This weekend saw what was another fine addition to the festival season this year with the Ramblin Man Fair taking place in Maidstone’s Mote Park for two days of pure rock and roll.
The sun was out for the weekend’s festivities, with most catching the rays and turning a funny shade of red/brown as they checked out the latest and greatest bands out there today in the rock genre. Saturday headliners Whitesnake provided a greatest-hits setlist as their farewell tour continues; David Coverdale & company were out in full force blasting through a dream set list sure to make even the biggest Whitesnake fan quiver at the knees in delight. As dusk turned into night, the energy of the performance gripped each and every fan as the warm embrace of yellow, blue and green stage lights took hold of everyone from start to finish.
Of course, they were not the only headliners of the weekend, Black Stone Cherry ventured to the UK for their first ever UK festival headline appearance on the Sunday, one which they described to the fans a privilege to be a part of. In return, just as the Saturday headliners did, Black Stone Cherry also performed what one would consider a greatest-hits setlist. From bursting onto the stage with ‘Me & Mary Jane’ and fan favourite ‘Blind Man’ to even ending on a cover of Motorhead’s ‘Ace of Spades’. The band made an effort to prove just how special the night was for them and it was very easy to see it with such a performance.
Of course, these were not the only bands to be playing over the two days; notable mentions absolutely must go out to the likes of Airbourne who absolutely tore everyone a new one with their out-of-control set which saw the frontman on the stage, off the stage and even climbing the stage – let’s not forget him opening that beer with his head either.
The White Buffalo brought another amazing set to the stage for UK fans after is show at London’s Electric Ballroom two days prior and even managing to fill the festivals country tent even when the likes of Thin Lizzy were on stage at the same time. Speaking of Thin Lizzy, we can’t deny that this felt utterly like it was party time during this set with possibly one of the biggest crowds of the weekend. Fans old and new, sing-alongs from those who knew the words and those who didn’t, and even the casual fan thinking it was cool that the band would cover Metallica’s ‘Whiskey In The Jar’ (We didn’t have the heart to correct him, he was far too happy).
The bands aren’t the only cool thing about this festival; real ale fans were definitely treated to a mighty fine selection; Whiskey fans were also spoiled even with free samples! The food was by far some of the coolest selections we have seen, and overall, for a rock festival, the whole thing was completely relaxed with a super-cool vibe!
There were just too many bands putting on amazingly class acts across multiple stages to mention. Of course, we will absolutely do our best in the upcoming edition of RAMzine magazine. Stay tuned for a full feature article on the weekend’s carnage, where we will review many more of the weekend’s bands!
