Battle of the Bands!
On Tuesday 30th January, family and friends gathered at the Bedford Pub for an unforgettable evening of live performances by bands from Wandsworth Music Academy and Chestnut Grove Academy.
Rod Stewart and Jools Holland had shot a video there the day before, but they had nothing on this evenings musicians! The line-up was brimming with talent, featuring the following bands; Meteors, Bad Idea, Gen Zees, The De La Llamas, South West Fires, and The Undergrads. Each group brought their unique flair to the stage, delivering a diverse range of musical genres and original compositions that the audience enjoyed.
Meteors: Opening the night with a bang, Meteors kicked off their set with high energy and infectious enthusiasm. Marcelina’s vocals soared as they belted out classic hits like “Under Pressure” by Queen and “Come Together” by The Beatles. With Mario on bass, Teo on drums, and Zachary and James on guitars, the band delivered flawless renditions of iconic tracks like “Tainted Love” and “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door.” A special shoutout to Zak, who recently joined on piano, adding a new dimension to their sound.
Bad Idea took the stage next, treating the audience to an electrifying performance of both covers and original compositions. Summer’s powerful vocals commanded attention as her and Jake rocked out to Avril Lavigne’s “Complicated” and their own originals, “Self Destruct” and “Salivate.” Jake’s guitar riffs, Floyd’s bass grooves, and Yusuf’s dynamic drumming combined to create an unforgettable sound. Many thanks to Yusuf for stepping in at the last minute to play with the band, as their original drummer was stuck in traffic!
Gen Zees With a name that perfectly encapsulates their youthful energy, Gen Zees brought their A-game to the stage. Luca’s vocals soared over Arthur and Esme’s intricate guitar melodies, while Bruce’s bass and Milo’s drums laid down a solid foundation. Their setlist, featuring tracks like “Socks and Sandals” by Dutch Criminal Record and “Your Teeth” by Peach Pit, showcased their eclectic taste and musical talents. A highlight of the night was Luca taking to the keyboard and singing one of his own songs. Accompanied brilliantly by the band, who had all written their own
The De La Llamas kept the momentum going with their soulful renditions of classics like “White Room” by Cream and “Valerie” by Amy Winehouse, Maria’s vocals were particularly beautiful on this track. Their energetic performance of “Sweet Child of Mine” by Guns N Roses had the crowd on their feet, dancing and singing along to every word. A shout out to Will for his wailing guitar solo!
As the night progressed, South West Fires took the stage and delivered a setlist packed with crowd-pleasers. Celebrating Zac’s birthday in style, Lucy and Zac’s vocals soared over Jack and Dalibor’s guitars, Marikit’s bass, and Mariam’s keys. From Thomas Rhett’s “Up” to Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick in the Wall,” It was great to hear each vocalist shine, by taking the lead vocals on one song.
Closing out the night on a high note, The Undergrads delivered a dynamic performance that left the audience wanting more. Aleks’ vocals harmonized beautifully, complemented by Tom, Bruce, and Matthew’s intricate guitar work, Nima’s solid bass lines, and Daniel’s rhythmic drumming. Their setlist, featuring hits like “Holiday” by Green Day and “Paranoid Android” by Radiohead, showcased their musical versatility and undeniable talent.
A special thanks to John, Dalibor, Rich the sound man, and the staff at Bedford Pub for making the event possible and ensuring that everything ran smoothly.
In conclusion, the concert at the Bedford Pub was a night to remember, filled with incredible performances. The bands grow with confidence with every gig. We hope to see you back there in July.
#makingmusicmatter
