Vive La Rock Awards 2023: A Night of Chaos and Iconic Performances – Gig Review
After three years of anticipation, the Vive La Rock Awards were finally here on April 6th at London’s O2 Shepherds Bush Empire, bringing us 5 hours of joyous (albeit chaotic) rock, 2 Tone, and old-school punk. The venue was filled with punk rockers, teddy boys, and mods with a shared love of good music, making for a great crowd and a great night.
Starting the night off strong were the Vive La Rockers, accompanied by various special guests, including Girlschool’s Jackie and Kim, Vive La Rock’s very own Eugene Butcher and Millie Manders. They performed Sex Pistols’ “God Save The Queen” in tribute to the late Nora Forster. This star-studded introduction to the night paved the way for the first set of awards, presented by Vice Squad’s own Beki Bondage, after she joined the Vive La Rockers for a rendition of Little Richard’s “Lucille.”
The awards were entertainingly chaotic, to say the least, with winners nowhere to be seen at the side of the stage, and microphones seemingly too quiet to hear thank-yous. However, this did not break the high spirits of those on stage or in the audience. Beki Bondage called on fantastic guests to present awards, including Charlie Harper of the UK Subs, Madness’ own multi-instrumentalist Lee Thompson, former football manager Stuart Pearce, and Brix Smith. A great moment occurred when, unbeknownst to him, the ‘Best Roots Artist Award’ was given deservedly to Original Rudeboy Neville Staple as he took the stage to collect his award, expressing his surprise and gratitude.
This was followed by duo Bob Vylan winning the ‘New Blood’ award and giving a meaningful speech about punk losing its way, stating “Punk Rock is changing, and we hope to be at the forefront of that change.”
It was then time for more fabulous music from the Vive La Rockers, joined by more star-studded guests on stage. Jim Jones of The Jim Jones Revue performed a spine-tingling rendition of “I Put A Spell On You,” resonating with the iconic Screaming Jay Hawkins (menacing laugh included). He was followed by Jennie Bell Star and Elizabeth Westwood of Bad Barbee, and then the incredible Norman Watt-Roy, who joined the band for a performance of Dr. Feelgood’s “Roxette,” which led perfectly into the second half of the awards, led again by Beki Bondage.
Presenters of the awards included Millie Manders and Killing Joke’s Youth, and the incredible Rhoda Dakar, who delivered an incredibly moving speech while accepting the ‘Icon’ award on behalf of the late, great Terry Hall. It was an emotional moment for everyone present, and Dakar delivered a fantastic tribute to Terry, whom, as she highlighted, was a powerful voice for women’s rights. She made it known that she would not be where she is today if Hall was not so pro-women in the music industry, opening doors for women and standing beside them. Rhoda also pleaded for bands and festivals to be more inclusive, stating we should all simply “do better.” It was a fitting tribute for an incredible and talented man who is dearly missed by so many.
The crowd were then treated to performances from the Cockney Rejects, after receiving their lifetime achievement award, bouncing through “Unforgiven” and “Bad Man.”
2 Tone icon and Original Rudeboy Neville Staple then took to the stage with his phenomenal band and got the crowd jumping with the classics; Monkey Man, Gangers, and A Message To You Rudy. And finally, to end an incredible night of celebrating music we were treated to 80’s Gothic Rock band, Lords of The New Church the supergroup compiled of Terry Chimes (The Clash), Brian James (The Damned), Dave Treganna (Sham 69) and Hanoi Rock’s Michael Monroe who took to vocals in place of Stiv Bators.
Photos by Jason A Miller
Vive La Rock Awards 2022: A Night of Chaos and Iconic Performances @ RockNews
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