It was my 1st trip to Leo's in Gravesend, well my first visit to Gravesend full stop. We arrived at the Premier Inn around 2ish after collecting the 3rd member of our little road crew from Luton airport.
We checked in & had food in the pub next to the hotel.
Not our greatest experience to say the least, it was Friday lunchtime & the pub was pretty busy, we were greeted by a very stressed looking waiter, thought he was gonna blow a gasket when we asked if we could sit in a quieter area of the restaurant. No was the answer! We ordered food & drinks, two out of the three drinks were non/ low alcoholic. Twice the same drink came back wrong, it wasn't really that difficult!
Anyway back to the matter in hand seeing 3 fabulous bands.
The venue is 5 mins drive away, The Red Lion is situated on an industrial estate, not really where you'd expect to find a great music pub.
The walls of the bar are covered with lots photos from bands that have played there previously, it certainly has a long history of music.
First up we have Gorilla Riot who I recently saw at Crazy Cowboy III where they played a storming set to a very appreciative crowd, this they did again, to a room that was filling up the room next to the main bar. We are asked to vacate whilst they set up for the next band so it's back into the main bar for a drink.
Collateral are up next, they have been all over social media recently so I was looking forward to seeing them. To be honest they weren't my cup of tea, I prefer something a bit more original but the crowd seemed to love them. The media hype seemed to have stirred up quite a following, I'm sure they will go further, there are plenty that like glam rock still.
The venue is sold out & after being right down the front for Gorilla Riot theres no chance of getting anywhere near for headliners Bad Touch.
Stevie & the boys start off as they mean to go on & treat us to a set mixed with many tracks from their current album Shake A Leg & older much loved songs, Outlaw, Soulshaker, 99%. They have the crowd dancing & singing in this very hot n sweaty room. One & all seem to be thoroughly enjoying themselves not least the band. It's a great night in a good venue.Next day it's onward to the channel tunnel, we are early & manage to pretty much drive straight on an earlier train. Time for a picnic whilst we are whizzing under the channel, by the time we are finished we have arrived in France. The town of Givenchy En Gohelle is around 1.30hrs away, we have rooms booked at the Ibis in Bethune Bruay, we have stayed here before, about 20mins from the festival.
Arrived at the venue around 4.15pm just in time to say quick hellos to a couple of the organisers & the bands. Its held in what looks like a social club in the town, very well organised we have wrist bands & tokens to buy drinks.
First up is Slayde, then Crossplane, Headblaster, Fear Mother Rage. Gorilla Riot & another stonking set from Bad Touch. The festival is a great success, sold out & the French absolutely love Bad Touch, being their 3rd trip over to an event by these promoters. Managed to have a chat with the guys & a few daft photos then it's back to the hotel for much needed kip.
Back on the road by 10am & it's not long before we are back in Blighty & on our way home. It's been a fantastic trip full of laughs, meeting up with friends old & new & lots of talented bands. And breathe....what a weekend, what a road trip!
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