Review | Pompey Punk'n'Roll at The Pier: 'Emptifish are still The Guv'nors'
Now newly refurbished, one hopes there will be a return to those halcyon days.
In the meantime the cream of the Portsmouth music scene gathered at the end of the pier for a midsummer party.
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Hide AdNeedless to say the mid-August the weather is not being compliant, but the large audience are hardy souls and while the dark clouds rolled in, thankfully the rain held off.
Paul Groovie, Steve Lympany, The Milton Underground Resistance and Dubbal provide the early garage rock entertainment with Emiliyah and The MightyZ All Stars served up a slice of sunshine with their lovers-rock reggae groove.
There was a sense of anticipation for the long-awaited return of Pompey’s kings of Jamaican R’n’B, The Racketeers. Lead singer Mark Ballard looking as sharp as ever, taking time out from The Dinz, his voice as golden as ever. New double bassist Roisin Egan was a delight, adding some welcome glamour for a once-again male-dominated musical day’s entertainment.
Now whether it was a vain attempt to keep warm or not, the crowd was soon on its feet, skanking away to the mecurial ska beat with Bartender closing a rapturously recieved set.
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Hide AdWith what must have been a two year wait due to the pandemic, I often wondered if there would ever be another Emptifish gig, but was delighted to hear they were booked for the Victorious Festival. And then this was announced with the mighty ‘Fish headlining.
From the opening crashing chords of 395 BBK the band hit the ground running with sure-fire classic after classic.
Lead singer George Hart looking as devishly handsome as ever, the band all with matching red guitars and black, looking as fantastic as always and showing why they were one of the most influential Portsmouth bands around.
The newer songs have more Cramps-like rock’n’roll overtones, with set closer Psychedelic Surfboard showing perfectly why they are still The Guv’nors.
A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron
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