Women In Rock – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
Women In Rock – The Factory Live – Worthing 10/02/2022
An entertaining night out. This is two joyous hours of music for all to enjoy. A time capsule filled with some fantastic music.
I had seen an advert pop up on my Facebook feed from one of my favourite venues, The Factory Live in Worthing. Women In Rock playing live. Well dear reader, this definitely was worth going to check out. When I got there the venue was pretty busy which was good to see. A large number had come out on a cold February evening, and it was a school night!
We were invited to join Join Women In Rock for a show stopping two-hour performance, a performance that promised to cover some of the greatest female anthems through the decades. Now, that’s quite a tall order.
Women In Rock – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
A quick look at the set list before the performance indicated a good few big names including hits by artists such as Pat Benatar, Stevie Nicks, Joan Jett, Cher, Bonnie Tyler, Alanis Morissette and Suzi Quatro. These songs to be performed by some of the most powerful female singers touring on the live music scene. It was clear that this was not going to be just a tribute, but actually a rather cracking celebration of women who rock!
Women In Rock – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
The smoke machine kicked into life as the lights dimmed, first the band took the stage and settled into position as the drums kicked things off with the intro to Can The Can, by Suzi Quatro. The Women in Rock took to the stage.
Women In Rock – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
I have seen Suzi Quatro a couple of times and I note two of her songs on the set list. And these guys gave it a good work out. It was loud and rocking!
Women In Rock – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
Clear to see groups of friends in the crowd and they we were dancing from the very first number. A great start! The first of a couple of numbers from Blondie was next with Call Me. Not much chat from the band as they pushed on with the set. Piece of My Heart and Black Velvet were up next. Finely delivered. I just want to add here that The Women were backed by a damn fine four piece band comprised of drums, two sets of keys, guitar and bass.
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- Women In Rock – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
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- Women In Rock – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
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- Women In Rock – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
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- Women In Rock – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
This was turning out to be a fast and frantic trip through a selection of songs that spanned over a good few decades. We were treated not only to all the classics we would expect to hear. But also much, much more, as some of those songs performed tonight, you might have forgotten about, were given an airing. We chopped and changed through a wonderful back catalogue of material with a full on 26 song set.
Women In Rock – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
I loved some of Roxettes material and it was great to hear The Look performed live. A jump to the Pat Benatar classic Love Is A Battlefield was up next. Boy this set was flying by as Kim Wildes Kids In America was next. This was proving to be a unique and somewhat fascinating time capsule with some fantastic music.
Women In Rock – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
The show is proving to be an entertaining night out, looking back in time to some of rock n’ roll greats. It is also a night littered with fun and pure loud joy, as well as some costume changes. I had met Wendy James a short while ago and Women In Rock gave us a version of Baby I Dont Care at full tilt. I think Wendy would have given that a nod of approval.
Women In Rock – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
I am not going to list every song, you will have to go and see this show yourself as this entourage embark on a massive tour. A cover of The Bangles Walk Like An Egyptian was a pleasant surprise. The guys took the pose and carried off the dancing brilliantly.
Women In Rock – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
The first half of the show ends and I have to wonder who the break is actually for! Is it for the band who have played so hard, is it for the Women who were rocking us for maybe a much needed refreshment break, or, was it for us in the audience allowing us a chance to steal a moment to catch our breath and get a refill?
Women In Rock – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
SET 2:
Set 2 commenced after a rather lengthy break with So What and the Republica hit Ready To Go. The band had changed outfits as had the vocalists. Everyone looked great. The second half had started in a true rock ‘n’ roll style. Another Blondie classic was nailed down tight with Maria, the crowd enjoyed this one as we bopped away.
Women In Rock – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
Another highlight of the show is the outstanding Hit Me With Your Best Shot, and Leave A Light On and its here where we get to see what an accomplished group of musicians were playing, guitar breaks and some pounding bass and drums with great keys. The sound mix was spot on as all the instruments and vocals could be heard.
Women In Rock – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
And still the hits keep coming, as we are all told to “get up and visit Devil Gate Drive” as we get the now legendary Devil Gate Drive. A stunning Bonnie Tyler medley followed merging Holding Out For a Hero and Total Eclipse. When you see and hear this hit-filled set unravelling before you it reminds you just how much of an important influence the selected Women performers covered tonight have had in the world of rock & roll.
Take a bow:
Women In Rock – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
The Set ended with two belters! Joan Jetts classic I Love Rock And Roll and Tina Turners Nutbush City Limit. Wow, that’s how to wind up your set. Looking around nobody was standing still.
Women In Rock – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
The girls first took a bow and then pulled out the band to take a bow. Well deserved applause was directed to the everyone. I can say judging by the crowd and their energy tonight and from the band, hopefully this ensemble will continue to deliver great entertainment. Grab tickets for this one if they come to your area because this is two joyous hours of music for all to enjoy.
Women In Rock – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
And Finally…
This band did excellent covers of every song, it was a slick professional performance, and I think it safe to say we’d had great value for money. If you love rock music, go and see Women In Rock.
Women In Rock – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
“Since 2016, Women In Rock have been wowing audiences across the UK & Europe with their high energy performances. Featuring soaring vocals, choreography, audience interaction, striking costumes and backed by a band of world class musicians, Women In Rock has built a reputation as the leading rock show around. Having performed to audiences of up to 120,000, these women are ready to take you on a spectacular journey through five decades of female rock leaving you cheering for more.”
Check Women In Rock on the WWW here
Thank you to Women In Rock and The Factory Live
The Factory Live
A huge shout to the super team at The Factory Live. This really is a little gem of a venue and tonight the sound mix was spot on. The lighting had been upgraded since my last visit and it was wonderful to see all the band members and just the right amount of smoke. First class night guys and cheers to the brilliant security and bar staff.
The Factory Live is tucked away in Worthing. It’s a great venue. A great team running the place, the staff were approachable, friendly and helpful. The venue is pretty large and well ventilated with a nice large bar area and outside seating and tables. The venue, The Factory Live, is located at Unit 9A, Ivy Arch Road in Worthing.
The Factory Live are on the WWW here
Words: Ian Bourn. Photos: Ian Bourn.
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All original pictures / video – copyright to IANB/MEDIA WORKS/ SCENE SUSSEX – Ian “The Lens” Bourn 2022.
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