Dalkeith Country Park
June 24th, 2023
Playing host to Lets Rock Scotland was the historical Dalkeith House and Country Park, situated in Midlothian just south of Edinburgh. A place that has seen many a battle and conflict, such as the Battle of Pinkie in 1547, now brings a skirmish of a different kind – the Battle of the Retro Bands.
Using only music as their weapons, musical legends compete for an audience of 2,000 colourful New Romantic and Pop enthusiasts looking to indulge in more memorable moments with their favorite bands.
The sun was out, the heat was on, and the temperature was rising, and as the day progressed the joy among the revellers was clear to see. Burgers, beers, cocktails and smiles were in seen in large quantities and shared among all present. Taking to the stage throughout the day and into early evening, a cluster of 80s icons such as The Beat, with their ska-skanking numbers like ‘Mirror in the Bathroom,’ ‘Too Nice To Talk Too’ and the unforgettable ‘Cant Get Used To Losing You’ soon had the rude boys stomping the green grass dance floor.
Spandau Ballet’s Tony Hadley and Fine Young Cannibal’s Roland Gift delivered a run of classic hits such as ‘Gold’ and ‘True’ and with Roland dropping ‘Johnny Come Home’ and ‘Suspicious Minds’, the mood was set.
As the day turned to evening, the sea of bright lush colours could have done with a sprinkle of rain as many a burnt scalp and shoulders were visible among the now geared-up crowd, but thankfully they had an appointment with Doctor and the Medics, when ‘Spirit in the Sky’ came too their rescue.
Blancmange were ‘Living on the Ceiling’ as there was no more room down there, but according to the crowd there was enough room down here for everyone, who tried in vein to get Blancmange to join in with a fantastic sing along.
Betty Boo, Hue and Cry, and the Stray Cats wielded a combination of chart-topping hits that went down as well as the beer was doing. An influx of people started to fill the front of the arena as Ultravox / Midge Ure took to the stage.
Beginning with ‘If I Was’, within no time Midge Ure had the crowd eating out of the palm of his hand, and the reward was ‘Vienna.’ A classic timeless masterpiece that had the entire audience singing like opera singers. Followed by ‘All Stood Still,’ ‘Loves Great Adventure’ and ‘Dancing with Tears in My Eyes,’ I could see around me genuine tears in the eyes of many an individual.
Music is like a time capsule, it propels you to another time and place that brings forth the memories of past times. Good or bad, those memories will always be relived through the undeniable power of music.
It was warm and humid so by late evening when the sun dipped, the stage lights were present in all their glory which meant The Human League were about to headline Rock Scotland. The screen show, the lights, and the simple but intriguing stage production drew us in like an autumn evening awaiting the days closure. The Human League did not fail.
The sound was spot on and with Phil Oakey’s distinctive voice they unleashed a barrage of hits. Lebanon, Being Boiled, Seconds, Fascination, Mirror Man,, Sound of the Crowd and the timeless classic Dont you want me Baby were all featured and received with great appreciation from thousands of punters past and present.
Hats off to Lets Rock Scotland, not for just putting on a wonderful retro festival but for all the charity work it does behind the scenes helping those in need. Until next time…
Words & Images: Raymond Speedie
Mumble Music 