Review: First Gig of the Summer

There’s always a worry that rain stops play when it comes to live events. But Aggy Events had no need to worry about the persistent drizzle as they launched their First Gig of the Summer at the Watford Palace Theatre. This premiere event from the first time producing troupe sold out in stupendous fashion. Forget ticket sales of 95% or above. They were actively turning people away at the door having reached full capacity. 

And you could see why the night was such a draw. From the excellent promotion and marketing which made it clear this was an inclusive indie rock event for everyone and anyone, to the top notch organisation which ensured a smoothly run evening with great sound quality, a punctual start and swift turn arounds between the acts, the whole event felt slick and professional.

The Nevers opened processing with a bang. Heavy percussion and captivating guitar supporting a charismatic lead vocal. They were followed by Bedfordshire based indie rock band Matty Ram who got the crowd jumping with a high energy set involving thumping percussion, heavy bass and some soaringly impressive guitar work. They are apparently known for their hit single ‘Pelly’ and with over a hundred thousand streams to their name, they're a band clearly on the ascent.

Next up were headline act The Lime Stones, a four-piece indie rock band from Bedfordshire, whose electrifying performance kept the crowd's momentum in full swing. Although I had to duck out at that point, I have it on good authority that the party continued on with a fantastic DJ set.

The night's success is testament to the fact that Watford has been crying out for a regular live music venue of medium scale to provide a space which is welcoming to eager audiences, and supportive of up-and-coming bands. The Watford Palace Theatre have done themselves and the town proud in providing such a space and proving the versatility of their building. The 1908 Cabaret bar upstairs was perfect for the shoulder to shoulder jumping and jostling of a music loving crowd up for a party, while the café downstairs offered a lovely chill-out zone for those who wanted to continue their conversations or to escape the throng.

It was especially pleasing to notice the diversity of the crowd, from traditional rockers and emos to queer kids and punks, everyone was included and respected. It was a space in which everyone could be their authentic selves safely and openly, and despite it being the first event there was already a real sense of community. I felt. the multi-generational nature of the crowd played a large role in that, with under 18s to OAPs and everyone in between bopping, bouncing, clapping and cheering together. Everything from the thoughtfully positioned bowl of earplugs on the bar (which wouldn’t have been there when I was younger that’s for sure) to the carefully considered wristbands which made it clear who was entitled to what at the bar, indicated this was an inclusive, open armed event in which everyone found a place and everyone belonged.

I had a chat with the Aggy Events organising team before the show and they spelt their mission out to me: To create live music events primarily at the Watford Palace Theatre but ultimately moving out to venues across Watford and beyond, which unified people in the love of live music in friendly, welcoming, tolerance spaces. If tonight is anything to go by they'll not only succeed in this endeavour, but they’ll do so in stupendous fashion.