Legendry rockers Status Quo gave a rousing performance when they headlined a superb musical event in Whitehaven.
And the Quo were ably supported by several local bands at an event which, it is hoped, will become an annual attraction. Egremont’s most famous band It Bites appeared on an open air Cumbrian stage for the first time ever, and were delighted with the reception they received.
It Bites had a huge hit single, Calling All The Heroes, in the 1980s but split up when Francis Dunnery left to pursue a solo career in the early 90s.
Bob Dalton, who reformed the group a couple of years ago, was overwhelmed by the support they were shown.
"It has been a while since we played a big gig in Cumbria, and it was fantastic."
The It Bites of 2008 is slightly different from the one which hit the big time, appearing on Top of the Pops and Wogan.
Francis Dunnery has been replaced as front-man by John Mitchell and, more recently, Dick Nolan’s place has been taken by Lee Pomeroy. But Bob and John Beck remained from the hey-day, and on this showing there are plenty of good times ahead for It Bites.
They performed songs from their new album as well as a few older classics such as Kiss Like Judas, All in Red and Yellow Christian. And they did so with great style and quality that even the hardened Quo fans were lapping it up.
"It was a really good event and we had a great time," Bob said afterwards. I would urge anyone who hasn’t done so already to get a ticket for their show at Whitehaven Civic Hall on August 30th – and to check out their website for details of the new album. www.itbites.com
It Bites weren’t the only Egremont link to the concert. Yours truly landed the job of compère for the event and it was a fantastic experience to be up on the stage with Gerard Richardson.
A friend of mine approached me after I’d come down from the stage on Saturday night and said: "you’d get where water wouldn’t." I think he may have had a point.
Quite how I’d become the man tasked with introducing the bands at the One Night With Status Quo concert I have no idea. I was approached at short notice and was delighted to accept the invitation without having much time to worry about getting stage fright.
Weathered Rock, another West Cumbrian band, this time made up of Sellafield Managers, were superb. I’d heard at work from lead singer Pete Lutwyche how good they were going to be, and I have to say that he wasn’t wrong. They played some really good covers – and one of their own – and got a rousing reception from the 7,000 plus crowd.
I’m told that interest in their CDs has been impressive since the gig, something that doesn’t surprise me one bit. Other support came from local band Ruffkut and Barrow based glam-rockers Gobstopper, who got the evening off to a great start.
And then, of course, there was Status Quo.
I’ve seen the Quo before, but never at an event like this on an open air stage, and they didn’t disappoint, blasting out all of their classic hits, Caroline, Deeper and Down, and Roll Over Lay Down.
Mr Richardson has said he plans another event for next year and, knowing Gerard, he will adopt the same philosophy as he did with the Martime Festivals he organised, ie it will have to be bigger and better than what has gone before. He says he is already talking to "major international acts" but everything will come down to funding.
However I’m backing him to make it work – I’m not sure he knows how to fail.

(Thanks to Jim Davis for the stunning images above!)