By Graham Hiley.
Suzi Quatro has famously said if she ever turns round and shakes her ass to silence then she will know that is the time to call it a day.
Judging by the raucous reaction at the Wickham Festival she will be going for a long time yet!
The Queen of Rock turned 74 a few weeks ago yet still belted out her hits with all her trademark power and passion.
From the moment she strode onto the stage, Suzi Q owned the Big Top with true stage presence and charisma – the confidence that comes with 60 years as a singer.
And if on occasions the audience needed a little coaxing to sing her songs back to her, well… you don’t say no to Suzi. They belted back the words with real joy prompting the Detroit singer to say it had been a truly memorable night.
It was a fantastic set, packed with her catalogue of hits, a couple of covers and the powerful but poignant Shine A Light from her album with another Wickham favourite KT Tunstall.
The masterful display saw her play drums and piano as well as the trademark bass guitar which Suzi still plays with as much love and passion as she did in her teens.
Preceding her at the other end of the scale was the supremely talented Muireann Bradley, the 17-year-old Irish singer who stole the show on Jools Holland’s New Year’s Eve Hootenanny.
With the voice of an angel and a confidence and dexterity which belied her tender years, the youngster showed just why she is being tipped for such a stellar future. No wonder the crowd took her to their hearts.
With the voice of an angel and a confidence and dexterity which belied her tender years, the youngster showed just why she is being tipped for such a stellar future. No wonder the crowd took her to their hearts.
Another day of glorious sunshine and top quality music made the first full day of the festival a real treat – and there are still two days to go.
Saturday’s headliners are Levellers and Ferocious Dog in the Big Top with the Little Top hosting Skipinnish and new supergroup Dream in Colours consisting of Wickham favourites Johnny Kalsi (Dhol Foundation), Steve Knightley (Show of Hands), Bennet Cerven (Trouble Notes) and Eiza Marshall (Ranagri).
Sunday sees another music legend in Curtis Stigers followed by Tony Christie on one stage with Manran and Rura on the other. Day tickets are still available at the box office on site or via wickhamfestival.co.uk
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