DARK CIRCLE

Hi Rach! Let’s start at the beginning...Please introduce yourself to the HRH MAG readers. What’s your name and where do you come from?

I feel like I’m being interviewed for Blind Date! I’m Rach, I’m from and live in Birmingham.

Growing up, when did you first fall in love with music, who were the faces in the posters on your walls!

I always loved music even when I was a kid watching Culture Club and Wham on Top of the Pops! My tastes started to become a bit more varied in secondary school. I discovered Bon Jovi and Guns n Roses and used to go to my mates’ house and copy all her albums! Jon Bon Jovi was the one that was predominantly on my walls as a teen though.

Birmingham had so many great places to rock! Did you spend your misspent youth years at Eddies and Exposure, what was the rock scene like for you as a teen?

As a teen I didn’t go to Eddie’s or XLs. In my indie/grunge years I used to go to the Pot of Beer in Birmingham which is where PWEI used to do DJ sets above the bar! I started going to XLs once I’d moved back from college and remember their brilliant £10 ticket: all you can drink nights! Messy!! I can remember people leaning over the bar and serving themselves!

Once XLs died a death that’s when we headed to Eddies (and The Gallows) as a weekly thing and I got involved with doing promo for bands and the club for a while, even after the place burned down and we were in new premises. They were fun times! It’s a big answer cuz it was such a huge part of my life! I met my bestie Caz at Eddies!

Have you always been a fan of rock music, or was it one band that drew you into the genre? I like all sorts. I went through various phases during my teen years, into rock, AOR, sleaze but then at the same time I had an indie, goth, and grunge phase too. Probably why you’ll find me at a variety of gigs. There’s too much good stuff out there not to listen to it! My uncle was a blues guitarist and he taught me a lot!

Where did it all begin for you Rach, can you remember your first gig?

My first gig was David Lee Roth on the Lil’ Ain’t Enough tour with Warrant supporting. My uncle took me, and I just remember being amazed by the whole gig!

And your first festival? When did you start attending the HRH Events?

My first festival - I was a late starter really. It was Ozzfest in 2001 at Milton Keynes Bowl. I got the bug and then started going to Reading Festival (back when it was good!). And then when Download started, I used to go to that every year too! I started going to HRH in 2009 back at the Prestatyn site. I’ve been to every HRH in November since!

What is your favourite event in the HRH Calendar and why?

HRH in November. For me it’s the best event. A variety of genres and something for everyone. Plus, all my mates are there and it’s a lot of fun!

What has been your most memorable event to date and why? Was it the line-up, a particular set, or maybe a very wild and wonderful caravan party? Bear in mind names will not be withheld to protect the innocent!

Ha! Well, I’d say the HRH’s at Prestatyn with the chalet parties used to be legendary didn’t they! Definitely a few stories there but not sure I can share them!! I think for me the HRH events in North Wales (don’t ask me to spell it!) were the best. That main room was epic both in terms of sound/stage. That’s where I made a lot of my close friends too, so I’ll always be grateful for that!

You are quite new to the DC Rach; how does it feel to be part of the family?

You get to see the work behind the scenes and get to hear about future plans and events, it’s not all free pizza and shots is it! It feels great! Nice to be part of the family. Nice to be able to hear about the future plans but also to have some input into it too!

What is it about HRH Events that keeps you coming back for more Rach?

The people. For me it’s become like a little family, and I absolutely love spending time with everyone!