T’is well and truly the season. Instead of planning what gifts to buy for their friends, though, Wolf Alice set about pulling them all together for an evening (and an afternoon, and another evening due to demand) of music.
With a lineup reading like your dream festival bill (The Various Legends Cover Bands does exactly what it promises), and all for the Help Refugees Charity, the Bands 4 Refugees shows feel like the start of something important.
Opening with Fred from Spector doing a sensational cover of Robbie Williams’ ‘Feel’ before sticking around to act as compare, the show is unexpected from the off. Black Honey’s Izzy takes on The Cardigans’ ‘Favourite Game’ before being joined by Ellie Wolf Alice and Ollie Years & Years for a grinning skip-through of ‘Girls Just Want To Have Fun’. There’s a Beatles medley from The Magic Gang’s Jack and Kristan; Rakel Dream Wife does a breathtaking turn on Dolly Parton’s ‘Jolene’ while Bloody Knees’ Brad and Sam lead the room with 5ive’s ‘Don’t Stop Moving’. At one point Ellie storms back onto the stage, fire burning in her eyes before launching into a snarling ‘Sabotage’. There are dance routines, friendly digs (Slaves’ Isaac is introduced as the only cockney from Tunbridge Wells) and, with every act backed by Wolf Alice and Austin Swim Deep, the energy is constant. The room reeks of compassion, and there’s no motive other than fun for a good cause.
A one-off in every sense of the word, there’s an accessibility to the night. Yes, every person on the stage is an incredible musician but tonight isn’t about that. Stripped of their own material, The Various Legends are the same as every person present. Just mates making music that can make a difference. It’s a powerful, inspiring message that sits under the surface. A takeaway that breaks cover every time you smile at the ramshackle finale that sees most of the legends teaming up for an apt cover of The Rolling Stones’ ‘Freedom’ that teases both Robbie’s ‘Let Me Entertain You’ and Nirvana’s ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ – a tease so good it demands an unscripted encore.
Bands 4 Refugees isn’t just a night to remember, it sparks an empowerment that should never be forgotten. It might never be repeated, but its influence will move things. Anyone can make a change and, if doing so is anywhere near as rewarding as tonight’s show, everyone probably should.
Head here to find out more about Help Refugees or just give ’em some money here.