Sophie Lloyd Headlines Pride Rocks Event in Brighton

Words by Dave Martin, Photos by Dave Martin (Faversham Photography) and Louise Philips

First to the stage were “Lady Rage”, the group that had won the public poll to performing as opening act at the event. The quartet clearly living up to their name with a rage filled performance full of emotion.  Singer Siren Sycho using her theatrics often singing from the floor of the stage. The band brough out water pistols firing fluid into willing participants mouths as well as using a gun to fire fake £50 notes with the band details for their new album “Hear me Scream”.

Photo by Louise Philips Photography

Second up was punk rocker BEX. The artist, who along with Sophie Lloyd, had performed at Download festival earlier this summer. Joining her on stage were here alter egos. The two people in head masks was a really interesting take and the first example of this that I have seen at a show. The group had great chemistry with each other as well as with the crowd and near the end Bex jumped into the crowd and surfed around. Bex finished the set lying on the ground flanked by messages on signs on the stage.   

Photo by Louise Philips Photography

When Iron Maiden play the crowd erupt at first note of Doctor Doctor by UFO as they know the band are about to take the stage. The same is becoming common for Sophie Lloyd. As the top gun theme rang out on the PA system those in attendance cheered in anticipation of the shredder making her entrance. The beauty of Chalk as a venue is that as a punter there is no barrier. This enables them to get close to their favourite artists and as I looked down the front line several familiar faces of Sophie super fans were in attendance, clearly anticipating her arrival. Emerging from the back of the stage Sophie played through the rest of the classic 80s theme being joined on stage by Iman, Christian and husband Chris. The quartet quickly moved into a shortened version of instrumental song Battleground before being joined on stage by Marisa Rodriguez of Marisa and the Moths. Sophie moved around stage throwing shapes that would put most in attendance’s backs out demonstrating her stagemanship that accompanies her guitar talents. After a two song vocal performance, the bobble heads from support band Bex joined the stage brandishing whiskey bottles, first administering shots to the band before moving on to the crowd. Following the brief interlude the band launched into Runaway originally sung by Steel Panther’s Michael Starr. Marisa then leaves the stage as the group perform two tracks from Sophie’s debut EP Delusions before a cover of AC/DC’s thunderstruck. Marisa rejoins the group on stage  for the next three songs before Sophie gives her mark of respect to the late Prince of Darkness by playing the solo to Crazy Train. This is then followed by Sophie’s more traditional cover of Enter Sandman that the crowd happily sings along to. Moving into Delusions and then album title track Imposter Syndrome the crowd are now eating out of Sophie’s hands. “We need some more shredders” was the call from Marisa at the start of Avalanche and inflatable guitars were thrown into the crowd. As the set was near it’s finale there was time for one more cover in the form of iconic Bon Jovi track “You give Love a Bad Name”. Sophie demonstrating her technical skills during the solo and the crowd showing their enjoyment through singing the whole track as the band played. The night finished with “Do or Die” to rapturous applause before Sophie remained to meet her fans taking selfies and spending time with them. One fan had even travelled from New York for the event.

A fantastic evening was had by all.

Next up for Sophie is her tour in support of Glen Hughes and for guest vocalist Marisa she heads out next year in support of Chris Jericho led band Fozzy.