Rock n Roll Circus - part 2 review

 

Friday was the more Rock orientated day at Rock N Roll Circus, however there was still something for everyone in day 2.

Kicking off with Suffolk based Gabby Rivers, someone who’s been on the scene for almost a decade now and with a new EP just around the corner. With her full band a whirlwind 30 minutes on the smaller stage really set the vibe for the rest of the day. Gabby is very good to watch live and I thoroughly recommend you take the chance to do so.

Another local band, Pleasureinc. hit the main stage almost right after. The rock sound and pure energy of their live sets is impressive, They commented that the stage is the biggest they have played on so far, I would be very surprised if the bigger stages don’t come calling again soon.

Arthur Black, a product of the fantastic Access to Music College that Norwich has, producing so many talented performers and opportunities right across the industry. Arthur Black is a very good advert for them. A shoe-gaze sound, I thought they had a slight nod to bands like The Cure and the Cocteau Twins.

Scotland's Brooke Combe had hit traffic on the way down to Norfolk, a long journey made even loner and arriving just 10 minutes before her start time, the delay didn’t give much time to settle in and tune up, but what a great performance! Soul melodies and a hint of folk, Brooke celebrating how music has enabled her to buy property, a very difficult thing to do in 2025, make a living through music.

Ashley Singh, A solo acoustic songwriter ran through half a dozen songs, I thought perhaps nerves played a part.

Moving back to the main stage and the Lemonheads, Much of the bands success came in the 90s Grunge era, Evan Dando has faced his demon’s through the years. This wasn't a good performance, as Dando mumbled and fumbled his way through, “it’s a shame about Ray” is still a fantastic song, sadly not played this time and on another day I am sure Evan would smash it. Its clear he still cares about music, it’s clear he still has the heart to get up on stage. I hope we can see The Lemonheads at their finest again one day.

The rest of the day however, was one of he best shows of the year I’ve seen! October Drift, with just a handful of shows before their farewell later this year, came off stage to play in the crowd, I’ve seen them twice before and it will be a shame to see the lads go. Try and catch them at Victorious Festival if you can!

Sheffield's Reverend and the makers got a longer 45 minutes, a slight rejig of the setlist midway through cause some confusion but easily resolved by the experienced act who will enjoy huge home support next week I’m sure. The Sheffield version of this event features James, Queens of the Stone Age and Pete Doherty with Carl Barat

On the smaller stage were the Rosadocs, I got chatting to a chap who had travelled all the way from Wigan to see the 5 piece! Some commitment for an enjoyable set of indie tunes. Followed by the Lathums and The Clause. I had the former on my radar for a while so enjoyed seeing what they had to offer.

The night ends with the reason this Blog Exists ( a long story which we’ll cover one day) The Courteeners, Liam Fray is a fantastic songwriter and the almost 2 hours on stage with a run through of all the bands albums and hits on offer, closing the night in style.

Sadly we were not able to make day 3, so here’s the gallery and we hope to see Rock and Roll circus become a permanent fixture in the city Summer scene.