Concorde 2 regularly hosts the Brighton Rumble; it has become a typical gathering spot for the local rockabilly scene. Previous Rumble events include the Brighton Tattoo convention after party 2010 and Jessie and the Orbits later that year.
The basic concept is always the same: no fancy lights or spectacle – just plain, good old rock’n’roll. This genre of music has inspired countless directions in new music, but here rock’n’roll is appreciated for what it is, in as raw a form as possible. Every Brighton Rumble is unique and brings a different vibe. Tonight has attracted predominantly a dedicated rockabilly crowd and it really feels like a mini Hemsby weekend. At these events the audience is as much a part of the show as the live acts.
Brighton’s home boys Hollerin Stollar and the Pine Box Boys set the pace with some hillbilly-induced rocking and the place is itching to get jiving. Bristol based ‘mother truckers’ The Cheaterslicks are more at home on stage with their impressive cowboy hats and dynamic stage presence. It isn’t long before their drinking songs and the clicking of a huge black double bass triggers off a lot of great dancing. Headliners Bill Fadden and the Rhythm Busters are as stereotypical as imaginable. Singer Bill takes after Buddy Holly and Roy Orbison with his thick rimmed glasses. He thrusts his guitar around holding it tight and with the head slanted down like Chuck Berry. He is certainly doing his job as front man.
The event also features some awesome DJs between and after the bands. Including Dave Mumbles and Lucky Phil, guest DJ’s Stay Sick in the front bar, plus Andy R with a rare rocking set for the Brighton Rumble. During DJ sets the lights and mirror balls were perfectly rigged for the dance floor; Concorde 2 becomes a 1950s prom reunion and everybody twists the night away. The Brighton rumble is proof that rock’n’roll still lives strong.
Brighton Rumble Easter Special
Concorde 2
Sunday 24 April 2011
Words by John Mclean
