I WAS very happy to be going along to this charity half-day event at the Camrose football ground organised by Shani of That Vibe promotions.

It was the Jack Bristow fundraiser in support of the Piam Brown Ward in Southampton where Jack has had his treatment for testicular cancer. A busy Saturday meant I was unable to get there at the very start, but I arrived in time for So Close.

Basingstoke Gazette:

They are a newish Basingstoke rock band and yet they play with the skill and confidence of seasoned veterans. The large family crowd was really enjoying their set and the whole place had a warm friendly atmosphere.

Next up were Brink Theory, also from Basingstoke who have been around for a while and have definitely already paid their dues. They are an alternative rock band, playing catchy songs with fairly broad appeal.

Basingstoke Gazette:

Technically they are excellent and they too went down very well with the diverse audience. Their material is catchy and generally up tempo - they really should have had some CDs there for sale.

The nice atmosphere was then disrupted by Geezapunx, with their mojo firmly rooted in 1977, but with plenty of 2015 issues to shout about.

Basingstoke Gazette:

Some of the chaps who'd been watching football in the other bar came in to see what the hullabaloo was about and then stayed - I do believe I spotted the odd misty-eyed, nostalgic tear or two.

Fortunately, Lux were up next to restore a bit of real talent and panache to the proceedings. They are another newish Basingstoke band and another group who really know what they are doing.

Basingstoke Gazette:

They have an interesting and adventurous set which is played with passion and good humour. They have strong mainstream appeal and I don't think these guys will ever struggle to get gigs, or find an enthusiastic audience.

As everybody was lulled into a false sense of security, it was time to shake things up again with some awesome heaviness - cue Dead Orse. Like the Geezapunx, these guys also take inspiration from a distant past, but one that is very different from punk. This is real old, good and heavy solid classic rock.

Basingstoke Gazette:

They guys could probably play in any style you care to mention, but this is the real deal and the smoke and coloured lighting all served to heighten the authenticity.

Then all the way from Reading came perennial favourites Twin Dracula and they even had a little posse of fans to ensure they got the support they deserved.

Basingstoke Gazette:

They are an excellent contemporary punk band and had the speed and attitude to sustain both band and fans through the 30 minute roller coaster ride which was their set. I think it was just a pity that due to the lateness of the hour, the crowd had thinned a little.

That said, there were still enough die-hard fans for headliners Stup!d. With their reputation as a superb live act, complete with audience participation via the banter, it was clear we were in for another top performance.

Basingstoke Gazette:

They did not disappoint, playing their set so well surrounded by smoke and bathed in coloured lights. It was a real high on which to end the night.

Of course the real high was the fact that over £1,200 was raised for charity, a fact which all who took part in any way can be proud of.

Thanks to all the bands who played, to soundman Kev Hall, promoter Shani and the management and staff of the Camrose for an excellent and worthwhile night.

(Extra special thanks go to the food man, who did the best cheesy chips I have ever tasted!)

Neil Duncan, Issuepunkzine