Butlins – Bogner December 2005 Report

I am, as you all well know, well stuck in the seventies, so you can imagine how excited I was at the prospect of my first 70’s weekend . To be surrounded by like-minded people all out for a stomping good time and NO KIDS! Well I can tell you
now, I wasn’t disappointed. The only way I can describe it is imagine going to the biggest seventies fancy dress party you’ve ever been to and times it a hundred-fold.

It is absolutely amazing, there I was walking through the tented village wearing my prized possession cardigan when a girl shouts at me “ Starsky “ and then excitedly points to her boyfriend exclaiming “Hutch”. The atmosphere was just so great everywhere you went people were dressed in all sorts of get ups from Alice Cooper to Marc Bolan. They were all there for one reason and that was to let their hair down and escape to the seventies for a few days and nights…… and escape we did.

The entertainment was pretty spectacular too with a whole host of original and tribute bands of which I shall give you my reviews.

Original Bands

The Rubettes featuring Alan Williams

Famous for their harmonies these can still produce the goods. With hits like Sugar baby love and Tonight they had the whole venue singing.

Showaddywaddy

Came on stage and rolled off hit after hit (and they had loads) but ehre was something not quite right with Dave Bartrams mike so they changed it only to find it was actually his voice that was having the trouble. Still they made up for it with a great display of showmanship with some audience participation but I think the guy in the blow up ballet dress stole the show. One thing I was very disappointed in however was their encore, it was xmas and they omitted to do Hey Mr Christmas……….. why?

John Rossall’s Glitter Band

Although the vocals weren’t very strong it was great to hear the glitter sound live again. Going through their hits like Angel Face and Goodbye my love plus some of GG’S brought back some great memories and what I wouldn’t do for one of their jackets!! Could have done coming on stage later in my opinion.


Brotherhood of Man

For me these were the surprise of the weekend. All the original band members were present, and still sounding great. They really showed what a class act they are and put on a great nostalgic show with the highlight getting the whole venue singing along to Remember you’re a Womble.

Alvin Stardust

Didn’t manage to see him this time but have seen him before and know he’s a good entertainer.

Tributes

Jean Geanie

Very impressed with this guy/band. Concentrating on Bowie’s older stuff like Life on Mars and Ziggy Stardust he really took him off to a T. Really enjoyed singing along to the old hits and especially loved Starman and Space Oddity. Top notch.

Mercury

These absolutely stole the show, they were top of the bill and rightly so. They looked and sounded just like Queen and had the whole venue dancing, singing and clapping along. He was a true showman and displayed the great Freddie campness without going over the top. A class act.

Bootleg Slade

Due to them clashing with Mercury never managed to get to see them.

Status Clone

Had to leave early so again missed these.

So all in all a great time was had by all. Really looking forward to the next one where the great Slade will be rocking us.

Roll on the 19th May.

It's Burgerking .... but not as we know it!!!