Back for a second year Ramblin Man Fair 2016 welcomed the class of 64 right through to the class of 2016, from Classic to Prog to Blues to Southern Rock this festival has it all.

Our first walk through the arena is met by smiling faces and happy campers all the way to the Planet Rock stage, the atmosphere is that of like-minded souls out for a good time and the festival and crowd never let that drop all weekend.

The Dead Daisies bring the good time Rock N Roll early on and blast their way through a blistering set, with some exceptional covers like Midnight Moses & Fortunate Sun. The band display all the attributes of their star status. With a new album out in August we get an airing of Make Some Noisewhich is received very well by the crowd gathered before them. Lock N Load and what turns out to be a massive sing-a-long Long Way To Go definitely puts the band 2 steps forward towards the crowds adulation.

Terrorvision create quite a stir on the main stage as they battle for our attention with Whiskey Myers. While this battle continues we wander on down to the Rising stage where we are greeted with City of Thieves. Their pure honest Rock n Roll booms from the tiny stage, frontman Jamie Lailey keeps the crowd entertained between songs. Incinerator has the crowd pumping their fists in delight and they really are worth a watch if you get the chance.

Photo by Photo by Grace Chapman-Duke

Europe have a huge crowd gathered before them, their energetic classic rock has the crowd up on their toes from the opening bars of War of Kings, Joey and the boy’s take us on a 30-year journey through their back catalogue which includes Firebox, Last Look at Eden, Scream of Anger and of course the ultimate in sing-a-long 80’s classic rock The Final Countdown.

Thin Lizzy are on a mission to give the masses a lesson in Rock N Roll and they complete that mission in some style. Jailbreak, Killer on the Loose & Dancing in the Moonlight have everyone up on their feet. Waiting for an Alibi & Rosalie bring the crowd singing to a new level. As Warwick introduces long time Lizzy family member Midge Ure the band dedicate the next song to all the cowboys and cowgirls. Cowboy Song is quickly followed by arguably their biggest song The Boys are Back in Town. But they are not quite finished and as the opening bars of Whiskey in the Jar belt out across the arena everyone in attendance begins the impressive sing-a-long “There’s Whiskey in the Jarooooooooo” can be heard long after the band have left the stage – a sure sign of a good show.

Photo by Mick Hutson

Whitesnake are one of the all-time classic bands with a raft of hits. The joy of a Whitesnake show is you absolutely know what you are going to get, and they don’t disappoint. David Coverdale’s showmanship is second to none as he belts out hit after hit. Fool for your Loving really gets the crowd going which is quickly followed by Ain’t No Love in The Heart of the City. Slow an’ Easy has the band at their very best but it’s the big ones that make the memories and Here I go again & Still of the Night do just that. Day one is over but there are a lot of things that will stay in the memory forever.

Day 2 is greeted with a little more cloud. We head to the main stage to catch the noisy duo The Graveltones, fast and groovy has become their style and they don’t disappoint. A cracking way to start Sunday.

The Kentucky Headhunters have never played a UK festival before but they take to it like a duck to water. One thing is for sure, they will be back and wowing the crowds once again. Invited by tonight’s headliners to come and play for the good ol folks of the UK, they duly oblige and what a show they put on. Seasoned musicians always shine through and it’s no wonder these guys get the rapturous applause after every song. Standout track had to be Walking with the Wolf but was closely followed by a cover (and dedication) to The Beatles Don’t let me down which managed to morph into Hey Jude which saw the first appearance on stage of Black Stone Cherry.

The Answer are back with a new album and are setting out on a tour with one of yesterday’s bands The Dead Daisies. Under the Sky sets the tone of the set and they don’t let it drop for one second, Cormack engages with the crowd telling stories of rock stars and whiskey. Spectacular is spectacular as are two new songs they close out the set with.

The Cadillac Three are the next in line to take us down to the deep south with their own unique blend of southern folk rock. Peace, Love & Dixie is a great way to start proceedings and the band play tracks from their last album Tennessee Mojo. With a new album out next week we get a sneak preview of the new album Bury Me In My Boots with Party Like You & Drunk Like You but the best is yet again saved till last with The South. Another tour for November to watch out for – It’s going to be a busy winter that’s for sure.

Photo by Mick Hutson

Airbourne are another band that have a new album coming out but today we are treated to a classic Airbourne show, attempted rig climbing, a guitar solo on the shoulders of a roadie, and the customary beer can opening! The music is pure Aussie rock n roll Girls in Black, Cheap Wine & Live it Up all get the Ramblin’ Man treatment. With a wall of Marshall Amps behind them they really do pack a punch and with the stunning Runnin’ Wild closing the show you can rest assured Airbourne will be wowing the UK for many more years to come.

Photo by Grace Chapman-Duke

Thunder are back on the festival circuit again and boy do they know how to please a crowd of middle aged rockers (and some youngsters no doubt). Starting out with Wonder Days they set their stall out and deliver the goods throughout the set, Higher Ground, The Devil Made Me Do It & Back Street Symphony all have the hoards singing, jumping and banging their heads to the marvellous sounds coming from the stage. Danny Bowes still has the voice and the looks to carry the rock star front man persona and when the opening of Love Walks In the crowd belive at that moment they are Danny Bowes (well I did anyway J), Dirty Love closes things nicely and as the sun begins to set over the main stage its almost time for the most anticipated band of the weekend.

Photo by Mick Hutson

Black Stone Cherry are on the rise yet again and they are keep producing the goods when it comes to records, latest offering Kentucky sees them experimenting but going back to where it all started for them. All four band members burst onto the stage to huge applause and as they launce into Me and Mary Jane they have the crowd in the palm of their hands and are likely to do no wrong tonight. Blind Man & Rain Wizard which have both been set openers before keep the tempo sky high, before a cover of Built for Comfort and the current single Soul Machine. Soulcreek, Maybe Someday & Rescue me all come before the real sing-a-longs start In My Blood sets up nicely the tear jerking Things My Father Said, the song for anyone who has ever lost someone in their life, the tears flowed and the memories flashed before our eyes. A debut for Cheaper to Drink Alone has the crowd knowing we were the first – thanks guys. But it’s now time for the big hitters White Trash Millionaire, Blame it on the Boom Boom sees the band depart and as the crowd bay for more they are greeted by guitarist Ben Wells and Singer Chris Robertson declare it wouldn’t be right to play Ramblin Man Fair without playing The Rambler and haunting tale of heartache, which started out acapella due to a malfunction of the mics around the guitar but as the crew finally got it sorted the crowd and band were in full voice, so turn the radio up if your heart breaks down is still running around my head as I write this. As always the finale is Lonely Train with a rendition of Ace of Spades and as the band take the applause from the mases upon masses gathered there before them we know we have yet again witnessed greatness, roll on the UK tour in November / December.

Looking back over the weekend it’s hard to fault the festival, staff, security and most importantly the bands for which (and I think I can say this for everyone in attendance) we are truly thankful. See you next year Ramblin Man. This festival had something for everyone, it was hard to decide what was on our playlist. The atmosphere and people were all pumped up and all I can say now is roll on next year. 

Review by: Andy Jamieson