Rewind Festival – at Scone Palace – Perthshire, Scotland – July 21 – 22, 2012

Set it in the idyllic setting of Scone Palace, where the kings of Scotland used to be crowned, is Rewind. This is the super little 80’s festival bringing you some of the best bands of the era, along with that great nostalgic feeling. Many people dress up as 80’s stars and objects – ranging from Mr T to the Rubik’s Cube – even an Evil Knievel on a chopper bicycle!



There was plenty on to keep punters happy, it wasn’t just about the bands on the main stage. The fun fair rides had increased since the previous year and seemed to entertain quite a few people. As well as the wine bar and cocktail lounge this year had some real ales on tap. The circus tent entertained little and big kids alike, proving too much fun for some adults who managed to laugh so much they ‘leaked’!! The School Reunion Band returned belting out fun classics and even letting people join in on stage throughout the Live Karaoke. The silent disco was a hoot as ever, unfortunately though this year it didn’t open until after the bands finished on the main stage. One of the most fun ‘random’ bits of the festival was the New York Brass Band who played funky hits whilst strolling around the arena and campsite, complete with tartan trews.

There was so much going on it would be difficult to review every band over the weekend, so a few of the highlights are below.

Starting the proceedings on Saturday was a stunt bi-plane flying over head doing plenty of tricks. Gasps of appreciation were heard all over site. Following swiftly on the stage was Les Mckeown from the Bay City Rollers. There were plenty of tartan scarves on show like in their hey day.

Right Said Fred played a fun set doing their hits “Deeply Dippy” and “I’m Too Sexy” - for this Richard Fairbrass came back on stage with an inflatable chest with ‘muscles’! He jokingly said “Well I am too old for steroids now” which brought a laugh to the audience.

Katrina from Katrina and the Waves brought a more rock n roll feeling to the proceedings with her version of “Walking in Sunshine”.



Chesney Hawkes pulled a big crowd and didn’t disappoint – doing a couple of covers and of course finishing with “The One and Only”. Considering how many years he must have been doing that hit he seemed to genuinely enjoy it! We all forgave him for actually being from the 90’s!



Sinitta came on looking fantastic for her age - with hardly any clothes on and certainly perked up the men in the audience! Particularly one fan who she chose from the crowd to dance along with her to “So Macho”. Her male dancers went down well with the women so they didn’t feel left out!



Five Star performed their Rewind Festival debut, celebrating their first gig with all original siblings for 17 years. 
Stunning crowds with his amazing range was Jimmy Somerville, packing a huge voice for such a small person (and a surprisingly deep voice for talking!).



Big Country finished the night off with many of their hits including “In a Big Country”.  The crowd went away happy ready for more fun the next day.

Sunday kicked off with The Christians closely followed by The Straits. The Straits played with 2 original members and sounded so good they could have easily headlined. They played such classics as “Brothers in Arms” and “Romeo and Juliet”.



Despite being a stand in for Squeeze (who pulled out) Adam Ant really got things moving with his ‘The Good, The Mad and The Lovely Posse’. It was amazing seeing how many people had dressed up as him! He belted out favorites like “Prince Charming”, “Ant Music” and of course the 80’s staple “Stand & Deliver”.

Altered Images’ Clare Grogan was a live wire darting about the stage like a woman still in the 80’s enjoying herself. She told the crowd “I am just like you - a mum out for the weekend to enjoy myself!” She sang her hits “I Could be Happy” and “Happy Birthday”.



Roland Gift from Fine Young Cannibals played some of their favorites.

Two of Marc Almond’s classics “Something’s Gotten Hold of my Heart” and “Tainted Love” both left you with a tingling on the back of your neck. It was hard to say which went down with the crowd the best.

The Village People came on with their trademark costumes and of course it was “YMCA” that had all the crowd spelling the letters out with their arms. Like it or not it is a crowd pleaser – even the security guards were dancing along complete with costume hats!

Closing the festival was Holly Johnson. He stood there in his suit, white gloves and wrap around shades, belting out “Power of Love”, “Two Tribes” and of course what the crowd had been waiting for: “Relax”. Fireworks finished off the night, literally with a bang!



Of course there was the silent disco still going on, as well as tunes and bands in the other tents. A newly formed group called ‘The Bandanas’ played in the ale bar, a really lively fun way to end the weekend.

Rewind is a really well organized festival. Artists are not on too long (it can vary between 15 minutes and 45 minutes) and the turn around is pretty quick. This means even though there is only one big stage people are kept interested, and not waiting ages for ‘one hit wonders’. The side tents and stalls really make the weekend, as does the friendly and fun atmosphere.

 

More photos of the show can be seen HERE

 

-Dod  Morrison-
Big Wheel Overseas  Correspondent

 

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