Wasn’t planning on going to this year’s Reloaded festival at the Tolbooth. I had no idea who was actually playing other than Wake the President as I spent most of Social Media Week running into Björn and having him say to me “you are taking photos of us next Friday aren’t you?”
Or words to that effect.
I said yes, so here I was.

Only saw a glimpse of Johnny & the Giros. They’ve grown a bit synthy since last time I saw them which is not really my thing but I’ve always kind of liked them.
They still have a lot of bouncy energy about them.

Saw a bit of Mark Hogg on the acoustic stage

I’m not sure what the writing on the arms was all about. Someone please explain?
I didn’t see very much. It was a drive by shooting so to speak.

Then came Wake the President
I think it has been years since I’ve seen WtP.
Might even be as long ago as 2007 at the Art School on one of those Aufgeladen und Bereit/Creeping Bent label nights
Can’t really explain why and it doesn’t feel that long ago, mostly as I constantly seem to run into them.
I managed to miss their album launch gig recently so quite a few songs tonight are new to me but there’s a couple of oldies in there too in case there were any old school followers.
Remember fun?




Must make sure the next time isn’t so far away.

Another drive by shooting, this time of Colin James Murphy.
Saw him before at Reloaded Fest but tonight it was hard.
The Tolbooth bar was rammed, it was too hot and any refreshments were abttle through a crowd away.
Too much for someone with no patience to live with.
So I had to bail out.

Yeah I keep doing this don’t I?
Wonder at what point people realise that I am actually just a nuisance?

I had never seen Rachel Sermanni before though obviously I had heard a lot about her
There’s something about her that I can’t describe.
Something captivating.
I hope my photos capture it, I think they do (but then I would say that wouldn’t I?).

Same story with Admiral Fallow, though I have seen several of them in other bands I’m sure.
Anyway, they both have something about them.
They are both just genuinely likeable.
Which is half the battle because that means you’ll listen.
Or like when Louis asked everyone to come in close, you’ll do what they ask.
The band all stood along the crowd barrier and sang together away from the microphones.
It was a really special moment to end to the night.
…oh see I’m doing it again…

So the end of the briefest of visits to the Reloaded Festival.