The Lion Inn, Blakey Ridge - Thursday 21st
June - the highest point on the North York Moors, the longest
night, could something eerie and special occur amidst the forces
that potentially could be awakened on this celestial night. A
very good crowd had turned up on what was not the warmest summer
night we have encountered in the history of time. Nevertheless
it was dry, is this the best we can expect from our notoriously
bad summers recently?
So, pitched in the corner of the beer garden was the stage (covered just in case!), looking like it meant business and it did when Branded were unleashed to the elements and the crowd. Emanating rock-encouraged instrumentals Branded eased many of the 350 strong crowd into the mood of the evening. Banoffi, who I haven't seen for years, were very good fun and stood their ground resplendently. They play a wide range of instruments between them and indulge in Celtic, world music, original compositions. Banoffi were treated to glees of delight and rapturous applause at the end of each number.
Mostly Autumn arrived on stage at 11.00pm to a massive welcome and a sea of bodies. It was just right, the atmosphere was that of a major festival and Mostly Autumn in no uncertain terms, did not disappoint. Opening with 'Hollow' I think, the majestic tune rolled over the moors into the ether before being digested by the exuberant crowd. The seven piece, classic rock outfit then proceeded to tear through the night sky, balanced authority dominated all they performed and how the crowd lapped it up. This was our first full Mostly Autumn experience, we had seen them twice supporting Blackmore's Night, and it was not difficult to reason why they had such a large following. In fact one person we knew there had seen the band in York a week or two previous during Music Live, having never heard the band before caught them on an outdoor stage unwittingly, 10 minutes later he bought the CD, such is the attraction of their music.
Titles elude me, but the application and
live presence will long live on in my memory. It was about 11.45pm
when Mostly Autumn came to conclude their first set, and with
long drives to Scunthorpe and back every day and another in the
morning, as Mostly Autumn were performing their resplendent version
of Pink Floyd's 'Comfortably Numb' I was 'Completely Knackered'
and made our way home.
A success of magnificent proportions, well done to Paul and all
at The Lion Inn, Blakey who took the challenge on, and without
doubt succeeded beyond their own modest expectations. Col.
For once the Old Gods of Albion were smiling upon us, the usual weather for the festival of Midsummer is pissing rain! Today, however, the sun was at least trying to break through the cloud cover. As we drove up the long moor road memories flooded back of our last visit to The Lion Inn for the album launch of THE LAST BRIGHT LIGHT, we could see the road this time and the old inn sitting up on the top of the moors. Our two children were with us and we looking forward to one of the inn's famous feeds!
After checking in we made our way up the narrow staircase to our room, looking out of the window we realised we were just above the place where Mostly Autumn would be playing - ring side seats!
We said hello to most of the band and found ourselves a cosy seat where we could eat. As ever the food was magnificent and as with previous visits we were just about able to finish our meal. The Lion's portions are what could be termed "belly busters"!
Angela and Heather came up to our room as the boys were still setting the gear up, Jean arrived soon after and I volounteered to do the merchandise table that night, this would give her chance to watch the band, something she rarely is able to do. After the two support bands had done their sets and I had set up the table with CDs, t-shirts and copies of Autumn Leaves, I looked at my watch to see the time was nudging 11pm - it was going to be a late night! I have to say since getting involved with Mostly Autumn I have had more late nights than for many years. This is in my advancing years as well, it certainly is rock and roll and we certainly do like it!
The band fired up soon after 11, it was very loud with a large PA for the outdoor site, I have no doubt they could hear the opening chords of THE NIGHT SKY many miles south! There were probably about 400 people at the festival and they were all experiencing a bit of mid-summer madness with Mostly Autumn!
They played for almost three hours closing the set with only their third live rendition of MOTHER NATURE, I'm not ashamed to say that there were tears in my eyes. This song live comes into it's own, I was never sure that they would be able to do this complex piece of music full justice live. If anything, it surpasses the recorded version even adding to it with the grand finale of two guitars and keyboards taking you to some higher plane. Not to forget the rest of the band burning away behind this.
It was now almost 2am and most of the crowd drifted away very quickly - good on them all for staying til the end, I'm sure some of them "kipped down" with the sheep on the moors. Elaine and the children had gone to bed, going off at a tangent I must say in print a huge thanks to our son Simon for his wonderful help with the merchandise all night, I couldn't have done it without you kiddo! I had a quick nightcap with some of the band and crawled into bed at 3 in the morning.
I was so tired that I barely remember my "Blakey Breakfast" but the journey home was uneventful enough, after unpacking I went to bed for a couple of hours sleep. I drifted off with thoughts of the Mean Fiddler gig and the recording of the DVD just over a week away, that though is another story! Simon Musk
Thursday night was magical, my first time
at the lion inn. Myself and a group of friends had a wonderful
time at this wonderful setting, there was a lovely warm atmosphere
in the air. We came to see mostly autumn who were fantastic the
other 2 bands sounded great aswell. I never ever thought i would
discover such a great friendly venue with great music but i found
that here thanks to everyone involved for a wonderful magical
night cheers,
alan.
Stayed over at the inn for the solstice gig with my wife Ruth, The whole event was marvellous.Great accomodation friendly staff. Three great bands,Mostly Autumn where magnificent. It was our first visit to the Lion, but we will certainly be back.
Keith Wilson
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