those in attendance are thumping to his beat. You can’t fault the enthusiasm shown. Perhaps a little lacking in their own style and sound they more than make up for it with the energy needed when playing for a smaller crowd. Half way through song “Moving Mountains” the song turns and with some delicious guitar lead, I am now more than a little interested. And the highlight of their set is new single “Keep Moving On” This is what we want from rock music, great riffs and a good groove to move along to. And then a chorus that makes singing along inevitable.
Endlessly they try to pep up a lacklustre crowd but to be fair they are hardly inspiring with very standard shouts of “Sing after me HEY HEY HEY”. Unless you are James Hetfield, this just sounds a little forced, and clearly shows this band although clearly rich with energy have perhaps not found their own sense of identity yet and when the singer attempts “Sing after me WOAH” which in all honesty sounds very flat. Again it shows a band and a vocalist with limits. There are enough good riffs and certainly great lead guitar moments to carry this band through though. And with their debut album just released, there’s plenty of room to improve.
Forgivingly when I turn around at the end of the set I do realise now the crowd has started to arrive. Still nowhere near as many as I expected but more none the less. Some overpriced lager later and the excitement builds as we await the Answer to arrive on stage. I wonder whether I am about to witness the same level I have seen previously with this band. Within moments of frontman Cormac Neeson taking to the stage, all worries I have are long gone. Exploding into new song New Horizon from the new album of the same name, there is now a new energy within the crowd that had failed to be seen previously in the evening.
Glorious use of the harmonica, every frontman’s favourite accessory, in song “Trouble” you understand quickly that this bands secret is that they clearly love playing this music. This is a band smiling throughout. And when crowd pleaser “Under the sky” takes the night to a dizzying high, the crowd are smiling too. All the elements you come to expect from a live rock band are thrown in. A Drum solo intro into new song Concrete performed impeccably by James Heatley on the pots and pans. Followed by a cover of Rory Gallagher’s Cradle Rock, which in all honesty is just an excuse for lead guitarist Paul Mahon to show off his incredible talents. All the elements you expect from a live rock act but not over the top or tedious as with some lengthy interlude solos.
Nowhere Freeway, refreshingly done with just acoustic melody, sends shivers down the spine. Its delicacy is a really great moment sandwiched within the harder rock anthems. Upon saluting the whiskey drinkers within the building and gliding through the superb “Memphis Water” and crowd shout out favourite “Come Follow Me”. Inevitably the band retire to backstage while the crowd chant and cheer for the encore we all know we were going to get. Surprisingly they reappear with the song “Comfort Zone” for me the only mistake in an otherwise glorious set. This slower number for me not right for an encore but its more than made up for with the next song. My personal favourite “Preachin” and to be fair, it’s the song of the night. Not only does the slide guitar in this song inspire the entire room to be swinging their hips, banging their head and singing the last of what their throats will offer. But we are treated by a remarkable touch of class from Cormac who not content with just singing at the front of the stage, climbs over the barrier and into the crowd, singing within the middle of his captivated audience. He lowers everyone down to the ground for the tender middle of the song before jumping us back up when it crashes back in. It sends the crowd into biblical euphoria as he continues his preaching sermon “I'm gonna get me religion, ooh I'm gonna join the Baptist church” It’s a rapturous ending and will send everyone away with beaming Cheshire cat style mouths.
On reflection, rock may not be in the forefront of the album charts anymore, but I for one am pleased that bands like The Answer are still flying the flag for this type of music. And I encourage anyone who is into this genre of music to show their support and get down to these gigs. I feel too many rock fans are apathetic with their support and it’s such a shame amazing bands like this can’t fill smaller venues out. I will be back next time The Answer come to visit us, will you?
I awake from my slumber in the afternoon after a rather heavy night out in Ormskirk the night before. I had accidentally attended a night dubbed “Rock Night” at Styles in Ormskirk. I will always admire people who get up and do something like run their own night, when most people, myself included, always ramble drunkenly about setting up our own nights, but never actually go out and do it. But I do wonder when looking around the room of this bar last night at the very small congregation of people, none of whom look entirely interested in rock music, whether the organiser thinks it’s worth it. Poor song choices like a truly awful metal version of Daft Punk’s Get Lucky that I care not to hear any time again, it gets me to think has Rock had its day? There are crowd pleasers though. Alien Ant Farms cover of “Smooth Criminal” and songs I haven’t heard since My Chemical Romance went swiftly out of fashion. But the problem is there is no crowd to please.
It is this lingering feeling I have mused on the night before that gets me apprehensive about my plans for that evening. I’m off to see one of my favourite modern rock bands. Generally within the last 20 years this has been a genre that has fell out of fashion, and usually it is only the bands that were there in rocks heyday that can actually pull off a decent show. There are thankfully a few exceptions and the Answer are most definitely one of those bands. Great live with some terrific classic rock songs that actually don’t sound outdated, they may not be as big as the behemoths of 70’s rock music. But their songs sit comfortably alongside them on my Ipod.
I had seen them numerous times before. The first time thanks to a particularly poor line-up at Download Festival, where I stumbled on to them in the early stage of their career. In a small tent with not many of us knowing who they were or what we were in for, they completely blew everyone away. It was enough to make me rush out and buy their debut album Rise. The years passed and 3 more albums later, I have caught them 3 times since and every time they have surpassed my expectations. But now I sit here wondering what fate was in store for rock music and rock nights after the poor showing the night before.
Doors are at 7pm. fashionably late we arrive at Liverpool’s O2 Academy at 7:45, fully expecting to walk in and be ready for the first act. Entering the room, the small turnout can’t be ignored. My fears of the previous night realised. Rock just does not draw big crowds anymore. Undeterred my buddy and I head for the bar, small crowd or not, we were here to drink beer and give support to a great live act. And who turns up for a support band anyway, the people would come later. My next big shock comes after getting a pint put in front of me and the bargirl stating “That’s £4.50 please” I will never understand how venue’s like this feel they can hike the prices up. It is little wonder why most of the crowd have opted to come later and enjoy a beverage somewhere else until The Answer come on.
Unfortunately then, support act Black wolf take to the stage with not many people to encourage. It is a decent enough effort from all involved on stage though, in particular a fine display from the drummer who hammers through the set and makes sure those in attendance are thumping to his beat. You can’t fault the enthusiasm shown. Perhaps a little lacking in their own style and sound they more than make up for it with the energy needed when playing for a smaller crowd. Half way through song “Moving Mountains” the song turns and with some delicious guitar lead, I am now more than a little interested. And the highlight of their set is new single “Keep Moving On” This is what we want from rock music, great riffs and a good groove to move along to. And then a chorus that makes singing along inevitable.
Endlessly they try to pep up a lacklustre crowd but to be fair they are hardly inspiring with very standard shouts of “Sing after me HEY HEY HEY”. Unless you are James Hetfield, this just sounds a little forced, and clearly shows this band although clearly rich with energy have perhaps not found their own sense of identity yet and when the singer attempts “Sing after me WOAH” which in all honesty sounds very flat. Again it shows a band and a vocalist with limits. There are enough good riffs and certainly great lead guitar moments to carry this band through though. And with their debut album just released, there’s plenty of room to improve.
Forgivingly when I turn around at the end of the set I do realise now the crowd has started to arrive. Still nowhere near as many as I expected but more none the less. Some overpriced lager later and the excitement builds as we await the Answer to arrive on stage. I wonder whether I am about to witness the same level I have seen previously with this band. Within moments of frontman Cormac Neeson taking to the stage, all worries I have are long gone. Exploding into new song New Horizon from the new album of the same name, there is now a new energy within the crowd that had failed to be seen previously in the evening.
Glorious use of the harmonica, every frontman’s favourite accessory, in song “Trouble” you understand quickly that this bands secret is that they clearly love playing this music. This is a band smiling throughout. And when crowd pleaser “Under the sky” takes the night to a dizzying high, the crowd are smiling too. All the elements you come to expect from a live rock band are thrown in. A Drum solo intro into new song Concrete performed impeccably by James Heatley on the pots and pans. Followed by a cover of Rory Gallagher’s Cradle Rock, which in all honesty is just an excuse for lead guitarist Paul Mahon to show off his incredible talents. All the elements you expect from a live rock act but not over the top or tedious as with some lengthy interlude solos.
Nowhere Freeway, refreshingly done with just acoustic melody, sends shivers down the spine. Its delicacy is a really great moment sandwiched within the harder rock anthems. Upon saluting the whiskey drinkers within the building and gliding through the superb “Memphis Water” and crowd shout out favourite “Come Follow Me”. Inevitably the band retire to backstage while the crowd chant and cheer for the encore we all know we were going to get. Surprisingly they reappear with the song “Comfort Zone” for me the only mistake in an otherwise glorious set. This slower number for me not right for an encore but its more than made up for with the next song. My personal favourite “Preachin” and to be fair, it’s the song of the night. Not only does the slide guitar in this song inspire the entire room to be swinging their hips, banging their head and singing the last of what their throats will offer. But we are treated by a remarkable touch of class from Cormac who not content with just singing at the front of the stage, climbs over the barrier and into the crowd, singing within the middle of his captivated audience. He lowers everyone down to the ground for the tender middle of the song before jumping us back up when it crashes back in. It sends the crowd into biblical euphoria as he continues his preaching sermon “I'm gonna get me religion, ooh I'm gonna join the Baptist church” It’s a rapturous ending and will send everyone away with beaming Cheshire cat style mouths.
On reflection, rock may not be in the forefront of the album charts anymore, but I for one am pleased that bands like The Answer are still flying the flag for this type of music. And I encourage anyone who is into this genre of music to show their support and get down to these gigs. I feel too many rock fans are apathetic with their support and it’s such a shame amazing bands like this can’t fill smaller venues out. I will be back next time The Answer come to visit us, will you?
Check out The Answer http://www.theanswer.ie/
Check out BlackWolf http://www.ukblackwolf.com/
Sunday, 9 March 2014
A Bugged Out Weekender - Sunday March 9th 2014 - DAY 3
A Bugged Out Weekender – Day 3 – Sunday 9th March
2014
The 3rd day of a festival is often accompanied by
the missing of my bed, the longing for a wash and is usually the day I start to
long for home. Tired and running out of money, I say to myself that I shall
take it easier on this third day knowing full well I’m in work the next day and
that I have to drive to get there. But as with the other days I soon realise
this is a different type of festival and that in turn means I feel slightly
different about the day ahead.
Awaking from my slumber as the clock hits 3pm. I have
optimistic thoughts of what we can do this afternoon before getting tucked in
to some glorious dancing once again. Again I immerse myself into the luxury of
getting a shower in the morning and freshening up. Why can’t every festival
come complete with a private chalet? And Unlike most festivals where my money
starts dwindling the closer I get to the end, I am astounded to look into my
wallet and find a handsome amount of cash. This is no doubt due to the price of
a beer being £2.30, half what you would pay at any Leeds, Reading, Download
type festivals. And there was no reason to part with my hard earned money here
by throwing it away on fair rides and overpriced beef burgers. Here at Pontin’s,
the mini golf, the go karts and the family bikes are all free.
The weather slightly gloomy but staying dry, it is time for
the chalet mini golf tournament. We grab the clubs from reception, one a
toddler’s size and one slightly larger but about as straight as a banana. Hey
it’s free, what did we expect. We make our way over to the course. And looking
ahead at hole 1, it is clear early on that this is well in need of a lick of
paint and some of the obstacles should probably have been condemned long ago.
It suddenly dawns on me that this is a mini golf course that hundreds if not
thousands of kids must come to play on every summer season. But what we find on
our way around is ramps that don’t work, holes that look like they have been
cut through by a blind man and perhaps most disturbing are the dolphins which
seem to have been mutilated and left to rot. Not the most children friendly
environment and I’m sure many a kids dreams have been haunted by the sight of
those dolphins upon a visit to Pontins. No score card was kept on the way
round, but I’m confident I won, though I’m sure this may be disputed by the
other players who all claim they won too!
After seeing the standard and maintenance levels displayed
on the golf, we decide to body swerve the go karts so that we don’t die and instead
opt to part with some of our cash by getting a clay oven pizza for £7. I can’t
stress enough how delicious this pizza was, worth every penny! Then we decide
to drink away our disturbed thoughts over those maimed dolphins in the pub next
door. Unsuccessful we then head to the chalet to plunge more alcoholic concoctions
down our throats in order to make the last night as good as the others. It
works and by the time we head out we are nicely merry ready to dance the heels
further off my Chelsea boots.
Leaving a little later than planned the first act we get in
to watch is Boddika. Upon entering the room it is obvious that this is a harder
techno than what had come the previous nights. And in all honesty I am not
convinced that the weary souls on day 3 of a festival can handle the harsher
tones being served up. I head to the bar, a mistake in itself, I time from the
minute I get my body to the bar to the time I get served. 35 minutes. It’s
utterly ludicrous service and to be fair most of the staff show their
discontent towards the crowd, rather than wear a smile on their face. Deciding
to make a point half way through being stood there, I attempt to alert a staff
member to my long wait, he decides to ignore my complaint, instead grumbling
about how the staff did not know this event was taking place before the weekend
and that they were not happy. Like it matters, it’s your job to serve drinks,
now where is my pint dickhead?
Somewhat forgivingly, eventually I get my lager, and I’m
away to the dance floor, I had heard a lot of Boddika’s set while grumbling at
the bar, and I soon realise that perhaps this was the perfect musical
accompaniment to a last night. Tired souls and tired legs would probably be
flaking out had the music been slightly less aggressive, and the thumping
techno beats certainly woke me up. A new Radioslave tune is served up called “Don’t
Stop” it isn’t released yet but it explodes through the room, look out for this
one when it comes out. Boddika ensure that no weary passengers are thinking of
an early exit this evening.
Intoxicated with the techno and booze and putting all my
energy into my ridiculous dancing technique, I miss the point Boddika finishes
and Joy Orbison starts. Embarrassingly turning to my friend to ask “What time
does Joy Orbison start mate?” “Er… he came on half an hour ago” How the fuck
did that happen. The techno was melting my brain. Sure enough we had brought
the steed out to the big disco again and sure enough everyone flocked to him to
say their farewells and let him guide them to a glorious last night. Hoisted
upon high, and pumped hard up and down to the bass, he was looking after me now
and not the other way around.
After Joy Orbison comes Carl Craig. One of the big Detroit
techno names and certainly the act I was looking forward to most on this final
evening. I am not to be disappointed, this would be a glorious release of my
inhibitions as I throw my hands in the air on numerous occasions, the energy in
the room is not tailing off one bit. The room is like a furnace and the sweat
is dripping off our faces but everyone there loves every moment, Carl plays “Blackwater”
by Octave One and sends the whole room in to euphoria. “How to play our music”
By Reece and Santonio further mesmerises the captivated disciples in the room, it’s
an incredible penultimate set.
And then as the hours were falling away we come to the last
act on a quite remarkable weekend of dance music. And entertaining us at the
very end would be Dave Clarke, a name which perfectly fits Bugged Out and its
anniversary celebrations. Picking up the energy immediately where Carl Craig
left off. There is no time to rest as the set starts off with the same
intensity as the previous acts. Everyone in attendance determined to give it
their all for the last act, the room is bouncing. Dettman’s remix of Bad
Kingdom by Moderat sends the steed sky high once again, and then All Day by
Gingy & Bordello remixed by Robert Hood finishes any ounce of control I have
left. With every beat my body is more and more lost to Dave’s control. It is a
stunning end.
As the set ends and the crowds start to disperse, I try and
find fault with this Bugged Out Weekend and I honestly struggle. It has been
one hell of a journey the last three days and inspired by some great DJ’s and
some awesome new friends on the dance floor and of course our very own party
steed, every soul walking away that night can start their journeys home the
next day with smiles on their faces. And so it’s a congratulations to the
organisers on converting me completely to this festival. I will be there next
year for sure. Perhaps it won’t be at Pontin’s Southport, as to be fair the
only criticisms would be aimed at their lacklustre staff and dodgy mini golf.
But wherever it is, I’ll be there, with the heels of my Chelsea boots fixed and
ready for another stellar weekend. Roll
on next year!
A playlist of tracks from this night can be found here http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJGKdp0TfS-cqPJ7FKWYjtaE8uuRZOKCP
Saturday, 8 March 2014
A Bugged Out Weekender - Saturday March 8th 2014 - DAY 2
A Bugged Out Weekend – Day 2 – Saturday 8th March
It is when I awake on Day 2, I realise what a glorious
situation we had found ourselves in at this festival. No scrambling around in a
small tent, with the almost impossible task of brushing teeth with a water
bottle while hung over to buggery. Here I arise at 11am, from an actual bed,
with an actual pillow and perhaps somewhat fortunately no banging headache. A
little groggy I delve right into the shower the chalet provides. The shower
room light flickering away like a bad horror movie, I am undeterred and absorb
myself into the luxury set out before me. I suddenly realise the gods have
smiled down at me, I am clean and I feel fresh and best of all, no hangover!
After awaking my chalet mates and telling them of the good
news. We set out to find the pub on site, The Queen Victoria. Today is FA Cup
Quarter Final Day and I am a big Everton fan and we are playing Arsenal for a
chance to go to Wembley. I have bought a scratch card from the shop and won £3
(It Cost me £2) and feel this is a good omen, victory is all but certain. Upon
finding the pub, we are met with a blank screen, and most people are still sat
down having their breakfast. It’s a little early and kick off isn’t for half an
hour. So we order our pints and decide to wait. It is here we first realise
that perhaps not everyone was feeling as fresh as ourselves, with our party
mascot “The Steed” in tow. We realise that carrying around a horse this early
was not the best tonic for the people who had over immersed themselves into the
substances the night before.
 |
| @PartySteed |
I’m not sure I know who to blame for the next 90 minutes of
my life. But a lot of people are in the firing line. First off, the blame lies
with Pontins. Firstly for putting on the wrong game for the first ten minutes,
secondly for there being no sound to accompany the first half and thirdly
because the expert channel hopper who eventually found the right game, did so
at the moment Arsenal scored! I also have to mention that I blame Arsenal for
being better than us on the day and Everton for letting me down again in a
quarter final. We lost 4-1. There was now only one thing to do to get over the
result, and that was go to the pool party.
I was told of a pool party earlier in the week, excitedly I packed
my Bermuda shorts ready for a picturesque dance next to some scantily clad
ladies in bikini’s, drinking and splashing about while 2 Bears played old
school Ibiza style dance music to accompany the setting. It turns out that in
my head I had hopped on a plane and gone to Ibiza Rocks instead. Upon entering
the pool area, I soon realise this was not what I had envisaged. 2 Bears are
playing but the music feels almost secondary as no one in the pool is paying
any attention to them and instead most are throwing the rather large inflatables
at each other for entertainment instead. That being said I strip to my bermuda’s
and decide to take on the croc run. A giant inflatable assault course shaped as
a crocodile. Kid’s stuff I snigger as I stand at the side waiting for my go.
And as my first foot bounces off the crocodile I fall helplessly sideways into
the pool. How embarrassing. Inevitably I do what everyone else has decided to
do at this “pool party” and that is having a go at throwing the ridiculously
oversized pool inflatables up into the air, before getting out, drying off and
leaving.
 |
| Pool party |
The second night of acts were upon us. And tonight after the
success of the steeds outings to the pub and pool earlier, we decide why not
take our horse with us to the big disco as well. Though inevitably going
through the vigorous search process with a toy horse under your arm, certainly
warranted some unwanted attention from the big burly bouncers.
Ten walls are on in room 1, which will be our first act of
the night after opting to drink a lot more in the chalet this evening rather
than take our chances with the bar service. I feel that this would have been
better served in the early hours though rather than the 10pm time slot it was
given. A huddle of girls taking selfie’s at the very front rather than
listening to the music told the story of a crowd not really knowing what they
were supposed to be doing. Then comes the irresistible synth tune “Gotham”. The
crowd instantly more onside and paying attention, this song is one of the big
house anthems at the moment and really is the highlight.
 |
| Ten Walls |
We now make the move into the more preferred room 2. There
is just something about this room that seems to make it a better atmosphere,
the bar decked with the slogan “It’s just a big disco” and “Viva Acid House” this
you feel is where the party people and the music lovers have come to let loose
this weekend, and we are not disappointed when Kerri Chandler pops up next. A
behemoth of the house scene, Chandler hurls us all into madness. It is tune
after tune of explosive house anthem and I can’t stop my dancing feet. Personal favourite Chic "I Want Your Love" destroys all my inhibitions and forces me into a frenzy of shape making. Many ask
how I dance in my Chelsea boots, well as long as brilliant DJ’s like Kerri are
playing, those winklepickers will be moving fine. He ends with MK's "burning" and it is an immaculate finale, everyone throwing themselves to the vibe.
Heidi continues the party on stage and it’s halfway through
her set when I first realise the attention our friend the Steed is receiving,
wave after wave of girls coming to give him a kiss and party revellers taking
him above their shoulders and pumping him up high, he is their party mascot for
the evening and it adds to the occasion. Murmurs of a Mixmag party now start to
surface around the room. This party would take place in one of the chalets we
were all staying in, and as Jackmaster takes to the stage, we ask him if he is
playing, he is and even he now takes the steed and hoists him into the air.
This was going to be a special night!
 |
| Jackmaster |
An intense build up at the start of Jackmaster’s set really
increases the energy around the room. Everyone ready for the moment the beat
drops and then the madness begins. Incredible party tunes from a DJ who really
knows what songs to spin to get everyone dancing like crazy. There was an
incredible feeling between crowd and stage as the other acts, as well as host
Heidi danced away together and raised their drinks, saluting this magnificent
set from the Glaswegian. Fast becoming song of the weekend Todd Terje’s “Delorean
Dynamite” thrust us into a frenzy and the only downside to this set was the
fact that it ended.
But all was not lost, we had been told of chalet 951. And at
6am we were on a mission to find the Mixmag Chalet party, after a couple of
wrong turns, we had done it. Only to have the door well and truly shut “I’m
sorry, there is already far too many people in here” Our heads down and our eyes
like puppy dogs, we were about to turn away in disappointment, when in a flash
the door swings open. A god of a man in a yellow basketball shirt bellows and screams
“There is still plenty of room in here” we charge through the door and into the
party. It is crammed, hot and sweaty but we were in.
Jackmaster had made his way over too, already stood behind
the decks in this tiny room. A tequila bar stood where was once a chalet
kitchen and drinks were free. Everyone in attendance revelling that they were
one of about 60 people who would get to witness this special set. The door was
now locked and everyone inside told “No one gets in and No one leaves” No one
is bothered and a big cheer erupts as
Jackmaster explodes into “Delorean Dynamite” once again. And to truly emphasize
how small this party was, it was in this moment that someone leant on a plug
socket and mistakenly turned the power off. For a couple of minutes, the party
was halted. “Put another £1 in the meter” was the cry showing no humour was
lost. The party is soon on again, with some glorious moments, Jackmaster plays
Prince’s Controversy and Purple Rain back to back for the real hands in the air
moment with everyone singing along.
 |
| Jackmaster @ Mixmag Chalet Party |
It is around 8:30am when the party starts to wind down, but
not before Jackmaster cries the eternal words of “Tops Off” no one argues and
suddenly everyone is waving their shirts above their heads wildly as we dance to
the last couple of tunes. As we all leave that miniature chalet, it’s a feeling
of utter euphoria. What a night this had been. The football result long forgotten, a heel now
breaking on my Chelsea boot from excessive dancing but in our hearts a love for
life and moments etched forever in our memories. It was a night that those in attendance will
not forget in a hurry, this was the night we could say we were there.
A playlist featuring some of the songs from this night can be found here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_PzTxqJEDw&index=2&list=PLJGKdp0TfS-fW5uuGGIOUglRkYeoW2GzA
A playlist featuring some of the songs from this night can be found here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_PzTxqJEDw&index=2&list=PLJGKdp0TfS-fW5uuGGIOUglRkYeoW2GzA
Friday, 7 March 2014
A Bugged Out Weekender - Friday March 7th 2014 - DAY 1
A Bugged Out Weekend March 7th DAY 1 – FRIDAY NIGHT
I have often drove between Southport And Liverpool in my life, and on occasion this takes you down the coast road, past the old Pontins in Ainsdale, a place that from the outside, you could quite easily mistake for some prisoner of war camp that has been left to ruin. All fenced off and about as appealing for a family holiday as a rotten fruit bowl. It came as somewhat of a surprise to me when I was told that this year a reputable promoter had chosen this location to be responsible for the festival marking their 20th anniversary .
This was Bugged Out Weekender 2014.
This festival was boasting a rather impressive line-up, which included a whole host of reputable DJ’s and i had managed to blag a weekend ticket with accommodation in one of Pontin’s fine family chalets which I would share with 3 friends and 1 Steed (We'll come to the steed later) Despite the location being dubious, I was packed and excited for an enjoyable weekend of drinks, dancing and electronic music. So we bundled ourselves into my ever trustworthy car Betty, and headed out on the 20 minute short journey from my home in Ormskirk to the weekends biggest party.
Upon arrival about 6:30pm, we drive through the main gates of the Pontins complex, there is already a decent crowd gathering outside the main building which was housing the festival itself. After a rather strange half arsed search of the vehicle by some security men, which included opening my boot full of suitcases and declaring “I have nothing to declare sir”, we were on our way into the main building feeling fairly smug that we were going to skip the big queue that had formed outside already, we were going straight to the press office to pick up our chalet keys. Its times like this you can feel high and mighty , almost pompous at how grand we were compared to everyone else, we are humbled back down to earth quick enough when handed our bed sheets for the weekend in a bag. We shall not be receiving too much in the way of VIP treatment here!
We enter the Chalet, room number 299, our home for the next 3 days. Its basic but convenient enough, close to the main building, easy staggering distance back home after the nights festivities. We all agree, this would be for the best. Aside from an almost unbearable strobe effect coming from the toilet light, and a realisation that the pitiful excuses for hangers would be hanging no jackets ever again, we could hardly grumble at our new abode. Pleasantly surprised, we get pre drinks out the way and head to the main building for our first taste of the entertainment laid on for us.
It is here we realise what a thorough search involves. The security are cutting no corners here and invade our wallets, cig packets, coat pockets and any crevice we have upon our persons searching for the obvious disco biscuits the many clientele will be trying to smuggle in this weekend to accompany their night. This was to be a regular theme of the weekend for any smoker who would attend this festival and often hefty lines are formed outside the main doors. Some of us being searched 8 times an evening by the same security guard who continually asks what I plan to do with the plectrums I have in my jeans pocket. By the end of the week however most are done with gentle banter as we start to recognise each other. “You have touched me more this weekend than my girlfriend has” being a popular awkward moment killer. The security do a stellar job but it has to be said they are probably fighting a losing battle. And over the weekend it is obvious that many punters have been clever enough to get their supply in anyway.
We head to room 2 where you can count the number of people in attendance on one hand and then to room one, where there is not a soul in sight. We soon find out why, the party had started, but in room 3. In here we find Nadia Ksaiba, who plays a belter of a set and starts the evening off very nicely with digitally magnificent sounding electro, followed by LDMS (Liverpool Dance Music Society) in all honesty, its no thrills from the lads here, but it’s decent enough to get the room going.
Perhaps inevitably Friday night really hots up when we go and see Kolsch in room 2. An Outstanding set which I just could not help throwing shapes to from start to finish. From here the night continues to grow and suddenly I realise I am enjoying myself far more than I thought I would be for a festival here at Pontin’s. And despite the ridiculously poor bar service, which was unfortunately a staple of the entire weekend, the drinks flow and the night gets better and better.
Into room 1, Todd Terje is about to make his appearance. This is one I have been particularly looking forward to, it starts a little slowly, and I am nervous that perhaps this one could be a little overhyped in my mind, but with the irresistible new tune in tow “Delorean Dynamite” the set ignites. A fantastic long ensemble of another new track “Spiral”, followed closely by the heavenly bounce of “Inspector Norse” in the end this is a set that leaves no one disappointed. And I struggled to rid my mind of the beat to Eurodans well into the next day.
Erol Alkan draws the crowd into room 2 again, and unfortunately for me the set feels a little bit flat to begin and really fails to get me going up until the last half an hour. That being said, the half an hour were he picks it up, is outstanding, my particular highlight being “A Hold On Love” which certainly made me nostalgic for my old Ibiza dance CD’s.
Following Erol is Andrew Weatherall back to back with Daniel Avery, two DJ’s who separately i have seen blow me away within the last year. However this B2B session doesn’t do it for me. It feels distorted and was lacking anthem for 3am in the morning and feeling like the night was slipping away from us. It is in this moment my friend makes a suggestion about going to see Dixon instead for an hour in Room 1 and returning to catch the end of Weatherall/Avery instead.
This suggestion proved to be more than profitable. Dixon has been ranked as the number 1 DJ in the world. However I have never been overly keen, and much to my own stupidity and ignorance, had very rarely given him the opportunity to prove to me why this reputation exists. Five minutes into his extraordinary set, I saw the error in my ways and the value of having friends who steer you in the right direction. The whole room exploded into delicious dancing chaos. The smoke filled the room to the point of blindness, as the lights flashed the only colours before your eyes. This made the whole set a monster of the senses. And most of the tunes served up were the perfect tonic for anyone flagging in the early hours. Dixon expertly inspired tired souls into giving their all right to the end.
Dixon had stolen the show. Pontins had miraculously hosted an unforgettable night and Bugged Out weekend had kicked off with a very loud bang! Forgivingly with our chalet close to the main building, the drunken stumble back home could be enjoyed with the favourable memories of a cracking night. Day 2 surely could not top this opener? Or could it?
Playlist for anyone wanting to check out any artists mentioned above https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJGKdp0TfS-cysoSfLkUPWFdUWb2zlspe
I have often drove between Southport And Liverpool in my life, and on occasion this takes you down the coast road, past the old Pontins in Ainsdale, a place that from the outside, you could quite easily mistake for some prisoner of war camp that has been left to ruin. All fenced off and about as appealing for a family holiday as a rotten fruit bowl. It came as somewhat of a surprise to me when I was told that this year a reputable promoter had chosen this location to be responsible for the festival marking their 20th anniversary .
This was Bugged Out Weekender 2014.
This festival was boasting a rather impressive line-up, which included a whole host of reputable DJ’s and i had managed to blag a weekend ticket with accommodation in one of Pontin’s fine family chalets which I would share with 3 friends and 1 Steed (We'll come to the steed later) Despite the location being dubious, I was packed and excited for an enjoyable weekend of drinks, dancing and electronic music. So we bundled ourselves into my ever trustworthy car Betty, and headed out on the 20 minute short journey from my home in Ormskirk to the weekends biggest party.
Upon arrival about 6:30pm, we drive through the main gates of the Pontins complex, there is already a decent crowd gathering outside the main building which was housing the festival itself. After a rather strange half arsed search of the vehicle by some security men, which included opening my boot full of suitcases and declaring “I have nothing to declare sir”, we were on our way into the main building feeling fairly smug that we were going to skip the big queue that had formed outside already, we were going straight to the press office to pick up our chalet keys. Its times like this you can feel high and mighty , almost pompous at how grand we were compared to everyone else, we are humbled back down to earth quick enough when handed our bed sheets for the weekend in a bag. We shall not be receiving too much in the way of VIP treatment here!
 |
| "Don't you know who i am?" |
We enter the Chalet, room number 299, our home for the next 3 days. Its basic but convenient enough, close to the main building, easy staggering distance back home after the nights festivities. We all agree, this would be for the best. Aside from an almost unbearable strobe effect coming from the toilet light, and a realisation that the pitiful excuses for hangers would be hanging no jackets ever again, we could hardly grumble at our new abode. Pleasantly surprised, we get pre drinks out the way and head to the main building for our first taste of the entertainment laid on for us.
It is here we realise what a thorough search involves. The security are cutting no corners here and invade our wallets, cig packets, coat pockets and any crevice we have upon our persons searching for the obvious disco biscuits the many clientele will be trying to smuggle in this weekend to accompany their night. This was to be a regular theme of the weekend for any smoker who would attend this festival and often hefty lines are formed outside the main doors. Some of us being searched 8 times an evening by the same security guard who continually asks what I plan to do with the plectrums I have in my jeans pocket. By the end of the week however most are done with gentle banter as we start to recognise each other. “You have touched me more this weekend than my girlfriend has” being a popular awkward moment killer. The security do a stellar job but it has to be said they are probably fighting a losing battle. And over the weekend it is obvious that many punters have been clever enough to get their supply in anyway.
We head to room 2 where you can count the number of people in attendance on one hand and then to room one, where there is not a soul in sight. We soon find out why, the party had started, but in room 3. In here we find Nadia Ksaiba, who plays a belter of a set and starts the evening off very nicely with digitally magnificent sounding electro, followed by LDMS (Liverpool Dance Music Society) in all honesty, its no thrills from the lads here, but it’s decent enough to get the room going.
Perhaps inevitably Friday night really hots up when we go and see Kolsch in room 2. An Outstanding set which I just could not help throwing shapes to from start to finish. From here the night continues to grow and suddenly I realise I am enjoying myself far more than I thought I would be for a festival here at Pontin’s. And despite the ridiculously poor bar service, which was unfortunately a staple of the entire weekend, the drinks flow and the night gets better and better.
Into room 1, Todd Terje is about to make his appearance. This is one I have been particularly looking forward to, it starts a little slowly, and I am nervous that perhaps this one could be a little overhyped in my mind, but with the irresistible new tune in tow “Delorean Dynamite” the set ignites. A fantastic long ensemble of another new track “Spiral”, followed closely by the heavenly bounce of “Inspector Norse” in the end this is a set that leaves no one disappointed. And I struggled to rid my mind of the beat to Eurodans well into the next day.
Erol Alkan draws the crowd into room 2 again, and unfortunately for me the set feels a little bit flat to begin and really fails to get me going up until the last half an hour. That being said, the half an hour were he picks it up, is outstanding, my particular highlight being “A Hold On Love” which certainly made me nostalgic for my old Ibiza dance CD’s.
Following Erol is Andrew Weatherall back to back with Daniel Avery, two DJ’s who separately i have seen blow me away within the last year. However this B2B session doesn’t do it for me. It feels distorted and was lacking anthem for 3am in the morning and feeling like the night was slipping away from us. It is in this moment my friend makes a suggestion about going to see Dixon instead for an hour in Room 1 and returning to catch the end of Weatherall/Avery instead.
This suggestion proved to be more than profitable. Dixon has been ranked as the number 1 DJ in the world. However I have never been overly keen, and much to my own stupidity and ignorance, had very rarely given him the opportunity to prove to me why this reputation exists. Five minutes into his extraordinary set, I saw the error in my ways and the value of having friends who steer you in the right direction. The whole room exploded into delicious dancing chaos. The smoke filled the room to the point of blindness, as the lights flashed the only colours before your eyes. This made the whole set a monster of the senses. And most of the tunes served up were the perfect tonic for anyone flagging in the early hours. Dixon expertly inspired tired souls into giving their all right to the end.
Dixon had stolen the show. Pontins had miraculously hosted an unforgettable night and Bugged Out weekend had kicked off with a very loud bang! Forgivingly with our chalet close to the main building, the drunken stumble back home could be enjoyed with the favourable memories of a cracking night. Day 2 surely could not top this opener? Or could it?
Playlist for anyone wanting to check out any artists mentioned above https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJGKdp0TfS-cysoSfLkUPWFdUWb2zlspe
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