Hardwick Festival 2021

Well whilst not technically my first gig back as I’d done the Carl Cox event a couple of weeks ago this was my first event with live bands. I arrived as the heavens opened (again) and put my new walking shoes to the test in the mud to get to the photo pit in time to catch Imelda May and her band take the stage.

Within a few bars the crowd forgot about the rain as she held them captivated. Not wanting to distance herself though Imelda asked security to help her down from the stage to the barrier as she said it wasn’t fair her staying dry (ish) whilst everyone else got soaked.

Maximo Park as always got the crowd well and truly in the mood with classics like 'Our Velocity' and 'The National Health' totally complimented by new songs like 'Baby Sleep', 'Ardour' and more from their latest album that they are about to tour this next month or two.

The legend that is Nile Rodgers & Chic performed what could arguably be the best known set ever! Every song was a bona fide hit that either Nile & Chic had released or that Nile had either written produced played on or all of the above. Played were songs by Madonna ('Material Girl', 'Like a Virgin') Diana Ross ('I’m Coming Out' ) Duran Duran ('Notorious') David Bowie ('Modern Love' , 'Let’s Dance') Pharrell / Daft Punk ('Get Lucky') and more all sat shoulder to shoulder with disco giants 'Good Times', 'Dance Dance Dance', 'I Want Your Love', 'Everybody Dance', and of course the glorious 'Le Freak' which contains three of the greatest bass lines ever in just one song!

The band are truly fantastic just super tight and on the money every song. I used the phrase that it was like the “best wedding do EVER“ and meant it as a compliment as the floor would be full for every single song if that had been a DJ set, let alone a live band with thousands of people dancing in a field oblivious to the mud and rain that tried and failed to ruin a joyous return to live music.

Imelda May - https://www.facebook.com/ImeldaMayOfficial

Maximo Park - https://www.facebook.com/maximopark

Nile Rodgers & CHIC - https://www.facebook.com/NileRodgersOfficial

Photos & Review - G's Gig Shots