Music Venue Trust fundraiser

This special Music Venue Trust fundraiser saw the founder Mark Davyd the centre of attention between brilliant bands, even though he wasn’t ever on stage.

He told how the legendary punk club we were all standing in had drawn gasps of horror at the Venues Day conference earlier when the team revealed its business rates had gone up by 47% in a year.

Known as the birthplace of punk, and other genres, 70% of festival headliners have played The 100 Club. The bands tonight were great new additions to the venue’s roll call of honour. Showcasing pop-infused beach punk, psych punk, slacker punk and political punk they easily demonstrated that grass roots music is in the best of health.

Organised by Vallance Records, three out of the four acts were from their own stable, and it was the first time we’d seen so many of their bands on one bill. Keep a close eye on Vallance - real talent-spotters.

Opening band Beach Riot may have been missing a beach, but their powerful fuzz pop with perfect male / female harmonies made plenty of waves, their grunge punk guitar duels thrilling the crowd. They’ve also played the BBC Introducing stage at Reading and Leeds. From Brighton, one of their favourite local venues - Sticky Mike’s Frog Bar - is closing at the end of the year.

Also from Brighton were Strange Cages - their frontman reminded us of Iggy Pop with his ferocity, and the shimmering keyboards added an otherworldly psych dimension to their sleaze punk. Their phenomenal drummer drew shouts and screams when he let rip.

Gaffa Tape Sandy had instant appeal with their warm garage punk, and the vocal interplay between Kim Jarvis on guitar and Catherine Lindley-Neilson on bass was a fiery dream, no wonder they’ve been tipped by Radio 1, and supported IDLES. Originating from Bury St Edmunds, they’re also now based in Brighton - an amazing scene there by the sea.

Headliners Sisteray smashed out a blistering set of incisive anthems; Algorithm Prison, Wannabes, Gentrification to name just a few. This London four-piece have got something to say and the songwriting chops to get it ear wormed into you forever, with new converts comparing them to The Clash. Hotly-tipped by Radio X and the BBC, they’re mid-way through a tour that you really shouldn’t miss.

Four brilliant bands in one night in a venue that’s made a huge impact around the world. You couldn’t have a better end to Venues Day. The future’s in good hands.