#wangies

By Joe McKenna (Manchester Rocks)

ROCKING HORSE

The first band on was the brilliant ROCKING HORSE. Ian and the guys played a short but predictably superb set as usual with a genre hopping exercise that went from rock to blues and back again. All of the band are accomplished musicians who take great pride in and enjoy their work immensely. Arguably, they are one of, if not the best cover band doing the rounds at the moment and always pack venues to capacity. But they opened the show, got everyone in a great mood and then left leaving the whole of WANGIES wanting more and they set a very high standard for the rest to follow.

PINK FLOYD...ISH

The next band was PINK FLOYD…ISH who as a tribute band were ok. The keyboard player was excellent and the guitarist played some tremendous solos. My favourite song of the set was ECHOESwhich was a very good cover. They did their own interpretation of THE WALL which polarised opinion, some loved it, some hated it and I fell into the latter category. The fact that the vocals were performed by a female singer put me off straight away and although she was a great vocalist, it didn’t suit THE WALL, in my opinion. They did however receive a great reception from the crowd and redeemed themselves somewhat with a good cover of COMFORTABLY NUMB.

                                                              MARAUDER

MARAUDER took to the stage next and blew the now rammed WANGIES away ! It was now 7.15 and the place was so packed that a lot of people ventured out to the well-lit beer garden and many new friends were made as MARAUDER began what was a cracking set. They were loud and very heavy covering songs by IRON MAIDEN

(THE PRISONER / WHEN THE BELL TOLLS) MEGADETH & METALLICA. They played like a band possessed by heavy metal demons and to describe them as awesome doesn’t even come close !   The guitars, the bass and the drums were impeccable, accompanied by hard hitting punchy vocals. As everyone got to the very merry stage of the night, the frequency and witty content of the banter increased exponentially, creating a brilliant atmosphere. JUDAS PRIEST’s LIVING AFTER MIDNIGHT was played heavier than I had ever heard it played it before and the chorus was echoed by all and sundry .

During the change over, TRACEY & ANGIE scoured the  pubs round ECCLES  browbeating the locals into making contribution to the NABD charity and raised in excess of £40.

Well done girls !

It was the turn of MOTHERS RUIN next and they kicked off with RUNNING DOWN A DREAM  embossed with their own unique stamp. It went down a storm and everyone was having a belting time.

It was at this point however that due to illness, we had to leave prematurely, missing the rest of the set and our mate CHRIS KANE’s band WRONG TURN who we so much wanted to see and review. Our sincere apologies for this to MOTHERS RUIN, WRONG TURN and to CLAIRE for cutting our visit short.

Congratulations & thanks to all the members of NABD who, at the last count had raised approximately £800. Special thanks to CLAIRE also for allowing WANGIES to host the event and making us so welcome.

For more info on WANGIES contact

By Joe McKenna (Manchester Rocks)

The sun was shining, the birds were singing and NABD had organised a fund raiser for a charity that is very close to my heat, The National Association of Bikers with a Disability. The charity aims to get bikers back on the road by adapting bikes and trikes to each individual’s needs. As you can probably imagine this takes a considerable amount of money to keep up this noble cause and I hope this all dayer will go some way to helping NABD achieve this.

You can get more info on NABD at       

www.nabd.org.uk.

On arrival at WANGIES (my first visit) I noticed there was an array of banners, balloons and posters advertising the NABD FUND RAISER.  WANGIES is an excellent venue and possesses all the ingredients of a custom built rock pub. Landlady CLAIRE was so welcoming and friendly, she sought us both out and made us feel at home and offered to answer any questions we might have. The first thing you will notice on entry is the huge purpose built stage on the left. It has ample space for any band’s equipment and I would hazard a guess that a small orchestra could even be accommodated thereon. The lengthy ‘L’ shaped bar has ample bar stools and the choice of real ales, spirits and cocktails are extensive and very reasonably priced. The bar staff were very friendly and helpful as were the assembled punters who had arrived early and many of whom I recognised from the biking fraternity. This was promising to be a cracking day.

Through the long hallway is another very large games room not only with the usual pool table and darts etc... but also housing an eye catching pinball machine, the old fashioned space invaders game as well,  a rarity and much missed fixture.

CLAIRE has been here for approximately 2 and half years and has carried out extensive alterations to convert WANGIES from a loss making run of the mill boozer into a thriving Rock Venue. There is always great bands and music available at WANGIES and I can’t believe I haven’t been here before but that is one mistake that won’t be repeated.

All in all, WANGIES a brilliant venue, great real ale, superb food and tremendous staff who are willing to go the extra mile to ensure everyone has a great time

Make It Work | Will B. SLAAAAAAAAAPSSSSS