Cambridge Rock Festival
Godmanchester, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire
16th August, 2007

View: level and dry

From Thursday and Friday, Eddie & The Hot Rods was the name that most people were talking about. But, come Saturday, there were three stages, where Ray Owen rolled back the years with Juicy Lucy, Ray’s bluesy vocal refrain a foil for the guitar overdrive. Del Bromham’s Stray followed, the power-trio rocking the place with such anthems as I Believe It, the powerful Jericho and magnificent All In Your Mind. Man followed and built up a head of steam with two highlights from Diamonds & Coal – the title track and tub-thumping, riff-driven All Alone – plus favourites Romain and the climactic twin guitar of Spunk Rock. Elsewhere, 25 Yard Screamer proved to be a unique prog outfit combining thematic development with impassioned singing and playing. Nine Below Zero were virtuoso too, but in an R&B format, while John Otway got a brilliant ovation, his twin guitar line-up working up a stirring dynamic. By a theremin-driven Crazy Horses, Otway had left people in tears. John O’Leary Band’s bluesy chillout added funk, swing, cool grooves, inspired harp and dazzling guitar playing. Hazel O’Connor won over the crowd with real passion, most notably on Hanging Around, while Deborah Bonham excelled on Black Coffee and a chilling Battle Of Evermore. Wishbone Ash overcame technical problems to deliver a mellifluous set of sweeping harmonies and fine solos. Finally, Thunder demonstrated just why they were headliners – a stupendous rock show with some compelling melodic hooks, singalongs and bags of fun. Simply magnificent. And so was the festival.

Reviewed by Pete Feenstra
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