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Mersey News Live FROM THE HEART OF THE CITY
Powered by LJMU journalists
October 6 2021
WELCOME RETURN FOR FAMOUS CITY FESTIVAL WHY ASKING ANGELA CAN KEEP YOU SAFE ANFIELD’S UPPER CRUST MUSICAL
HITTING THE RIGHT NOTE THIS WEEK
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LIFESTYLE
> Jacaranda, one of the venues which staged Sound CIty this year: p14
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CONTENTS THIS WEEK
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04 Rock Ferry fireworks 05 COP26 Protests 06 Ask for Angela 07 Lack of dyslexia support
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LIFE & ARTS 8/9 Liverpool’s Irish festival 10 Introducing Conan 11 Meet RATS 12 Bring Me The Horizon review 13 Homebaked: Bakery to Musical 14 Sound City wrap-up 15 Boxing showdown
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elcome back to the new and improved Mersey News Live magazine - formerly known as Liverpool Life. It’s a new academic year and we’re back in the newsroom, ready to provide you with great content from across Merseyside. Mersey News Live has a brand new website too and we’re certain that, after a year working in our pyjamas, you’re going to love it just as much as we do. This week’s issue is filled with
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New name, same great content great content, from giving you the lowdown on RATS - the band, not the rodents - to a sneak peek of the festival that celebrates everything Ireland. Discover what gigs are like post-lockdown, get clued up on the upcoming boxing match and find out how a local bakery was turned into a musical. Learn how to stay safe whilst out in bars and pubs by asking for
Angela and find out more about dyslexia. The editing team will be on a weekly rotation, with two groups running the magazine. Next week you’re in the safe hands of our colleagues. New issues are published every Wednesday, with brand new content made just for you. Happy reading! Emma Dukes Lifestyle Reporter
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Bonfire Night on the beach promises to be a real cracker Refreshment Rooms is among local businesses hosting firework display this year. MAIA NODEN finds out how the restaurant is preparing for the big night, along with other local venues
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n Friday November 7, venues across the UK are set for a big bang - Bonfire Night celebrations are once again taking place this year as Covid lockdowns ease. Refreshment Rooms in Rock Ferry is hosting a firework display with food and drinks available. The event starts at 7.30pm down on the beach, with their outside bar opening two hours earlier. With many venues having to cancel last year’s Bonfire Night events, this year is an opportunity for businesses and organisations to once again put on a show. Entry to the Refreshment Rooms display is free, and takes place at 2 Bedford Road East, Rock Ferry, CH42 1LS. The long-range forecast for Bonfire Night is mostly cloudy and windy, with a little morning rain followed by wind again with areas of low cloud for the evening. The probability of a thunderstorm is pretty unlikely for
the first Friday of November. On the evening, the restaurant will be serving food on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no need to book - although the restaurant itself is fully booked, there is an outside bar serving food, including burgers, hotdogs, vegan hotdogs and paella. If this isn’t near you, there are some other displays within an hour’s radius of Liverpool.
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hester is back with The Lord Mayor’s Fireworks Extravaganza. Guests can enjoy two firework exhibits from the grandstand side of the city’s racecourse. Chester is providing for families with fun activities and the first display is on earlier in the evening designed for children. The main display at 7:30pm is set to a playlist of music. Tickets can be purchased on the day for £7, however, to save money advanced tickets are able to be purchased online for £5. Free entry for under-fours with a paying adult.
Independence Day fireworks in the US
photo: San Diego
‘WEATHER’ OR NOT TO WRAP UP? Thousands of businesses lost out last year finically, so this is a perfect occasion to help them grow again. With a forecast temerature of just 4 degrees make sure to wrap up warm and dig out your winter closet. The people of Merseyside are left hoping the weather stays as predicted for Bonfire Night!
Firework display at Disneyworld, Photo: Thomas Hawk from San Francisco, USA
To get your advance ticket to Chester Racecourse visit: https://ticketing.chester-races.com/en-GB/events/fireworks%20extravaganza/2021-11-6_17.00/fireworks?hallmap
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Protests in Liverpool ahead of COP26 climate crisis meeting SASKIA FRYER reports on the latest demonstrations in Glasgow and Liverpool ahead of November’s summit
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hile world leaders and environmental experts are set to meet in Glasgow in November for the 26th international climate talks. More people join in solidarity to emphasise to governments that change needs to take place more urgently and more radically COP26, which takes place every five years, will discuss the measures they will have to take collectively to help reduce global warming and stop irreversible harm being done to our planet. Many are joint in feelings of anger and frustration with the governments reaction to global warming. They believe they have not been true to their word. Certain infrastructures have been planned which could cause more harm to the planet. Including, new licenses for oil drillers to continue exploring the North Sea for reserves, despite government plans to try and cut carbon emissions. COP26 Coalition group was formed to make demands to the government and world leaders to do more to protect our planet from global warming. In response to the meeting, they have planned a large protest on November 6th in Glasgow. People from across the globe are expected to travel and take part in demands for radical change for our environment. Some of their demands include no more investments into fossil fuels. Wealthier countries to provide financial support to poorer countries experiencing the extreme effects of climate change and the expansion of green and affordable housing. The group are calling for everyone around the world to set up their own local groups and organise events with local communities. Liverpool has established its own coalition group by a selection of people who came together and have invited communities and groups to support the cause. They have support from Trade Unions, charities including Greenpeace, followed by activist groups such as Extinction Rebellion and Fridays For Future. They want to stop plans of the
Poster from The Liverpool COP26 Coalition group.
expansion of the Liverpool John Lennon airport which they claim would lead to further pollution. The airport commented on the environmental impact in their Master Plan to 2050, which was released in March 2018. It states that they have “adopted an Environmental Management Strategy (EMS)”, meaning their objective is to follow policies which they hope to cause less harm to the environment. For example, they aim to minimise aircraft emissions, minimise noise disturbance and reduce volume of waste created.
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lara Paillard, one of the co-ordinators from the Liverpool Coalition, wants to bring people’s attention to demands they have for their city as well as the world. The coalition also want to prevent the new dual carriageway which is planned to go through Rimrose Valley country park, which caused protests to the plan in late August. These are only some of the various demands the coalition is calling for. Clara says: “We want a shift from the current capitalist economies that put profit before people and the planet, to a more sustainable society where people still have access to important services”. This includes seeing the use of renewable energy becoming more of a norm in our society where they hope to see the government make large investments
“We want the council to be more serious when it comes to measures it can take” into implementing it. She says: “This can only be done if energy is brought back under public ownership so we can have control of a transition from fossil fuel to renewable energy”. She added: “We want the council to be more serious when it comes to measures it can take in Liverpool to operate in a more sustainable manner. “They have got plans and objectives but we don’t think it’s radical enough” Part of their mission in the group is to also raise awareness to the public about climate change, why its’ being caused and what are the real solutions to rectify the damage by educating people and having discussions. The Intergovernmental Panel
on Climate Change (IPCC) have released recent reports of humans damaging impact on the planet. It was reported that within the past five years we have seen the highest temperatures since 1850, along with our sea levels having tripled since the early 1900’s. The coalition feel a lack of confidence that the meeting with the world leaders will bring about great change, yet they are determined to make their voices heard. She says: “We hope this moment will mobilise a critical mass of people so more people will take action to force the government to take a look at the climate crisis”. • The Liverpool COP26 Coalition are organising a demonstration on November 6 at Sefton Park Gates (Ullet Road) at 12pm.
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How ‘Angela’ is aiming to make nights-out safer
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campaign that aims to keep clubbers and bargoes safe at night has been warmly received on Merseyside. ‘Ask Angela’ focuses on guests and bar-staff being able to communicate discreetly about situations customers might find themselves in, including drink spiking. Following student ‘freshers’ events and the re-opening of bars in the city, a petition, with 6,428 signatures, as of writing, is calling for “the Government to take drink spiking seriously, starting with providing bars with free drink spiking test kits.” The NHS describes drink spiking as “When someone has added something, for example, alcohol or drugs, to your drink, without you knowing.” And Drinkaware says that: “A person’s drink can be spiked to make them more vulnerable for a variety of reasons including theft, sexual assault or as an attempted joke.” And highlights the importance of recognising a victim. MOJO Liverpool, on Back Berry Street, have taken matters into their
LOUISE LEMOINE reports on night-life safety and finds out how the ‘Ask for Angela’ campaign helps ensure the safety of bar staff and their customers own hands and is one of the only bars in Liverpool currently using the “Ask for Angela” scheme. Originally developed by Lincolnshire County Council in 2016, “Ask for Angela” can act as a way for venue staff and guests to communicate discreetly about a negative situation they have found themselves in. Asking for “Angela” alerts staff that the individual needs help, whether that be finding them a taxi home, calling venue security or the police. In a statement on their Instagram page MOJO Liverpool wrote: “We’re working alongside the police and other hospitality venues across the UK to help prevent and reduce sexual violence and vulnerability with the #AskforAngela campaign. “ If you’re feeling harassed or uncomfortable simply go to the bar and ask for “Angela”. Our trained staff will know that you need out of a situation and will call you a taxi or help you out discreetly- without fuss. Spread the word”.
Drinks at Lark Lane, photo: Louise Lemoine
“I think nearly everyone I know has had some sort of negative night-out story. It’s not uncommon for people to literally run out of clubs because they’ve been made to feel frightened or uncomfortable.” 6
Crowded bar on a Saturday night, photo: Louise Lemoine
“Our trained staff will know that you need out of a situation and will call you a taxi or help you out discreetly- without fuss. Spread the word”. - MOJO Liverpool MOJO told MerseyNewsLive that they use the scheme to: “Help protect guests and promote a safe and fun inclusive environment for everyone; boy, girl, other and any sexual orientation.” The technique has been well received by MOJO fans saying on Instagram: “Appreciate this guys. There’s been many occasions in town when other places didn’t click on [that] I needed help”. However, the cause has faced some backlash with people taking to social media, one wrote on Facebook: “Some places have signs in the women’s toilets instead of blaring it all over social media. “Now anyone asking for Angela will be obvious.” But it is hoped that spreading the message of ‘Ask for Angela’ will encourage people of all genders to reach out if they’re in any kind of danger. “Rachel” who wished to remain anonymous spoke to MerseyNewsLive about her experiences in hospitality. She said: “I wish more bars used ‘Ask for Angela’ and schemes like it, a lot of people have negative experiences in bars and clubs, and it ruins the vibe for everyone. “I think nearly everyone I know has had some sort of negative night-out story.
“It’s not uncommon for people to literally run out of clubs because they’ve been made to feel frightened or uncomfortable.” Campaigners and hospitality workers are hoping that change is on the horizon and that Liverpool’s nightlife can be enjoyed by everyone in a safe way in the future.
Drinks in the city centre, photo by: Louise Lemoine
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Shining a new light on hidden disability DANNIELLE JONES reports on Dyslexia Awareness Week and why it is so important to speak about it
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yslexia is a hidden disability that can be undiagnosed for years. That was the case with Liverpool student Sammy Dutton, whose condition had a huge impact on her studies. This week thousands of children and charities across the country are taking part in Dyslexia Awareness Week; an awareness event which is held annually to show support for those who struggle with the hidden learning difficulty. Dyslexia is a common issue that affects millions of people across the country and The British Dyslexia Association website states that: “Over 10% of the population are believed to be dyslexic.” However, despite the large amount of the population that are impacted by the learning difficulty it is not spoken about a lot in society and many people are even unaware that the awareness week dedicated for the problem exists.
“It should be talked about a lot more in schools as this is the age that it impacts people the most”
Liverpool Hope University student Sammy Dutton told MNL about how dyslexia has impacted her studies and explained how she was unaware of the awareness week saying: “I didn’t even know there was a dyslexia awareness week until now and this proves that the problem is not spoken about enough. “It should be talked about a lot more in schools as this is the age that it impacts people the most and when people are only just discovering that they’ve got dyslexia and need support the most.” Sammy who is in her final year studying Sport Science and Exercise Bachelors told MNL that she has always found it harder than most of her classmates when writing for exams and essays because of her dyslexia. “Dyslexia has had a huge impact on my studies especially when I am doing coursework such as lab reports because I find sentence and essay structure in general really difficult, and I often find myself getting marked down in this area as I really struggle with it no matter how long I am given for the task. I also struggle with note taking in lectures due to needing the ability to write, read and listen all at the same time which dyslexia makes a lot harder to do.” However, she did explain that her university do recognise dyslexia as something which needs extra support, telling us that herself and other students who suffer with it get offered extra help to combat the extra issues
Photo by: Green Chameleon on Unsplash
they face adding: “I do receive an extra 25% in all of my exams which helps as it means I make less mistakes when reading the questions and in turn can understand better what they are asking of me and I also get a set number of hours per year with a dyslexia tutor from my university which is helpful as they look over my work and tell me if anything does not make sense, but this was limited due to the pandemic.” Although Sammy did then go on to explain that though most dyslexia cases are recognised during primary school, she was not diagnosed until she went to college further adding to the issue that the learning difficulty is not spoken about enough, which is why Dyslexia Awareness Week is a vital event to help increase our knowledge about the issue and to raise awareness. Above:Sammy Dutton, Liverpool
Hope University student Photo Credit: Sammy Dutton
“Dyslexia has had a huge impact on my studies .. I find sentence and essay structure in general really difficult” Photo By: Brett Jordan on Unsplash
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Warm welcome as fes By HARLEY MULLEN
The wait is almost over, Liverpool Irish Festival is set to return for 10 days of art, culture, music and history.
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iverpool Irish festival takes place every year to celebrate Liverpool’s link with Ireland. This year the theme is ‘exchange’. The event will run from 21st October through to the 31st October and will be filled with creativity from a wide range of special guests. The Festival was originally founded almost 20 years ago to bring Liverpool and Ireland closer together through its rich history. Live audiences are invited back to venues all over the city plus there will be some online events to enjoy too! Artistic Director and CEO of the festival, Emma Smith, is excited to welcome guests to this year’s programme, she told MerseyNewsLive: “This year we are working with over 100 artists, 19 venues and over 70 partners, which we see as a very positive contribution to the arts sector.” She added: “To our knowledge, we are the only Irish arts and culture led festival in the world. We take the
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Image from dual heratige lives event previously
‘Liverpool Irish’ aspect of our name seriously and hope to tell something of our history and influence on Irish lives as well as showcasing work from the island of Ireland.” As the theme for this year is ‘exchange’, each event will contain an exchange of some form where the audience can take away something important from the information. Included in the artists this year is Jack Bryne, the author of Under the Bridge, a fictional novel about the Irish community in Garston, Liverpool. His contribution to the festival will be in partnered with author Greg Quiery as they discuss the myths and reality of the city nicknamed ‘Ireland’s second capital.’ He told MerseyNewsLive: “I’m really pleased to be part of the Irish Festival, it’s an opportunity for everyone in the city to explore our links with the country Across The Water (the title of my next novel) and an opportunity for Irish students and emigrants to join us in exploring Scouse/ Irish culture.” A returning performer this year is Matt McGinn, an Irish song
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stival returns to city writer/producer. Last year, although the festival had to be taken digital, McGinn’s documentary ‘Lessons of War’ was screened for all to enjoy. He is excited to return to face to face performing this time round, he said:” I was delighted to be involved in the festival last year. Even though it was all online, I was amazed by the warmth of community spirit surrounding the Liverpool Irish festival. I can only imagine what that is going to be like in person, and really can’t wait.” He added:” This festival is a wonderful way to strengthen those ties especially in what may be portrayed by history as a divisive time. For those Irish studying in Liverpool, the festival surely offers a welcome piece of home on their doorstep, and a chance to celebrate their own culture with newfound friends from all over the world. “ With so many artists and events to choose from this year, the festival is set to be a busy 10 days. Some of the most popular events from previous years that are set to return include the Armagh Rhymers, a music and theatre group, who will be performing at the Family day (30th October.) And the Samhain Céilí who invite people to dress up, dance and play games (31st October.) Artistic Director Emma Smith said: “I find it hard to pick a favourite. […] We watch peoples careers open and bring audiences with us. They’re the ones that really fulfil me.” This year the event is operating in partnership with Black History Month, Liverpool City Council and Creative Organisation of Liverpool programmes. The event believes they’re an important platform for talent, risk-taking and debate.
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The Festival is a wonderful way to strengthen those ties especially in what may be portrayed by history as a divisive time.
Historic Exchange Flags building, Liverpool
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The coming of Conan A shining light flickering in a genre consumed with Doom to understand that from Conan’s perspective, human despair does not come with a specific sound or medium and channelling that energy into something muddier and drone-like, allows them to create a clearer visage of false hope and melancholy. Another great reason behind Conan’s distinct sound is just about doing something different, as Jon Davis told Doomed & Stoned ‘’It’s a little bit like sawing wood, If you
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push too hard, the blade gets stuck.’’ Such a fate has beset many genres of music, the most recent and notable example being Grunge, which was once garage, low-budget musical expression with deep meaning tied to the plight and helplessness of Seattle’s youth, shortly turned into an industry factory where no two bands were unique. Needless to say, with Conan’s attitude to Doom Metal, that fate may have been postponed.
By ARCHIE COLLYER o genre of music cultivates the sense of hopelessness and guttural lack of joy than Doom Metal. A musical medium born in the harsh and industrial streets of Birmingham in 1968 by a then small band called Black Sabbath, who channelled their surroundings into abyssal odes of lost souls, and extrinsic journeys into the emptiness of life. This template was taken by many bands in the late 70s and early 80s once Black Sabbath had transitioned into a faster paced and more electric style of Metal, with bands such as Candlemass and Witchfinder General doubling down on the grim tones and melodical styles that made Doom Metal unique. Although it has evolved with its environment, Doom Metal at its core is a genre of despair, not influenced by the feral and sometimes grotesque nature of other Metal sub-genres but sourced from the hole in a person’s heart, the forlorn of one’s situation is the furnace in which Doom Metal fuels itself. This takes us to Conan, a band formed in Liverpool by lead vocalist and guitarist Jon Davis in 2006, which has since rewritten what we should expect from Doom Metal artists; replacing the clear melodies of melancholy with deep sludgy riffs and primal vocals, which has caused their music to be referred as ‘caveman battle doom’. This take on traditional Doom Metal has been distinctly apparent since their debut album Monnos, which features incredibly muddy and ferocious tracks
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such as ‘’Hawk as a Weapon’’ and ‘’Grim Tormentor’’, songs that defy a lot of the tropes of Doom Metal; which raises a rather interesting question, what exactly makes them Doom Metal? And not another subgenre such as Drone Metal? The answer to this question lies with intent, in an interview with Distorted Sound Magazine, Jon Davis had this to say about his approach to working on Conan’s music: ‘’I started thinking of the concept of existential thought and the idea that the feeling of complete worthlessness, the sense of absolute loss and desponding, could actually be a place that we visit.’’ Since the core determining factor as to whether an album is classified as Doom Metal or not is down to its context, and melodic representation of human despair, it is quite easy
Top: current band members Jon Davis, Chris Fielding & Johnny King Above: Drummer Johnny King performing live in 2018 Left: Vocalist Jon
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Scouse RATS swap busking for festivals Four lads from Liverpool have traded playing small venues and busking for festivals and record deals. They’ve sold out the Cavern Club and they’re hungry for more
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hen RATS got the call a week before the Isle of Wight Festival to be told a band had pulled out and they had been selected to play the Big Top Stage, they could barely believe their luck. “My first thought was ‘someone’s on the wind up’” said Lowell Carragher, the 25 year-old bassist from Maghull. Having just signed a professional development deal subsidised by Warner Music, and selling out the cavern club, the venue famous for housing the most successful band of all time, Carragher could be forgiven for not believing his luck.
know We re we’ next e the we b o t g goin hing, and et t to g best how w o n k e. ther
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Their rise to where they are now has been break-neck. The band have gone from hopeful to excited, where they used to have to ask their friends to buy tickets for their shows, they now have fans. While the band used to play small, unexciting venues, they are now booked to play Alexandra Palace with DMA’s. “We know we’ve got a long way to go still, but this is a good start.” Said Carragher when asked about what was next. “We’re gonna be the next best thing. We know that, and we know how to get there.” Those wondering why RATS’ stock has risen so quickly need only visit one of their shows fronted by an electric figurehead in Joe Maddocks. The music is innovative; it’s not just rock and roll. “Jack” is an intense song about a working-class lad who succumbs to selling drugs to make ends meet, but Maddocks raps about his struggles for the last quarter of the song, it’s fresh and it’s exciting.
Joe Maddocks performing for RATS photo: RATS promotional poster
RATS are performing across the United Kingdom next month.
“No bells, whistles or frills, they don’t apologise for who they are” RATS have their own signature sound and with each new release they embrace their own identity more. The band often perform songs about the struggles and pleasures of the working-class, often choosing to steer into the skid of stereotypes that may be surrounding four lads from Liverpool who are wearing tracksuits on stage. Maddocks sings in a thick scouse accent about the woes of supporting boyhood club Everton or being unfairly stopped and searched by the Police and has collaborated with Hash Cartoons: a Liverpool based Animated show. They vow not to forget where they come from and their fans appreciate that they don’t pretend to be something they’re not. “There’s no bells, whistles or frills. They don’t apologise for being who they are.” Said Michael, a fan of the band since their inception in 2017. “Just keep your eyes peeled. 2021
Words: JOE WADDELL
has been our biggest year yet and let’s just say 2022 is going to be even bigger.” Carragher is not afraid of showing the world how confident he is, and with good reason; the bravado and confidence of the band is what helped them get where they are today. The entire package is there for RATS and they hope to continue their growth to fly the flag for Merseyside across the world. You can catch RATS on tour across the country next month.
Front man Joe Maddocks and Bassist Lowell Carragher.
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Intimate gig is night out to die for
Bring Me The Horizon are one of the biggest alt-metal bands in the scene right now. As they prepare to embark on a European album tour, they chose Liverpool to play their EP in full for the first time on Monday. ZOE WHEELER went along to hear more
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iverpool Guild of Students is bustling with electric energy in anticipation for what was promised to be Bring Me The Horizon’s exclusive launch gig. The first opportunity to hear their latest EP ‘Post Human: Survival Horror’ live from start to finish. An assortment of individuals pack into the, just over, 2000 person capacity venue, as to be expected for a band that have been in the rock and metal scene for 16 years. Although this intimate show was intended to take place before the Sheffield based band’s massive arena tour, covid-19 had other plans. Nonetheless, the constant chatter and laughter that fills the room, which has been engulfed in blue stage lights, suggests this rare opportunity to see the band on such a small capacity venue is just as exciting for everyone involved. The slightest bit of motion from the
stage as the crew sound-checked caused the crowd to cheer excitedly for the band to come on stage. The room erupts as the lights start to dim and the instantly recognisable riff from ‘Dear Diary’ booms across the room. It’s impossible to not pinch yourself as an EP that was largely produced in lockdown is performed live in front of a more than an eager audience; although you are, quite literally, pushed back into reality as frontman, Oli Sykes, screams to the crowd to open a mosh pit. As the first song comes to an end, the venue has seemed to have risen by 20 degrees as the crowd appears to all feel the same emotion: “It’s good to be back.” As ‘Ludens’ comes towards the end, Sykes endearingly changes the lyrics from: “You call this a connection,” to “You call this a f***ing moshpit?” which is met as a
Bring Me The Horizon performing
John Jones rhythm guitar challenge by the crowd who push the pit further. Almost exactly a year after the release of ‘Post Human: Survival Horror’, arguably one of the band’s most experimental records to date, it is clear to say this album was meant to be performed live. Bring Me The Horizon captivate the crowd to give just as much energy to ‘Dear Diary’, a track reminiscent of their older heavy metal sound, as they do to ‘Kingslayer’, a track featuring Japanese rock band, Baby Metal. After Sykes apologised for not knowing the song very well, ‘One Day The Only Butterflies Left Will Be In Your Chest As You March Towards Your Death’, made it’s live debut as the song that was expected to play them out. The reception from the crowd was simply goose-bump inducing. The EP title ‘Post Human: Survival Horror’, seems very fitting to the cyber-punk, dystopian performance they put on. Although this gig was a lot more stripped back than the high concept production, than their arena tour, the Liverpool crowd were definitely not left disappointed.
Photos © Zoe Wheeler The band, consisting of front man Oli Sykes, bassist Matt Kean, lead guitar Lee Malia, drums Matt Nicholls and keyboard / programming Jordan Fish, were able to connect with the intimate crowd in a way they haven’t been able to on such a small scale for a very long time. Every so often, Oli stops to chat with the crowd between songs making it clear to everyone in the room how grateful they are to have the fans supporting them which is met with an eruption of screams. As the band get ready to surprise the crowd with five extra bonus songs from their wider discography, after playing ‘MANTRA’, Sykes introduces their latest single ‘Die4u’ by saying: “You know I’d die for you Liverpool, if it came down to it,” which is matched with an uproar of screaming from the audience. With ringing ears and the faces in the crowd full of sweat dripping down once perfectly applied eyeliner, Bring Me The Horizon step off stage from their penultimate UK show.
The MNL podcast is coming! WE’RE BACK NEXT WEEK WITH THE LATEST NEWS AND VIEWS
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Anfield’s beloved bakery takes to the stage
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By EMMA DUKES inging the story of Anfield’s most loved community bakery, Homebaked the Musical, is underway at Liverpool’s Royal Court
Theatre. With showings until October 23rd, Boff Whalley’s musical shows how a group of strong-minded scousers and homemade pies transformed a derelict bakery into a thriving business. A decade ago, Anfield was a rundown, neglected area and its community bakery faced demolition. The building that is now Homebaked had been at the heart of Anfield’s community for almost 100 years. The three previous occupants were all well-known bakeries, including Mitchell’s which closed due to a new market renewal initiative, in 2012. Dutch artist, Jana Van, came to Liverpool as part of the Biennial, wanting to create art within the building, however it became apparent that the ability to buy local, fresh breads and treats was massively important to the community. Residents came together to create Homebaked Community Bakery and Homebaked Community Land Trust, focused on economic growth for Anfield, without giving in to external property developers. The new Red Ladder Theatre musical tells this story with music,
humour and a local cast – including a choir made up of the real Anfield residents involved in the Community Bakery and Community Land Trust. Homebaked’s pies boast 4.5-star reviews on Trip Advisor and it’s no surprise that the musical is achieving similar praise with The Wirral Globe and The Review Hub rating it 4-stars out of 5. But how did an almost decade-old fight for a local bakery end up on stage?
‘ Anfield is in
a better place thanks to the power of the people ’
Marketing Manager for Homebaked Community Bakery, Luke Hargreaves spoke to Mersey News Live, highlighting how the musical started and what it means for Anfield. ‘Artistic director at Red Ladder Theatre, Rod Dixon, got in touch with us after we were featured on The Anfield Wrap’s podcast. ‘Rod loved the story and what we
here at Homebaked stand for. After a few cups of tea – and plenty of fresh pies – it was decided that our story would become a musical at the Royal Court. ‘At first, I was worried. I didn’t want our story to become a joke, but it soon became clear that the team at Red Ladder were going to do our story justice and they’re some of the nicest people I’ve ever worked with.’ Writer, Boff Whalley, interviewed various people involved in Homebaked’s history – ensuring that the story stayed accurate. ‘All characters in the musical are fictionalised, to ensure no person is given more credit than another, but there is real life inspiration within each character,’ Luke explains. ‘Our staff and volunteering team love the musical and reviews are great so far. ‘I think anyone who can sympathise with the odds being against you will love it and love our story. Our area stood up and fought and Anfield is in a better place thanks to the power of the people.’ Red Ladder Theatre hopes that one day Homebaked the Musical may be a star in the West End, but only time will tell. Tickets to Homebaked the Musical start at £20 per person and can be purchased at https://liverpoolsroyalcourt.com/whats-on/homebaked-the-musical/.
Homebaked: The Facts
• Homebaked Bakery was born eight years ago but the building itself has been various bakeries for a century. • You can now get your hands on a ‘Vegan Scouse’ pie. • On the boundary between Anfield and Everton, the bakery is opposite Anfield Stadium and is famous with fans of Liverpool Football Club. • Opening hours are 8am4pm weekdays and 9am-5pm Saturdays. • The opening of Homebaked Bakery has led to a community land trust being born, meaning that Anfield continues to fight for the protection and restoration of its community buildings. This currently includes new homes being developed. • Homebaked’s signatures pies are available at the Royal Court throughout the show, however, it looks like they may become a permanent menu item at the theatre too. • The choir featured in Homebaked the Musical are part of the Anfield community. • The bakery survives thanks to the help of brilliant volunteers.
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A ‘Sound’ weekend of music By BETH LINDOP
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iverpool is a city synonymous with many things: football, culture and a pretty distinctive accent to name just a few. But there is perhaps nothing more intricately woven into the region’s rich tapestry than music. For decades, Liverpool has been seen as the birthplace of some of the entertainment industry’s biggest names, and whilst the city revels in its illustrious musical history, events such as this year’s Sound City are paving the way for a whole new array of stars to be born.
‘ ’ It’s really great that music is back!
Last weekend, over 100 artists took to the stage at various venues across the city as part of Sound City’s 2021 offering. The three-day festival welcomed a combination of established names and up-and-coming talent in a celebration of Liverpool’s musical dynamism and diversity. Such talent included Dune Boy; a four-piece band fronted by 21-yearold Seb Westwood. “It was really great!” Westwood enthused. “I’ve never played a festival before,
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but I think the set went really well and people seemed to like it. Even just hanging out around the festival was great - seeing other bands was brilliant.” The Hope University student, who is currently in his third year of a Music and Music Production degree, has been writing and producing music since the age of 13. He said: “I’ve always been into music really. I was doing it for years with other bands. I’ve been recording music for about four or five years but for a long time it was just my own projects.” Whilst Westwood is something of an old hand at writing and recording, performing live is a more of a recent prospect; one made less daunting by the support of his bandmates. Although Dune Boy were only established a few months ago, their Sound City set at Kazimier Stockroom proved a hit with a Merseyside audience. “It was a really great atmosphere and there were a lot of people there for us as well which was great,” Westwood said. Kazimier Stockroom joined performance spaces such as Grand Central Hall, Arts Club and The Jacaranda as one of the hosts for this year’s festival. The Seel Street venue was created as a grassroots space for live music, comedy and film and has asserted itself as an exciting hub for the artists of tomorrow.
The Jacaranda (above) and Leaf are just two of the venues used at Sound City 2021 After a turbulent 18 months for the arts sector owing to the Coronavirus pandemic, the importance of such venues and the live entertainment they provide could not be overstated by Westwood. “It’s really great that music is back!” He said. “Even as a fan of music, it’s great to be back at gigs again. Social media can be useful and people hear your music on Spotify and stuff but I still think that seeing someone in action live on stage is the best way to find your music. “At a festival, you can see so many new bands and if you see a good set then you’re going to remember the name.”
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You forget how human big, loud sounds make you feel
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ertainly, Sound City has produced a plethora of memorable names since its inception 14 years ago. During that time, iterations of the festival have taken place across three different continents and played host to artists such as Ed Sheeran, Stormzy and The 1975. While this year’s festival saw fan favourites such as King No-One and Red Rum Club return to Liverpool, Scottish Art Pop four-piece The Vegan Leather were amongst the dozens of artists making their Merseyside debut at Sound City. “The city was fantastic. We were absolutely buzzing the entire day coming down.” Said Gianluca Bernacchi, the band’s guitarist and singer. “We got in and we set up and started to kick about – it was
amazing. Also, Liverpool is full of such nice people. It’s a bit like Glasgow in that way.” It was that trademark Scouse affability that helped to assuage some of Bernacchi’s pre-gig nerves as the band prepared to take to the stage for their first performance since February 2020. “Before we went on, I had a deep sense of dread which I never used to get. I was like ‘Oh my god, am I going to forget a whole minute of music when we’re up there?’ but people were just so welcoming.” The Vegan Leather hail from Paisley – a small town which neighbours Glasgow. The quartet, who were formed in 2014, released their debut album ‘Poor Boys/ Broken Girls’ in October 2019 but saw their promotional tour curtailed by the pandemic. Bernacchi said: “We’ve spent a lot of time over the last few months getting the live set ready to go again.” Despite some initial anxieties, Bernacchi was fervent about the success of the band’s first post-lockdown gig, which took place at Leaf on Bold Street. “The atmosphere was jumping!” he effused. “People were very up for dancing and getting down which was really nice to see. People were so friendly.” With the band preparing to release an EP later this year, Bernacchi spoke of his joy at the return of live music after a catastrophic couple of years for the industry. He said: “You forget how human big, loud sounds make you feel. I think it’s just so important for release and affirmation. It’s good for the mood and good for the soul.” With tickets for Sound City 2021 having sold out before a single chord had been struck, the festival can only be regarded as a huge success. As the world establishes a new normal following on from the pandemic, one can only hope that live music continues to soothe the soul of the city for many years to come.
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Smith vs. Fowler: Merseyside mega fight that means more than titles Liam ‘Beefy’ Smith will meet Anthony Fowler this weekend at the M&S Bank arena, in Liverpool with local pride and world title ambitions on the line. By DANIEL BALL
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erbies in any sport are somewhat special. They usually add spice to any fixture, however we usually expect a derby to be reserved for team sports. This is not the case here, Smith (29-3-1 16 KO) and Fowler (15-1 12 KO) represented the two most prolific amateur gyms in the city; golden gloves and rotunda. and it very much appears that the rivalry has carried over into this weekend’s all scouse Light-middleweight clash. Liam Smith, the middle brother of one of Britain’s most famous boxing families has made his intentions clear, he believes this is another night’s work and in some ways a step down from what he is used to. “Beating Anthony Fowler doesn’t get me any closer to fighting for a world title in my career. I don’t say that as if I’m overlooking him,” he said. “Anybody above me isn’t going to look on paper and think, ‘Wow, Liam Smith beat Anthony Fowler in the UK’.”
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It could be argued he has a valid argument, a former world champion that has quite literally been in with the pound for pound best; Canelo Alvarez. Smith however did lose his last fight and previous to that his last shot at a world title. For Smith, he wants a statement victory, he does not simply want to become the gate keeper of the division:” I’ve never lost to a domestic fighter as a pro. I’ll beat Anthony Fowler; I’ll never lose to a domestic fighter. That’s a good little record to have.” Anthony Fowler has had an interesting path to this fight, he has recovered well since his loss to domestic rival Scott Fitzgerald. He has won his last six following that defeat and looks to be past his early stumble, he believes he is now a much more well rounded fighter: “I’m as big and strong as anybody in the weight. Obviously, I haven’t got the experience, but I hit as hard as anyone.” However in some aspects
I’m as big and strong as anybody in the weight ... I hit as hard as anyone
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Fowler does acknowledge this is somewhat make or break for him as a professional fighter, turning professional relatively late Fowler knows he needs to take these risks to crack it on the world stage: I can’t sit around and wait for these fights that aren’t getting made so I need to roll the dice. I’m confident, I’m at my peak,
my best and I’ll be at my best come fight night.” The corners of each fighter will play a vital role in the bout and like in any high-level fight it is fine margins that decide the result. Some believe that it is the corners that will decide this fight; Shane Mcguigan in Fowler’s corner is considered one of British boxing brightest minds while for this fight Smith has a rather unknown quantity in his corner; local trainer Joe McNally. This is after a split with long time trainer Joe Gallagher. I Spoke with fan run twitter/punditry account Boxing Kingdom to gather their thoughts and prediction on the fight, they echoed the importance of the corners. When asked for a prediction I was told in a rather straightforward manner: “Fowler in four.” With the reason being simple: “Shane Mcguigan”. They expanded: “He is the best trainer in the game tactic wise along with Peter Fury.” The former trainer and Uncle of British heavyweight great Tyson Fury. And in regard to what happens to Fowler if he loses this fight and whether his world title ambitions are over Boxing Kingdom told me: “Possibly, However he has still got one fight left on his contract left with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom regardless.”
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Royal Albert Dock © Louise Lemoine
