Review of “Rainbow Rising & “Rock & Bike Fest”

At: The Rock & Bike Fest, Nottingham

On: Saturday 18/07/09

By: Gaby

“Rainbow Rising” is one of those tribute bands that really does do exactly what it says on the tin. It gives true homage and respect to the band it tributes and does it with true passion, style and love.

Having a band line up of more than 20 bands and with many other similar festivals to tempt you with equally good line ups the new annual Rock & Bike Fest in Nottingham had a hell of a lot to live up to and well and truly delivered even though at times over the weekend the weather did not which sadly reflected in the numbers which turned out. But for those of us who did, we were not disappointed and were rewarded with a much improved upon festival from last year in terms of space, bands, facilities, food, organisation and stage space.

No one review could adequately cover and give true justice to the vast range of music on offer at this year’s festival but amongst the highlights were most certainly “Dumpy’s Rusty Nuts”, “Stone”, Midnight Pumpkin Trucks” and the ever wonderful “Oliver / Dawson Saxon”, but for me the band which stole the festival had to be “Rainbow Rising” who were given next to top spot on the Saturday night. The top spot being given to “The Levellers” who at least for me, sadly disappointed and who I felt genuinely should not have topped the bill let alone play for a “Rock” festival crowd made up for the most part of Bikers and Rockers.

This being said “Rainbow Rising” rose to the challenge and delivered one hell of a fine and pleasing set covering a wide range of musical offerings; most of which from the early days, of the great “Rainbow”.  There was little filler as the band tore through some lengthy and often “live versions” of songs from this often over looked era of great British rock bands and for those of us like myself who sadly never got the chance to see the real thing and now sadly never will, this was by far the closest we were going to get to seeing Rainbow live.

Raggie on vocals was simply amazing and held every one of the possibly 1500 strong crowd in the palm of his hand as he extended his vocal range from the deepest low to the impossible highest high with both true showmanship and class as well as accessibility and approachability to those that may not have heard some of these Rainbow classics before.

Backing him up on Guitar was Barry who delivered some sterling and accomplished string work with a delicacy and finesse I have not seen for a long time, whilst Steve and Mick offered us the low notes and beats with impeccable precision and accomplishment.

Finally Tor on keyboards filled out the impressive sound with some fine arrangements that not only sealed the deal for me but for once made the few hairs remaining on the back of my neck to stand up.  Something that has not happened for a long time!

So all in all this was a band not just for Rainbow purists and Ritchie Blackmore fans alike but also for Rock music lovers in general who not only wanted to be entertained but also re-educated in some of our finest rock musical heritage.

There was precious little to dislike about this band who used the excellent sound system and large stage to perfection and were as tight a band as you can possibly get.

Let’s just hope that perhaps next year this band are given a top billing space – a place I believe they absolutely deserve and judging by the crowd’s reaction at the end of their set shouting for more, I have every faith and confidence that “Rainbow Rising” will be back to conquer this time next year. Watch this space!