Saturday, July 6, 2013
Killer Joy....
Walking past the castle about 7 o'clock yesterday evening I noticed that the Killer Queen concert was sold out. I'm not sure how many the castle lawn holds but a couple of thousand I'd have thought or there abouts. That's a lot of people wanting to hang on to a lost era or Radio Gagga, Bohemian Rapsody and, well yes, Killer Queen. Don't get me wrong, Queen were an awesome band in their day but it always amazes me that people will pay good money to see a clichéd poor imitation of the real thing. Some of these tribute bands have been playing the same stuff for twice and three times as long as the original artists themselves. Now there is something rather sad about that fact alone. Freddie Mercury ain't coming back so just let him go!...
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9 comments:
It was actually good fun. Tonbridge should put on more events.
I didn't go this year but have done many times, it's always a great night out. Sure, the look-alike artists are keeping a legend alive, but is that so different from a reprint of a popular book? The Bronte sisters are still very popular 150 years after their passing!
A better comparison would be a modern author doing an adaptation of a Bronte sisters book. Now that would be horrifying but a straight reprint? I can't see how that's the same....
Maybe I have been a little harsh in my judgement of these tribute bands and don't deny that it probably is a good night out. I do confess that in days gone by, and before I had better taste, I too have been to see a few of them. Way back in the mists of time I particularly enjoyed a band called The Funking Bar Stewards, who performed a medley of sixties and 70s hits, changing their outfits accordingly. I haven't made the name up I promise you they did exist, maybe even still do for all I know. I would say though that, given that Killer Queen was billed as part of The Tonbridge Arts Festival, it's hardly pushing the boundaries is it?! How about some up coming local bands being given a platform? Something original perhaps. Trouble is that, unfortunately, it all boils down to: what sells tickets? So the organisers have to appeal to a mass audience. Some balance would be quite nice. Maybe next year we'll wait and see but I'm not holding my breath....
Tonbridge and Malling Council have been running these events for at least 10 years and long before the Arts Festival started. They are nearly always sold out as was this one and whether it Killer Queen, Abba tribute or the Rat Pack is irrelevant for the people that attend. They go for a local night out with family, children and friends at a reasonable price. They know exactly what they are getting for their money. If they want top pop entertainment then they know its upwards of £75 per ticket plus travelling costs.
There was a local up and coming singer on the bill and if its up and coming bands that you want then go to the Forum in Tunbridge Wells on any night of the week.
It was the same for the Proms event an Saturday, nobody thought they were going to the Albert Hall.
If it was a full Arts Festival programme that you wanted this year TB, then you need to find a few very rich sponsors to make this an annual event.
More than a bit harsh, TB and more than a little pompous in your arrogant dismissal of these sort of tribute acts.
manofkent sums it up nicely - "a local night out with family, children and friends at a reasonable price." Tonbridge isn't Covent Garden or the Royal Festival Hall, and doesn't pretend to be.
You mention local bands; take a look in the paper, there are plenty of pubs around that host local acts, but you may need to travel a little further than Tonbridge.
BTW. the recent Angelfest, held at Tonbridge Angels Longmeead stadium featured a good line-up of local talent. You need to open your eyes and get out more!
If you are after local bands, it seems some are performing on Saturday at the beer festival at TJs:
http://www.southeastbeerfest.org.uk/whatson.html
So, a huge selection of beers, local bands and a heatwave - what could be better?
I am all in favour of these type of events being held in the town. I see no problem at all with them being either tribute or cover bands the fact this latest event was a sell out is clear evidence lots of people agree with that view.
Ricky And The Hats who are headlining at TJs on Saturday are a very good example just how good some of these local bands are. If they don't get you jigging nothing will.
Calm down you lot, that's the point of a blog to let people have their say. Just because my views don't always agree with your own doesn't mean you have to have a go. I'm sorry if I find Killer Queen and tribute bands a bit naff and clichéd. They have their place if you like that sort of thing and I've already admitted that I've seen a few in the past. But as the centre piece of an Arts Festival I'm sorry but lets not even grace it with that phrase. An arts festival should, in my opinion, be about lifting peoples expectations and making them think a bit deeper than a 30 year old song which they can shake their heads to. So if thinking that makes me "pompous" then so be it. If the fella who runs the local inde bookshop doesn't push for a better appreciation of The Arts the what hope is there left?... In fact do you know what I'm going to copy this and make it a proper post
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