It was going to be for one night only, but due to major Public demand, and Media frenzy, the very first 'Garage Punk
    rock' band The Sonics, played two show-stopping sell out nights at The Forum, London. These were their first gigs
    outside of their native USA. since they first broke onto the scene in 1964.
    (44 years is a long time to wait, but boy was it was worth it!)

    Supporting the Sonics were Pete Docherty and The Horrors. Docherty was supposed to be sharing the bill,
    but true to form, he failed to show up. (surprise, surprise).

    I have seen The Libertines, Baby Shambles and also Docherty perform a private acoustic set, and quite frankly,
    I just don't get it!! Apart from being completely over-rated and under-talented, if it wasn't for a romantic dalliance
    with a certain lady, then I'm sure that this tarnished star would have faded a long long time ago. 

    But with the disregard that he shows his fans, by failing to commit to his shows, indicates that he is completely
    undeserving of the attention that he receives. So, enough of this waste of space, and on to The Horrors

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    The First band of the night. I've been eagerly waiting to see The Horrors for a long time, and more so after meeting
    the ever so charming 'Coffin Joe'  and 'Spider Webb', a few months ago. As the intro tape played, the lights dimmed,
    and the stage took an eerie vibe ( a waft of dry ice wouldn't have gone amiss, to add to the eerie 'dungeon-esque'
    atmosphere ). They look great as a band, young, skinny, big hair, and ever so pretty!! It's hard to describe their sound,
    as its unique in a kind of '60's electro-noir -Goth/punk' style, with a dark psychotic twist. 

    Vocalist Faris Rotter, towers above the rest of the band with his lanky frame, and his ratted big hair. He takes the mike,
    reminiscent of a manic, disjointed, Joey Ramone, stumbling,  flaying arms everywhere. Guitarist Josh Van Grimm
    the third, stomps around the stage with pent up aggression which comes through in his playing. Spider Webb's
    keyboards, distorted dirty, dirgy strangled sound, and Coffin Joe's pounding drums, along with Bassist,
    Tomethy Furse, sets them apart from any other band.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

     I liked them for their dark disturbed macabre and individuality. Their 30 minute set included the catchy 'Count Of fives',
   'Craw Daddy Simon', 'Sheena is a parasite', and 'She is the new thing', and my fave 'Death at the Chapel'.
    I was, however, disappointed that they didn't play my old friend Screaming Lord Sutch's classic, 'Jack The Ripper'.  

    The man responsible for putting on this historic event is Rob Bailey, of 'The New Untouchables'. Rob is the King Pin
    Promoter of the underground 60's Mod scene in this country. 

    For the past five years at Easter, Rob Bailey has put on a spectacular three day and night event called Modstock.
   Every year, fans of the 60's have travelled from all over the World to attend this  extravaganza. Live music from
    countless bands, international DJ's, pop art visuals, go-go dancers, retro clothes and record stalls.
    All night bars and 3 three clubs in one at the 229 great Portland Street venue, including sounds such as R&B, Ska,
    Blues, Beat & Psych, Northern Soul, and this year there's even a 50's Rock a Billy, and Rock n Roll room
    with live music too.

    This year, by bringing the Fuzzy toned legendry Sonics to our shores, he's well and truly excelled himself.
    Fans have travelled from all over the World to see the band. With their original line up too! including Gerry Rosalie
    on Vocals Piano and Organ, brothers Andy Parypa on bass and Larry Parypa on guitar, Bob Bennett
    on Drums and Rob Lind on Sax.

    They treated the  audience to a fest of all their hits including 'Psycho', 'The Witch', 'Have Love Will Travel'
    and my own personal favourite 'Strychnine', Finishing with the wonderful 'Louie Louie''. The crowd went wild! 

    It was a fantastic performance and it wasn't over yet, because then it was on to the after club show at
    The 229 Great Portland Street venue, just in time to catch yet another really cool Garage band, 'The Phantom Keys'.

   

   

    After that, it was non stop party and drinking 'til dawn. Rob Bailey also hosts several all -nighters, 'The Mousetrap'
    and 'Brainwashed', which are well worth a visit!

   

    Photography : Trudi Knight