Bearded Theory Festival 2016 review.

Words: Jacob Risby

Bearded Theory is an annual festival that started in 2007. it's located at Catton Hall, bordering South Derbyshire and Staffordshire it features an extremely diverse lineup that spans genres, and features workshops that are suitable for the entire family. I can personally vouch for the festival as this is my third year in attendance, and it has never let me down.

Day One.

Levellers. (The Pallet stage).

Levellers are a band whose sound spans Folk, Rock, Punk. They were formed in Brighton in 1988 and to this day have an extremely strong cult following. Levellers are the headline act on the first night, and deservingly so, the crowd instantly becomes boisterous and rambunctious, completely engaged with the show. Levellers played beloved favourite such as 'What a Beautiful Day', 'One Way' and 'Another Mans Cause'. It goes without saying that the audience was electric and I look forward to Levellers shows in the near future.

Killing Joke. (The Pallet stage).

Killing Joke are a rock band from Noting Hill in London, formed in 1978. Killing Joke have been a staple band in the Post-Punk scene since their rise to prominence in the early eighties with their album 'Night Time'. Killing Joke have made a name for themselves blending thundering baselines, roaring vocals and heavy eye makeup to form their distinctive sound. Their live set was extremely well received by the audience with energetic dancing and lyrics screamed back at the stage.

Reverend and The Makers. (The Pallet stage).

Reverend and The Makers are a rock band from Sheffield, Yorkshire who formed in 2005. They rose to cult status with their debut album 'The State of Things' in 2007 which spawned the single 'Heavyweight Champion of The World'. They are currently on their fourth studio album having released 'Thirty Two'. They present an energetic live show, with little to no flaws.

Day Two.

Public Image LTD (The Pallet stage).

Headlining the second night are the iconic Public Image LTD, their genre spanning sound has enthralled audiences since 1978. They validated their status with a captivating live show, John Lydons charismatic and transcendent frontmanship makes for a danceable yet awe-inspiring live set which Including old favourite such as 'Public Image' and 'This Is Not A Love Song'. Public Image will surely remain as enjoyable and upbeat live as they've eve been, and I have little doubt they will continue to captivate audiences for years to come.

Wilko Johnson. (The Pallet stage).

Wilko Johnson is an extremely influential artist from Essex known for his work with Dr Feelgood and The Blockheads. He was listed to play Bearded Theory in previous years but had to cancel due to his recent brush with the Reaper. Stood admiringly at the corner of the stage is Billy Bragg. Wilko undoubtedly hasn't slowed down delivering an upbeat and lively set including songs such as 'if you want me, you've got me' and 'Everybody's Carrying a gun'. Wilko delivers a captivating and extremely energetic performance, his influence in modern music is unquestionable after his set. I wish Wilko good health and all the best in future.

Billy Bragg (The Pallet stage).

Billy Bragg is a highly renowned folk singer and public figure who is adored for his lyrics that entail socialism, gay rights, social justice and milkmen. Despite the impressive crowd he attracts Bragg doesn't fail to project an intimate feel through his performance. He remains as down-to-earth and authentic as he's ever been, executing an enthralling and entertaining set including cherished favourites like 'There is Power in The Union' an 'Shirley'. Billy Bragg leaves an impression on an audience that last for months after his show.

Black Uhuru (The Pallet Stage).

Founded in Kingston in 1972, Black Uhuru are a Reggae outfit who, despite a fluctuating lineup are still going strong to this day. Their album 'Guess Who's Coming to Dinner' is renound as one of the best albums of its genre. As the sun beams down over Bearded Theory, Black Uhuru present their instinctive sound to a crowd bulging with enthusiastic fans and they do not fail to impress, presenting an authentic, laid back sound.

Day Three.

Beans On Toast. (The Woodland Stage).

Beans On Toast is a folk singer from Braintree in Essex, his songs include a plethora of topics, ranging from Drugs, Politics and Love. He blends his own unique sense of humour with direct and meaningful lyricism to create 'Beans On Toast'. The last act on the final night at a festival, and an extremely well chosen one, he is a perfect fit for this slot. The Woodland Stage, a sectioned off bit of forest decorated with brightly coloured flags, and of course a stage, gives a cozy feel. Beans On Toast hands out a freshly opened Jack Daniels bottle to the crowd, prompting them to return it when exactly half empty... stood a few metres back from the stage i see the bottle drained by ravenous folkies, without even slight effort to return the empty bottle. Beans' set contained adored songs such as Afrikaburn, MDMAzing and The Chicken Song.

Stiff Little Fingers. (The Woodland Stage).

Stiff Little fingers are a punk-rock band from Belfast, Northern Ireland, they were formed in 1977, during The Troubles and this transpires through there music. In their years Stiff Little Fingers haven't slowed down and still put on an extremely varied and energetic performance with material ranging from rarities, old favourites and new masterpieces. Having recently release their 10th studio album, No Going Back. Burns explain how he has sought help for mental heath, and prompts fans to dismiss the stigma attached to it, and feeling they need it before explaining that the song 'My Dark Place' off their most recent studio album was about just this. Stiff Little FIngers have not lost their passion and neither have their fanbase, their shows will stay with you long after the last song.

From the Jam. (The Pallet Stage)

Bruce Foxton is a past member of The Jam, making up the bassline and backing vocals for hits we still admire today. Accompanied by his band 'From the Jam', Foxton recreates these songs, although they stand the test of time, and the performance in itself isn't at all flawed, it feels like there is something missing, despite the Foxton being a great musician and,in his own right, an icon, it almost feels like a tribute act. Regardless, Foxton attracted the biggest crowd 'The Pallet' stage had seen all day, and gave a skilled and energetic show, that greatly pleased a field of admiring fans.

Bad Manners. (The Pallet stage)

Bad Manners are a Ska band, formed in London in 1976 and Fronted by Buster Bloodvessel, they are renound for their catchy pop hooks and dancy, high energy live shows, and this time was no exception. Buster Bloodvessel delivers the songs of Bad Manners in such a way that gets a field of people, on a hot day moving with great ease. Playing classics like 'Special Brew', 'Lip Up Fatty' and 'Sally Brown'. Bad Manners are as lively as they've ever been and I have no doubt they will to come. A utterly brilliant live band.

I have no doubt next years Bearded Theory lineup will be as diverse and satisfactory as it has been in previous years, and I strongly urge attendance, whether it's you first of fourtyith. I have no doubt next years Bearded Theory lineup will be as diverse and satisfactory as it has been in previous years, and i strongly urge attendance, whether it's you first of fourtyith.

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