Big Bank Hank Jackson passed away in 2014 and yes the remaining two are in their 60's. One of my friends in the 70's to early 80's was right into rap / hip hop when it all started - I can't remember the other bands names at the time but the Sugar Hill Gang were sort of viewed as being too commercial and far from innovators in a genre that wasn't expected to last any longer than the Punk Movement [2 years or so]
I guess they got that wrong.
I liked the Sugar Hill Gang at the time but was more into Talking Heads, B-52's, and Joy Division at the time.
I agree 60 year olds at Groovin the Moo would be a bit disconnected from the crowd or teens - but the fans rarely have anything in common with bands other than being a pill away from an overdose.
Last edited by The Dunster; 13-02-2020 at 05:51 PM.
The Veronicas still go off live and they make alot more of their songs more rocky
There was a scene trying to break on to the radio with little success, then the Sugar Hill Gang came out with a really radio friendly version of Hip Hop that went big. So the scene didn't like that the first one to take off wasn't really representative of what was happening at the time.
That said, it was still what was needed to get Hip Hop on to the radio and help it become a viable career, so it still deserves all of its praise.
Hip Hop is actually fascinating in its formative years, it kind of latched on to other music styles (because of sampling) and then had multiple scenes running separately for a while and it took decades to finally form one giant scene, which is the juggernaut that is currently on top of the music chain.
Bands only do Festivals if they are on their way out or got conned by their management / label to do them possibly in support of a new act they are trying to break / promote.
These types of events have been a shit show since before Woodstock 69 and I doubt that much has changed.
As for prices they are out of control but it's probably due to insurance / security and every other prick putting their fingers into the ever shrinking pie.
Last edited by The Dunster; 13-02-2020 at 09:08 PM.
No. But I avoided them as a young bloke as well Stanny - not my thing - would much prefer a more intimate setting like a pub / small theatre.
The bands hate these events and when people don't enjoy what they are doing - their performances usually suffer because of it.