Sid Worth Memorial Tribute Fund Gig.

Lev 2 Esquires Bedford. 2nd May 2010.

This may or may not have been the last ever Sid Worth Memorial Tribute Fund gig, but what a memorable day it turned out to be. Entitled "A Free Festival for Sid", it was an unforgettable mix of bands on both levels one and two. Primarily based in the upstairs area, this is how I saw everything pan out in the ten hours of sounds.

SUNSET RESET. This always entertaining young band overcame early technical problems to produce a confident and polished set. This indie quartet also reveal that they are through to the regional Live and Unsigned final. We wish them good luck.

SPEEDSHOT. Lively and energetic as ever. This high powered trio also bring us a new song for its first airing. Considering the effervescent nature of the band members, it's naturally called "Blood, sweat and beers"!

RADIATING EYES. Ben announces at the start that they are dedicating their set to the memory of a friend who lost his battle with cancer today. It was a fired up performance as the gymnastic vocalist leaps across the safety barrier to mix it up with his people!

ALIAS. Front man Tom Kitchiner proclaims "It's a free for all!". With their new drummer, they bring us a pot pourri of excellent tunes such as "End days", "Devils in the Dark" and "24 Wasted Hours".

COARSE. A long awaited return to level 2 for those far out grunge exponents from Sandy. Resplendent in a wide brimmed cowboy hat, Derek's duck walk is another memory of the day.

THE ESCAPE. This young trio continue to be pretty smart in a 'retrotastic' kind of way. "Crapulence" is my pick of their bunch.

AMY LEEDER AND EDWIN IRELAND. Not The Intagrals today as drummer Frankie is missing (perhaps basking in the glory of his excellent efforts last night as part of Sculptures). The acoustic duo charm the bar. In fact, the congregated throng certainly all collectively "Smile Now".

KAIN. Another band on the comeback trail. Since they played downstairs a few months ago they have changed guitarists, with Rob replacing Jools. He is an old hand in the local music scene. Kain command the stage as the free flowing confidence oozes out. Detonating drumming dominates on "Faithless". Meanwhile, "Swan" is an experimental live debut that has immediate impact.

THE TENDONS. With such songs as "Fishy Fanny" and "I love Famine", it can only mean that The Tendons have been unleashed on us. The band wrap up old skool punk in the pages of a pornographic magazine! For the long term fans there is also the bonus of a guest appearance by Steve Norman, who performs an old favourite called "Roger"! Sunday evening really doesn't get any sweeter.

BETABOY. What a contrast! Well done to the person who put together the running order. "All This Time" is the highlight of these electric popsters whose songs are so simple and very catchy.

THE WHYBIRDS. For those people perhaps starting to tire, what a perfect pick me up and nightcap to boot. Although arriving on stage with the clock fast approaching midnight, these excellent troubadours offer us nine melodic masterpieces. "Jenny can we take a Ride?" and "Wild, Wild Wind" float around my head as I venture home at the close.

Thanks must go to the organising committee of the SWMTF for their hard efforts to put together this festival, plus all the singers and bands that played and supported such a worthwhile cause.