Over the past seven years Medway council have been making a mark in everyone’s diary each summer by bringing a number of hugely popular acts to Rochester Castle in Kent.
There are not many events which present you with a superb line-up as well as a stunning location, but the organisers have done just that with the concerts taking place on the beautiful castle grounds, which front the exceptional River Medway.
Previously delivering a variety of the UK’s most loved performers to the stage, this year was not going to be a setback with well-known rockers Status Quo kicking off the four day event. Tony Hadley of romantic pioneers Spandau Ballet, plus friends ABC and Go West were to hold a fabulous 80’s night and making a yearly revisit were the Castle Proms, which included an appearance from The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra and a striking fireworks display.
On Thursday’s event families, friends and colleagues gathered to see one of the biggest boybands in showbiz take to the stage. The Wanted have come a very long way since supporting girlband The Saturdays at the castle in 2010, having had a number of hits, notching up two number ones singles, two triumph albums and what most bands fail to do – conquering the American market.
Now making a return to the exotic Kent location, The band, which consists of Siva, Max, Tom, Nathan and Jay were expressing their excitement for the anticipated date by tweeting: ‘Can't wait for Rochester Castle show! Let us know if you're coming along :)’ the day before their arrival.
Upcoming artists supporting the hit makers were Internet sensations The Vamps, who had toured with McFly earlier this year, up and coming pop group Only The Young, ‘Need U (100%)’ female soloist A*M*E and Pete Waterman's latest signing James Graham.
The Wanted took over the stage starting with their song ‘Invincible’, taken from their last album ‘Battleground’, followed by hits ‘Lightning’ and ‘Loose My Mind’. Fans were not afraid to show their excitement for the five piece, with many of whom who had queued for hours and some travelling from as far away as Denmark and Brazil.
The group showed true gratitude to everyone who had attended, with five lucky fans being allowed up on stage to be serenaded by their favourite individual member during ‘Heart Vacancy’. Youngest member Nathan Sykes, who had recently had a throat operation earlier in the year, showed no sign of this with his outstanding vocal ability.
Entertainment was provided by all individuals of the band, from silly dancing, to humorous chitchat, as well as singer Tom Parker attempting to crowd surf – and failing.
Amongst their other songs was a fantastic medley of covers by The Killers, where the band showed that not only can they hit a keen note, but that they also know a thing or two about playing their own instruments.
With an energetic and highly credible 75 minute set, it is in plain sight that this man band have had a huge amount of well-deserved success, which has been achieved by a continuos amount of hits, charm and support from their varied in age fans.
Their appeal and likeability factor has been utterly infectious since they released their debut single ‘All Time Low’ in 2010 and continues to be with their newest pop tune ‘Walks Like Rihanna’, which the five lads completed their sensational set with, alongside smash hit ‘Glad You Came’.
Four nights of live music, food, drink, merchandise and entertainment from KMFM presenters Andy and Rob was all on the menu for tonight’s show and it definitely was – being served good and proper.
Published on 22 July 2013 by TasminAnderson
