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THE weather has calmed down somewhat in recent weeks and expats and local music fans celebrated by marching out in hordes for a fun family festival featuring sounds old and new.
The grassy fields of the Bahrain Rugby Football Club in Janabiya were decked out in parasols, ground sheets, picnic blankets and fold-up chairs as thousands turned up to see a multitude of acts perform at the latest instalment of the popular Trib Fest.
There was a little something for everyone, as middle-aged mums and dads boogied the day away to classics from Tom Jones, Rod Stewart and Tina Turner, only stopping to watch as their children cartwheeled and jumped around like mad to modern-day superstars such as Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga and Jessie J.
‘My generation’ was also catered for … sadly, not by a surprise appearance by The Who, but Nineties giants such as Oasis and Stereophonics look and sound-alikes who took me back to my childhood with superb performances.
Dreadful wigs, exaggerated makeup, awful accents and attire were part-and-parcel of the scene and it was a greater event for it.
This was certainly not something for the purists, but a day of frivolity and laughter and the perfect example that music is the one thing that can bind everyone together.
The fun and games actually started before we got to the venue, with my friends trying to find a parking space somewhere closer than Amwaj Islands. After some choice expletives were aimed at various crafty beggars who always seem to sneak into a space milliseconds before we got to one, we decided to park at Saar Cinema and walk to Janabiya.
After losing half our body weight in sweat thanks to the stifling humidity (we put this down to getting into the vibe of a crowded festival), we arrived to see an impressive construction, with two giant LCD screens erected either side of the stage to aid those further back to see the action without craning their necks.
I certainly wasn’t expecting such an elaborate and professional set-up, reminiscent of ‘proper’ festivals back in Europe, but it added to the authenticity of the show even if the questionable Mancunian and US accents begged to differ!
We arrived in time to witness ‘Oasis’ belting out their smash hit Champagne Supernova, which happens to be one of my favourite nostalgia songs from my childhood. I’ve heard many a karaoke singer butcher this number, but not on this occasion as I almost forgot I wasn’t watching the real band throughout the set.
In fact, the quality of musicianship was absolutely fantastic throughout the day, from nailed-on vocals to the tightness of the backing musicians. It’s easy to see why tribute acts are in huge demand these days when imitators can get this close to the original. In fact, if like me, you’ve had the misfortune of seeing Meat Loaf in the past five years, they even surpass them when the real deal sails past their sell-by date.
It’s a delight to see live music of this standard in Bahrain, as usually the only other option is putting up with the tragic offerings provided by the BIC when the Formula 1 comes around or booking an expensive ticket to Abu Dhabi or Dubai to catch the megastars.
A smaller second stage in the sports hall allowed local talent to shine under the spotlight, and while I didn’t check them out as I was glued to the main stage, I’ve heard from friends that the energy and atmosphere was as equally fervent as on the fields although the numbers supporting the acts were not as vast.
As the final strains of the Rolling Stones’ encore rained out from the speakers and ‘Jick Magger’ bade the audience goodnight, my overwhelming feeling was of sadness. Not just because the night was over, but more than anything it made me miss the many summers spent in the campsites of Donington and Leeds back when I lived in England.
Although, look on the bright side, I didn’t have to trudge home in my wellies and apologetically stare at my mum as I stood on the porch drenched head-to-toe in mud!
So thanks to the Trib Fest team for pushing my nostalgia buttons, both good and bad, and I’m excited to see who the team will rope in next year when the event returns. From the delighted looks on the faces of both adults and children emptying out of the venue, I’m sure I’m not the only one who will be back.
– Kristian Harrison
