Lauren Harris, Voodoo Six, Planet of Woman, Son of a Gun, Hekz - 6th June 2006
Reviewed by Martin Stapleton
A discussion arose after tonight's gig as to who has been the biggest musical legend to have walked through the doors here at Esquires? A debate that can rage on and on, it was fuelled further this evening by the visit of a certain Me Steve Harris, founder member and bass player of Rock Gods of the past 30 years, Iron Maiden. Although sadly not here to perform, he was here to watch over his daughter Lauren who, as part of a Download festival warm-up, is hoping to carry on the dynasty. Although she only plays for just over 15 minutes with members of Voodoo Six she showed use the potential she possesses. With dark hair and model looks, the voice is strong and powerful and she leaves the stage to a good applause. Voodoo Six carry on in their own right with a set of roof tumbling sounds.
The sisterhood of rock continued with the hard rocking female fronted Planet of Women, whose front Diva's rasping voice is only matched by this peroxide blondes over-generous chest, which she thrusts out at the mosh pit at every opportunity. With the petite blonde backing vocalist also sporting a very tanned bare mid-riff, the young male moshers has the hormones racing at quite a pace. Musically, their incisive guitars and every-changing songs meant there was never a dull moment with the Planet of Women.
Local support for this heavyweight show featured the best and worst of Milton Keynes music. First the fantastic young lads of Hekz who continue to melt the ear drums of a new and old generation of guitar-worshipping slackers. The stage show is pure over-the-top theatre that even Justin Hawkins and his gang would be gobsmacked to witness. Hekz are flying high in Bedford.
Unfortunately, Son of a Gun who follow Hekz pale in comparison and although there is plenty of passion there is very little meat on the bone.
So there you have it. At Esquires on 06-06-06 and no Damien Rice in sight.
Oh, and my vote for the greatest musical legend to have visited Esquires - Mick Jones of the Clash (what about John Peel? - Ed).
(Lauren was interviewed before this gig by the Bedford Metal website. You can read the interview in full here - Ed)