New Road supported by Sphere and 2Ft. Nothing.
The Lizard Music Venue, Broadway, Bedford. Premiere Rock Night. Wednesday 3rd September 2003.


As I approached the venue, I heard my name called and there was what looked like auditions for Humpty Dumpty, with Adam (Bunners) and Peg (2 of the coolest people on the live circuit) from New Road sitting on the wall outside. The entrance was £2. or ticket in advance although I got in free coz…. I’m Keith.
Once inside I noticed quite a few people from other bands there including Zipper, The U.G., and CATCF.

2Ft. NOTHING kicked off towards 9. They had some new songs on their set and even retained their ‘Breakfast At Tiffanies’ cover, done in their fast punk style that they do so well. Their ever likable front man/guitarist ‘Nish’ put in a lot of confident effort, looking at times as if he wished he had more stage to move on. There is a good bit of rhythm going on with their drummer seeming to play with total precision and their other guitarist ‘Tom’ came out with the front crowd to play. The venue looks after its bands and a jug of water and glasses was provided during their set, although Tom in typical Rock Legend style, just drank from the jug.
I like the added entertainment of the comedic banter between the two front men, although Tom seemed a bit stuck for words this time and although apologising for having drank too much, we wouldn’t have known if he hadn’t said but still played and sang well. The band still ‘delivered’ put in the effort and appeared as a bookable band.

This well organised event had a host to introduce the acts and making them feel welcome, there was also a raffle and a Red Stripe permotion from the Charles Wells Brewery and free soft drinks for drivers – How cool is that!

The bands were given around a ¾ hour set, the next was SPHERE – an extremely professional sounding band. They scored a Hendrix cover for their first song, and seem to be able to take their well practiced sound anywhere they want, ranging from heavy, blues, or a milder acoustic vibe, sounding hypnotically addictive to listen to. It’s a combination of having each member of the band being exceptionally good at what they do. Their drummer – ‘with florescent additions to his t-shirt’ is spot on, with a great drumming style and seems to crawl over his drum kit as he plays. Their wide appealing sound is enhanced by having a bloody good singer, who was probably the best on the night! A good bit of bass work as well ‘nice one James’ – sporting his Led Zep t-shirt of which one of their covers ‘Rock n Roll’ ended the set.

There were no less than 3 D.J.’s on the night allowing a range of preferences, Jason’s own was evident and mention also to Mel – who always does a great set and was here promoting his ‘Antichrist Scateware’.

After auditioning for Humpty Dumpty on the wall outside, this time it looked as if NEW ROAD were auditioning for parts on ‘Casualty’ with a wrist bandaged front man and a guitarist with a crutch (skateboard accident), it didn’t stop them from putting on a good show, they seemed to have a more heavier sound than usual with ‘ Typically Me’ and ‘School Disco’ being memorable numbers in their performance. Their guest didgeridoo player made an appearance with the ability to throw a brick through the window of convention with his sheer eccentric randomness. There’s certainly a sense of fun with this band and it’s not uncommon to have some additional stage shenanigans – (they like that word – check their website www.newroadmusic.co.uk) I don’t know if it was because of a curve in the back wall but I think their New Road St. sign (which is always good too see and I hope to see it at famous stadiums or festivals in the future!) it should have been placed higher ‘to match their status’ – they certainly get top gigs including the B.O.T.B. Final (which they won), guests of the famous ‘Wheatus’ and now headlining the first ever ‘Lizard Rock Night’ – There’s just no stopping em!!

It was a great line-up and I can certainly vouch for each band and their members. One of the best things seeing on the night was the way that each band respected and supported each other, there was no ‘we are better than you’ attitude and they complimented each other; they were pleased with the sound at the venue also.

A successful first night and well done to the Lizard Venue for making it the best ticket for a Wednesday night in town! - www.lizardmusicvenue.co.uk


Review by Keith Pickering www.bedfordmetal.tk