It is a sad occasion but a happy one. This is a gathering of friends, the Wirral music scene is honouring, celebrating and raising a glass to one of their own. The man in question, who sadly passed away a few months ago was Martin Ward, a man who was loved widely. He was a consummate musician and a lover of live music so when Steve Hock of Biteback puts on a gig to remember him there are plenty of takers.
This is the first live music we’ve seen since social distancing began. The gig takes place in the metal ‘barn’ out the back of Molly’s Chambers in Birkenhead so its classed as outside. Tables are set up and people in the main sit at them in small groups. It’s hard to see how social distancing can work though at anything approaching a normal gig.
We start off with an acoustic duo, at least one of whom is in rock band Insanity Beach. They make a fair start to the day.
The Dry Retch are the first real live band in ages and oddly, the last live band I saw before lockdown. In a nice touch they’ve included some old Burning Eyes numbers - the band both Retch vocalist John and Martin were in together.
I’m genuinely excited a s the band warm up, live music, loud noisy stuff from the Wirrals arch proponents of extreme noise. And they live up to it. A swirling wall of volume, Stooges infested guitars and harsh punk rhythms, the thudding bass lines and explosive drums all belying the Covid enforced lack of practice the band mention before taking the stage, both loose by design and a tight well oiled noise machine. Still, after all these years, one of my favourite live musical experiences.
There are a number of musical and poetic interludes throughout the day as friends of Martin take the stage to provide tributes to him. In an emotional moment his sister and son thank the audience for being there and there are ad-hoc performances with various band member drafted in to support acoustic guitars and singers.
I’ve not seen Grenades before. They are a more studied guitar attack, less frantic than most bands but maintaining intensity with a precision most bands can only aspire to. They show restraint, preferring to build up their sound, some fantastic lead guitar work too. When they do let themselves go its a cover of the Stooges Wanna Be Your Dog, dedicated to Martin, and by this time the pin is well and truly pulled and they cover the audience in musical shrapnel.
Biteback seem to have gotten louder and more Motorhead like in the interlude. The chant-a-long chorus’s are there, the band obviously enjoy playing still but its been cranked up several notches. Bass player Mandy in particular seems even more present both physically throwing herself around the stage, the bass is very in your face (and the band benefits from this) and her vocals are more up front too. This combined with their no nonsense musical approach and straight punk delivery create an enjoyable half hour or so of good songs played well.
We hand over to Johnny for some words of his own and the the remaining reviews of the night.
Usually, when a friend or loved one shuffles off this mortal coil, we are left with happy memories of that person, a little service and a few bevvies afterwards. on this occasion, friends, family and loved ones got together to say farewell to a local musical hero in Martin ward. One such band was a local outfit known by many, Electra 56. With their twanging, almost rockabilly style guitars smashing out old tunes and new, the boys did Martin proud, intense vocals, showing passion and energy for a crowd that came out to pay homage to Martin. Electra 56 is one of those bands you will never tire of seeing, always a favourite around these parts. During the set, an amazing rendition of Dick Dale’s Misirlou, every foot and hand in the place tapping along to this classic tune. Brilliant…….. finally, to end what was an extraordinary evening, a stalwart of the Merseyside music scene, Pete Bentham gets up on vocals with members of all the bands for a final au revoir to the man we came to remember, singing the classic tune by “the only ones” another girl, another planet. A couple of teething probs at first, it is after all punk rock, had the whole crowd singing along. All in all, a great send off for a great man. Cheers Martin.
Words: Johnny and RBY, Photos: RBY
Links:
Dry Retch: https://www.facebook.com/TheDryRetch/
Grenades: https://www.facebook.com/weareGrenades/
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