Wool City Rockers – No Pulling The Wool Over The Eyes As Bradford Live Holds Its First Rock Concert

Up to now Bradford Live has been home to family-based entertainment, the odd pop event or comedy show, but never a rock music concert – until now.

Wool City Rockers was a celebration of music to come out of the city; this was not about the pop fluffiness of the likes of Tasmin Archer, Kiki Dee or what remains of Smokie but the alternative side of music that derives from the city – rock music that comes with a capital R.

The title of the concert comes from a punk and new wave fanzine, Wool City Rocker, which ran for fourteen issues, initially covering the Bradford music scene before going on to cover other West Yorkshire bands. Run by Nick Toczek, the magazine was highly influential in launching and supporting emerging talent.

With a lot of music to look forward to, Paradise Lost arrived on stage at the unusual rock ‘n’ roll time of 6.15pm – as the bells of City Hall could be heard in the background, it heralded the arrival of one of the most underrated rock bands from the north.

The band remains a huge draw in Europe due to their brand of gothic metal, which features a melodic edge and is presented with pomp and ceremony. By the time Paradise Lost reached One Second, their third song of the evening, they were already in full flight.

When lead singer Nick Holmes asked the sold-out audience, “Let’s see your hands in the air, Bradford Live, ”this was not just an invitation to become immersed in the band’s performance but words that those who supported and had the conviction to save the former Bradford Odeon and had worked tirelessly for over the years had been longing to hear from a major act.

Closing number Silence Like the Grave came with an earthy iron fist, and, on the contrary, the roar of approval from the audience was very much alive.

If Paradise Lost represented the skies of the dead of winter over Bradford, then Terrorvision must have been the coming of spring. Many present here tonight would have recalled when the group were known as The Spoilt Bratz before becoming Terrorvision and being signed by EMI Records, with commercial success following.

Like all three bands on the main stage tonight, Terrorvision has performed at every music venue in the city, including many that are now closed, such as the Frog and Toad, Queens Hall, and Scamps nightclub.

Lead singer Tony Wright still bounced around the stage like he was on a trampoline and it was still 1994, the band's most successful year. With his cheeky chappie persona intact, it didn’t take him too long to say his famous phrase, “We’re Terrorvision from Bradford.”

Their setlist was perfectly orchestrated – this was more about reaching out to any doubters of the band, showcasing that there was more to them than the romp of Alice, What’s the Matter and the disco-infused silliness of D’Ya Wanna Go Faster, as demonstrated with newer tracks Baby Blue and You Gotta Want to be Happy.

Pretend Best Friend shone with the jazzy trumpet interlude intact, with Oblivion closing what had been a huge triumph.

Probably the most widely known band of the night, headliners New Model Army had the accolade and distinction of starting the first, and hopefully of many, moshpits in Bradford Live.

Justin Sullivan remains the only original member of the line-up. With venom in his voice, a look of conviction in his eyes, and a strong belief in his heart, he and the rest of the band took the fans—many who had travelled from across the north—back to the very beginning with the opening track, Christian Militia.

Now aged seventy, Sullivan still had the power to whip the fans into a frenzy. New Model Army always had a political observation, as he attested on introducing 51st State. “The lyric of this song is just as important now as when the song was written,” observed Sullivan.

The inclusion of violinist Ed Alleyne-Johnson brought a melancholy feel to Purity and a turbo charge to Vagabonds with Green and Grey – the latter dedicated to Rob Heaton, the band's drummer who passed away in 2004.

“This is a great venue; if you are from Bradford, please support it,” was a plea from Sullivan that will surely be answered. In terms of holding rock concerts, the potential is huge. This side of the Pennines there is not a theatre venue of this enormity that has atmosphere, history and the ability to hold such concerts, and, like the talent on display tonight, long may they roll on.