The Corporation, Sheffield
Friday 1st December
Part one.
Review and photographs by Linda McDermott
On the coldest weekend of the year and a four-hour trip down the motorway, the Corporation Night Club was aimed for two days of unadulterated rock music from fourteen amazing bands. The Corporation is one of the top three rock clubs in the UK as voted by Kerrang and has been open since 1997, it boasts over 29,000 bands having been through their doors, something to celebrate right there.
The Winter Rocks Festival is put on every year at the Corporation by Upstaged Promotions who also put on other events promoting bands and live music. The company consists of Raz, Jon, Lee Dave
and Tosh who pride themselves in putting bands and music fans first.
The venue was ever so slightly freezing it was baltic, as the side doors were being used to bring the band’s equipment. However, undeterred and with coats and gloves still on by many, it was going to be a great night of live music.
Friday’s Bands
Pryma
The Hot One Two
A’Priori
Trucker Diablo
Pryma
The dynamic heavy rock/metal band, Pryma, fronted by powerhouse female vocalist, Gabrielle George had the unenviable task of opening up the day. Despite an initial smaller turnout, the crowd quickly embraced the band as they played a seven-song set. Her voice seamlessly blended heavy rock and metal elements that had a raw intensity that the audience loved.
In their seven-song set, the band showcased a diverse range of tracks, including the adrenaline-pumping energy of their latest single ‘Survival’ and some favourites from their last EP, ‘Uncaged’. The band’s ability to fuse vocals with intricate music left a mark at the start of the day, setting an energetic tone for what was to come.
Setlist
SuicideStorm
My Bastard Gods
My Cold Shadow
Survival
1:23:45
Dead To Me
Freaky Fright Friday
The Hot One Two
The Hot One Two are a dynamic five-piece rock band from Cambridge who are riding the crest of a wave and gathering fans everywhere they play. They bounce onto the stage with so much energy it is impossible not to bounce along with them.
With the recent release of their fantastic debut album ‘Superbia’ they get stuck right in showcasing their gritty and catchy tunes. Their energetic delivery captivates the crowd, creating an infectious atmosphere where everyone is smiling, singing and enjoying themselves. With a magnetic stage presence, this band has mastered the art of drawing their audience in, making each performance a memorable and engaging experience.
Setlist
The Fray
Rolling Stone
Demon Daze
Bleed on Me
God Forsaken Blues
You’ve Got It
Feeling Good
Is It Hot
Tie Me Down
A’Priori
With the night truly underway now, it was the turn of A’Priori a three-piece rock band from Blackpool to take to the stage. Mark, Mouse and Tony have been together for six years and have already released two great albums ‘House of Cards’ and ‘Black Church’ with a third due for release next year.
They gave a very impressive set consisting of songs from both albums and had the audience enjoying every second of it. Infusing their set with a melodic touch, the band delivered their blend of rock music, which was much appreciated by the crowd who sang their songs right back at them, adding to the atmosphere in the room. These guys are great and have an ever-growing following that just got bigger.
Set List
Shotgun Blues
Black Church
Better Man
Halo
Here Comes the Reign
Making Love to the Devil
Nah, Nah, Nah, Nah
Wasted Years
Trucker Diablo
With everyone slightly warmer and well hydrated it was time for the headline band for Friday night. If you’ve not heard of Trucker Diablo, they come from Northern Ireland and have great good old-fashioned rock and roll oozing out their pores. They love their music to be thunderous and tonight they were firing on all cylinders. They blasted out a great mix from their four albums and had everyone fired up and joining in with loads of energy and enthusiasm.
Tom, Simon, Jim and Terry love their banter and had a great rapport with the crowd as they made their way through a seventeen-song set. With their powerful music reminiscent of the likes of Thin Lizzy it was no surprise that they paid homage to Phil Lynott’s band by playing ‘Rosalie’ near the end of their set, this went down a real treat with the rockers gathered and was sung back to them loud and clear.
Trucker Diablo has a unique charm about them that tells you they’re having a great time on stage and one that will get fans going back to see them again and again because they are very infectious to watch and listen to. If you have the opportunity to go and see them play live, you really won’t regret it, because they are what a good night of live music is all about.
Set List
The Rebel
Let’s Just Ride
Rock Kids of the 80’s
Fighting for Everything
Other Side
Murder Ballad
Drive
Vultures
Drink Beer/Seek
Somebody Save Me
Stop the Bleed
Over the Wall
Kill the Lights
Rosalie
Dig
Drop
Juggs
What a brilliant start to this two-day event, four great bands, livening up the place and bringing their ‘A’ game. Four different versions of rock music, all unique all well executed, and all well received by those gathered. And although it was really cold in the venue, it didn’t deter people from enjoying the whole event.
Bring on tomorrow!
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