fRoots

[ian]

Ok, I'm biased since they asked me to get up on stage and introduce the bands, but that didn't stop Robin Denselow reviewing the Sandy Denny Tribute gig in the Guardian!

Last night's Oysterband 30th anniversary gig at the Forum was thoroughly excellent, I thought – and it was impressive to see the place already full at 7.30 on a wet and chilly credit-crunched Friday evening when Spiers & Boden hit the stage. And be fairly heaving with people by mid-evening. All this for a headliner band who never trouble the popular press or the airwaves.

Everybody was good, everybody was on form, but particular praise for the re-born Edward 2 who were, if anything, better than I ever remember seeing them the first time round - particularly helped by their new drummer who was just there. Very much looking forward to seeing them again on their jaunt around next year's festival circuit.

[Simon Care]

Thanks for those kind words Ian,
I thought it was a great night.
The Oysterband were probably the best i have ever seen them....totally on fire.
Cheers
Simon

[roger]

I thought it was a really good gig from start to finish. The age spread was huge - I was nothing like the oldest there and there were plenty of 20 somethings jigging up and down (and joining in with most of the songs too). I saw John Spiers later in the evening in the audience for the Oysters clearly enjoying himself too.

Now roll on the Big Session

And yes Edward II were really great - it must be something like 20 years since I last saw them and I'd almost forgotten how much I used to enjoy their sound.

[Anne_Dunn]

I really enjoyed the whole evening. It was good to see Ian up there doing the introductions.

The sound could have been better for Spiers & Boden but they had good support, and went down well.
Edward II were excellent, really enjoyed them.

But the Oysterband gig had to be the best one of the year. They were on top form, the lighting was brilliant, and the crowd were enthusiastic but not aggressive.