Get ready to rock and roll because June 2023 is going to be a month to remember! As part of the BST festival series, we were fortunate enough to receive an invitation to Hyde Park, where one of the greatest rock bands of all time would be headlining: Guns N’ Roses. The anticipation was palpable as we eagerly awaited this iconic event, however our experience would extend far beyond just witnessing Axl Rose and his crew in action. RAMzine had the opportunity to catch up with some of the support acts who would grace the stage before them, immersing ourselves in their electrifying energy and getting a taste of what it’s like to share such hallowed ground with musical legends. So grab your air guitar and prepare to delve into our behind-the-scenes adventure at Hyde Park.
Taking the stage at The Birdcage, was The Foxies all the way from Nashville, Tennessee
Their performance at Hyde Park was nothing short of awesome – an energetic display of fun pop and punk that left the audience pumped. Kicking things off with ‘Screws,’ a song dedicated to all the misfits in attendance… we can definitely relate.
During the track ‘I Don’t Wanna Want It,’ frontwoman Julia Lauren Bullock truly showcases her playful showgirlship. Throughout the set, she encourages the audience to move closer, and they obediently oblige. She even asks them to squat, which not only engages the younger members of the crowd but also some older ones too.
As they launch into ‘Little Monsters,’ a highly danceable tune, Bullock exclaims, “Hyde Park if you want to please dance for me on this one.” The infectious beat has everyone’s hands in the air clapping along.
As they transition into ‘Call Me When Your Phone Dies,’ there’s a moment that reminds us of Miley Cyrus’ ‘Fly On The Wall.’ However, it’s an incredibly fun track that really gets everyone moving. Towards its end is where we witness The Foxies unleash their full-throttle guitar thrashing and showcase their edgier side – perfect for dancing around! Wrapping up their set with ‘Summer Never Dies,’ they maintain a more intense sound.
Shortly after their performance, we made our way backstage and had a chance to catch up with vocalist Julia Lauren Bullock and guitarist Jake Ohlbaum. They emphasized how love and kindness play integral roles in every single one of their shows. You can watch our full interview here.
London-based act The Dust Coda take to The Rainbow Stage
Straight into the thumping rock n roll guitar riff they open with ‘Jimmy 2 Times’, vocalist John Drake impresses with his powerful voice. The song kicks off the set with a burst of energy, immediately grabbing the audience’s attention. Drake’s vocals soar over the driving guitars and pounding drums, showcasing his range and control.
Next up is popular track ‘Limbo Man’ transporting us back to the 80s, with its infectious rhythm and catchy hooks. This song perfectly captures that era’s spirit while still maintaining a fresh sound. The band seamlessly blends elements of classic rock with modern influences, creating a sound that appeals to fans both old and new.
Later on in the set they play ‘Love Sick’, a track taken from their new album Loco Paradise. This upbeat and bouncy song stands out among their repertoire as it deviates slightly from their typical hard-hitting rock style. During our interview earlier in the day, they explained that while some tracks differ in style the tracks still fit together cohesively. It serves as a testament to their versatility as musicians.
Ending on ‘Road to Hell’, another fist-pumping track from Loco Paradise, The Dust Coda leaves audiences wanting more. With its anthemic chorus and electrifying guitar solos, this song embodies everything that makes them pure rock n roll at its finest.
Earlier in the day, we had an opportunity to catch up with The Dust Coda for an interview backstage where we discussed the band being asked to play Hyde Park – one of London’s most prestigious venues known for hosting legendary performances by iconic artists throughout history. They shared their excitement about this incredible opportunity. During our conversation about Loco Paradise – their latest album release – they shed light on how they conceived both its name and artwork. Watch the full interview here on RAMzine.
In conclusion, The Dust Coda is a band that embodies pure rock n roll energy and talent. Their live shows are guaranteed to be fun-filled and stylish nights for any fan of the genre. With their powerful vocals, infectious rhythms, and impressive musicianship showcased, they prove themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the rock scene.
The Darkness known for their unique and flamboyant style, performed at BST Hyde Park
The Darkness, classic mainstream quirky rockers, delighted the crowd at BST Hyde Park with their energetic performance. Opening with energetic and catchy track ‘Growing on Me’, they immediately set the tone for a night filled with infectious rock anthems. ‘Motorheart,’ displays the band’s ability to blend heavy guitar riffs with infectious melodies. Then ‘Heart Explodes,’ a powerful ballad that showcases lead singer Justin Hawkins’ impressive vocal range.
They even surprised fans by performing lesser-known gems such as ‘Japanese Prisoner of Love’ and ‘Get Your Hands Off My Woman’. However, it wouldn’t be a true Darkness show without treating everyone to A teaser of their iconic Christmas song, ‘Christmas Time (Don’t Let the Bells End)’. The band showcased their versatility by stripping down for an intimate moment featuring only vocals and guitar before closing out the unforgettable evening with their most popular track, ‘I Believe in a Thing Called Love’. This anthemic track is characterized by its high-pitched vocals, blistering guitar solos, and contagious energy that never fails to get audiences singing along at full volume. It served as an explosive finale to an already memorable performance.
From start to finish, The Darkness proved once again why they are masters of putting on an electrifying live show with their ability to combine catchy melodies with theatrical flair.
The Pretenders, a renowned rock band formed in 1978 by Chrissie Hynde, took the stage at BTS Hyde Park’s Great Oak Stage
Known for their unique blend of punk and pop-rock sound, The Pretenders treated the audience to an incredible set list that showcased their musical prowess and timeless hits.
As they delved into their own discography, The Pretenders played some fan favourites such as ‘Losing My Sense of Taste’ and ‘Turf Accountant Daddy.’ These songs exemplify vocalist/guitarist Chrissie Hynde’s ability to write introspective lyrics that resonate with listeners on a personal level. With her distinctive voice leading each track, she effortlessly commanded attention and created a connection with the audience.
Continuing to energise the crowd throughout their set, The Pretenders performed well-known hits like ‘Kid,’ ‘Time the Avenger,’ and ‘Talk of the Town.’ These songs are emblematic of The Pretenders’ signature sound – catchy melodies combined with gritty guitar riffs – which have solidified them as one of rock music’s most influential bands.
Their rendition of ‘Middle of the Road’ brought even more excitement to Hyde Park. This iconic anthem encapsulates both rebelliousness and resilience, showcasing Hynde’s powerful vocals alongside driving instrumentals that ignite a sense of empowerment within listeners. Adding diversity to their performance, The Pretenders included slower-paced ballads like ‘Hymn To Her’ and chart-topping hit single ‘Back on the Chain Gang.’ The band also showcased their instrumental prowess with tracks like ‘Thumbelina’ and ‘Cuban Slide.’ These dynamic instrumentals highlighted the talent of each member, from Martin Chambers’ thunderous drumming to James Walbourne’s impressive guitar solos. The chemistry between the musicians was evident as they seamlessly played off one another, creating an electrifying atmosphere on stage.
Paying homage to their early punk-rock roots, The Pretenders performed classics such as ‘Tattooed Love Boys’ and ‘Mystery Achievement.’ These energetic tracks served as a reminder of the band’s influential role in shaping the punk movement during its inception.
As they reached the end of their set, The Pretenders closed with one of their most beloved songs, ‘I’ll Stand by You.’ This heartfelt ballad resonated deeply with fans, showcasing Hynde’s ability to write emotionally charged lyrics that have stood the test of time. It was a poignant conclusion that left spectators feeling moved and inspired.
In summary, The Pretenders gave an extraordinary performance on BST Hyde Park’s Great Oak Stage. Their diverse set list not only highlighted their musical versatility but also demonstrated why they continue to be celebrated for their contributions to rock music. With Chrissie Hynde at the helm, The Pretenders delivered a captivating show that will undoubtedly be remembered by all those who witnessed it.
Dirty Honey, a rock band known for their energetic performances and classic sound, recently took to The Rainbow Stage at BST Hyde Park
The band kicked off their set with ‘Can’t Find the Breaks,’ instantly captivating everyone in attendance with their clear Guns N’ Roses influence. As they transitioned into ‘California Dreamin’,’ it was clear that Dirty Honey had mastered the art of engaging their fans from start to finish. Their seamless blend of old-school rock vibes and modern sensibilities resonated deeply with listeners.
Throughout their setlist, Dirty Honey showcased a range of hits including ‘Dirty Mind,’ ‘The Wire,’ and ‘Don’t Put Out the Fire.’ Each song carried its own unique energy, allowing fans to immerse themselves fully in every moment.
Another highlight came when Dirty Honey performed ‘Won’t Take Me Alive.’ This track resonated particularly well with the audience due to its catchy hooks and infectious rhythm.
Towards the end of their performance, Dirty Honey closed out with fan-favorite song ‘Leave a Little Loving.’ One standout moment came when lead guitarist John unleashed an awe-inspiring solo that left jaws dropped throughout the venue. His skill and precision were undeniable as he effortlessly maneuvered his guitar behind his head while still producing incredible melodies. It was a true display of musical talent and showmanship.
Overall, Dirty Honey’s performance at The Rainbow Stage proved why they are currently one the most exciting rock bands around. Their ability to captivate an audience, deliver electrifying guitar solos, and create a sense of unity through their music is truly remarkable. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just discovering their music, Dirty Honey’s live performances are not to be missed.
Guns N’ Roses performed on The Great Oak Stage at BST Hyde Park, delivering an electrifying show that left the audience buzzing with excitement
‘It’s So Easy’ was the first song on the setlist, immediately grabbing the crowd’s attention with its raw energy and catchy hooks. This was followed by ‘Bad Obsession,’ a deep cut from their Use Your Illusion album that allowed fans to appreciate the band’s versatility. ‘Chinese Democracy’ highlighted Axl Rose’s powerful vocals and demonstrated how they have evolved over time.
A surprise came when Velvet Revolver’s hit song ‘Slither’ made its way into the setlist. With Slash as a former member of Velvet Revolver, this cover added an extra layer of nostalgia for fans who were familiar with both bands. Classic ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ brought out frenzied cheers from the audience, reminding everyone why these songs have become anthems in rock music history.
Gun N’ Roses continued to keep things interesting by diving into some lesser-known tracks such as ‘Reckless Life,’ showcasing their ability to revive hidden gems from their extensive discography. They then launched into fan-favourite ‘Double Talkin’ Jive,’ which featured impressive guitar work from Slash. ‘Prettied Tied Up,’ another underrated track, captivated listeners with its intricate guitar solos and infectious rhythm section. The band also played newer material with performances of ‘Hard Skool’ and ‘Absurd’.
The emotional ballad ‘Estranged’ provided a moment of reflection and showcased the band’s ability to deliver heartfelt performances. This was followed by an explosive rendition of Paul McCartney and Wings’ ‘Live and Let Die,’ complete with pyrotechnics that added a visually stunning element to the show.
Gun N’ Roses continued to surprise fans with unexpected covers, including UK Subs’ ‘Down on the Farm’ and The Stooges’ ‘T.V. Eye’. Duff McKagan took over lead vocals for ‘T.V. Eye,’ adding his own gritty touch to this punk rock classic.
Classics like ‘Sweet Child o’ Mine’ and ‘November Rain’ had the crowd singing along at the top of their lungs, while slower-paced tracks like ‘Patience’ allowed for moments of introspection amidst the high-energy performance.
A standout moment came during Slash’s guitar solo, where he demonstrated his virtuosity on the instrument, leaving fans in awe of his talent. This led into an explosive rendition of Bob Dylan’s iconic song ‘Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door,’ which saw Axl Rose pouring every ounce of emotion into his delivery.
As the night drew to a close, Gun N’ Roses unleashed their final punches with energetic performances of ‘Nightrain,’ showcasing their signature hard rock sound, before captivating listeners with power ballads like ‘Don’t Cry.’ They then concluded their set with an epic performance of one of their most well-known songs – ‘Paradise City,’ leaving fans exhilarated and craving more.
In summary, Gun N’ Roses delivered a memorable headlining performance at BST Hyde Park that catered to both die-hard fans who have been following them since day one as well as new listeners discovering their music for the first time. Their setlist included nostalgia-inducing classics with fresh material, ensuring that everyone left satisfied after an unforgettable night of rock and roll.
