Cyprus Rocks! Classic Rock
Festival is the brainchild of Eddie and (the beautiful) Elaine Yates. Who successfully
blend rock festival and a summer break for like-minded people, well…. Namely fans
of classic rock of course. Lately Eddie has hung up his mankini, and in unison we all praise the Lord for his mercy upon us, and taken more of a back seat, leaving the running of the event to
Mario.
A week-long event on the
beautiful island of Cyprus. Famous of course for the place where Richard Coeur
de Lion married his princess Berengaria, before setting off on Crusade into the
Holy Land.
Also the populous of the Mediterranean
Islands. Settled by the Mycenaean’s in the 2nd century BC then subsequently
occupied by the Assyrians, Egyptians and Persians, from whom the island was taken
in 333 BC by Alexander the Great himself. The
island was annexed by Great Britain (hoorah). So we shouldn’t really have been surprised
that all the power sockets are UK and the cars all drive on the left, just like
home. Did you know Halloumi cheese originated on the island? No? well it did.
Odins Day is upon us at last
as we have been anticipating this one for a while and it’s nice to be finally
on the plane sipping a pre-arrival Gin and Tonic! As if not enough to do as it
is, Mario has the extra stress of Monarch flights going under, leaving band
members stranded at home. Could have been a bit of a disaster there, but Mario
manages to get alternative travel and everything is fine. Phew.
Arriving late-ish at the
airport we are met by Artist Liaison, namely Drew, who is from Cyprus itself, born
of the sea. Her voice like the siren welcomes weary travellers to her paradise
home.
Well it’s late, and we
spotted a pub still open just at the top of the hill, I think we should go say a
cheery hallo to our fellow weary pilgrims, seeking refreshment before retiring
for the night and falling into the arms of Morpheus and to sleep in Elysium.
It is mid-morning when I am
disturbed from my esteemed repose, Hyperion is high on his horse and sweats in the
eye of Phoebus, and as usual I have missed breakfast. Thankfully so has Andy so
we venture up the hill once more in seek of sustenance, tonight is the welcome
party. There could be trouble ahead.
Evening draws nigh on Thors
Day as we are greeted once more by Drew, Artist Liaison, and we are introduced
to our fellow wandering minstrels. Friends of one another do we declare
ourselves to be.
Peter and Drew
As the sun slowly sets beyond
the horizon the waxing moon rises to dance upon the wine-dark sea. Tranquillity
prevails, for the present at least, for I know what happens at the welcome
party and this mad lot of rockers! So I am determined to pace myself, and live
up to my reputation as El Santo.
First band of the evening
Stone Free, Mario himself takes the stage and sets the bar high indeed, Great
covers of Bread Fan by Budgie and 20th Century Schizoid man! They Rock! We are
feasted and wined by our gracious host.
This photo says it all. Taken
just 30 minutes before Letz Zep stage time, Peter sporting a fine suntan,
spending his time wisely by the pool with a small beer. No longer Pete the
Beat, now Pete the Beet-Root. Then the two Pale Riders, Andy and Jack who have
obviously not seen a minute of daylight since the moment they arrived.
Every day there are fantastic
events to be enjoyed, with marvellous bands. Who’s Next, very good, Very surprised
at how good The Toxic Twins are, vocalist Danny doing an excellent rendition
of Steven Tyler.
The events that lay ahead of
us, a pool party with a special appearance
by the fantastic Jimi Anderson, and yes, I imagine someone will fall in
at some point. Culminating in a farewell party with a much anticipated set from
Nazareth vocalist Carl Sentence, and much more in between. All in all a great
diverse selection of very good bands, to cover the full spectrum of the classic
rock genre. Music for all seasons.
The main stage set upon the
beach itself, with such beautiful natural lighting casting long shadows upon
the golden sands. Perfect setting for the powerful and dramatic music that
beckons.
So what is it that makes this
event so special? is it this jewel of an island set in the silver sea? The excellent organisation from Mario, Drew and the tech crew? The exquisite
cuisine? the bands? Well of course they all play a part, but mainly the fantastic bunch of mad
rockers who come together to celebrate all that is good in the world. In one
space at one moment of time, it’s these lovely people that make this event so
special. We love you all.
So, they say Cyprus Rocks is
the probably the best rock holiday on Earth, a bold statement, can there be any
truth in it?
Damn straight!
