This was my inaugural visit to Dreamland as a music venue, and prior to my arrival, I had limited expectations of a fairground repurposed for live performances. However, I am pleased to report that I was thoroughly impressed. The staff exhibited exceptional professionalism and friendliness, while the venue’s layout, reminiscent of a festival setting rather than a traditional concert hall, contributed to a vibrant and immersive experience. Strategically positioned bars and vendors around the stage enhanced this festival-like ambiance. Additionally, the venue’s distinctive atmosphere was further enriched by the incorporation of fairground rides, which added a unique and festive mood. The ambient lighting on the bunting, the illuminated Ferris wheel, and the towering structure were effectively utilized during the performances, amplifying the overall experience. This visit has undoubtedly set the stage for future returns, and with the venue’s growing appeal to prominent acts, it is poised for continued success. Kudos to the events team for their exemplary work.
Another highlight of the evening was the support act, Laurence Jones. The acclaimed blues rock artist captivated the audience with his dynamic stage presence and superior musicianship. As a photographer and reviewer, I found his expressive performance particularly noteworthy. Jones’s selection as the supporting act for Status Quo was an astute choice, given his history of collaborating with them over the past two years. His familiarity with Kent, having performed in the county numerous times, was evident as he announced his upcoming return to Faversham in March. Jones demonstrated remarkable proficiency not only with his original compositions but also with a compelling cover of “Voodoo Child” by Hendrix, notably including a segment where he played the solo with his teeth—a rare and impressive feat I have previously witnessed only in performances
Following a captivating 45-minute set from Jones and a brief intermission, Francis Rossi and his band took to the stage, launching into the iconic 1973 UK Top 5 single “Caroline.” The diverse demographic in the audience, spanning generations from grandparents to children, engaged in a collective celebration of music. The enthusiastic crowd participation, from clapping along during “Little Lady” to progressively impressive sing-alongs, was a testament to the band’s enduring appeal. Rossi, defying the passage of time, energetically performed during the band’s rendition of “Hold Ya Back.” He then addressed the audience before performing my personal favorite, “In the Army Now,” a trac I have cherished for four decades. The lighting effects on the bunting were expertly synchronized with the crowd’s engagement in the song. The subsequent track, “Roll Over Lay Down,” featured an extended instrumental segment where Rossi engaged in a call-and-response interaction with the audience, further enhancing the live experience. As the band transitioned into “Down Down,” Rossi utilized his extensive experience to maintain the audience’s enthusiasm, skillfully teasing the song’s conclusion before delivering an additional chorus, eliciting a fervent round of applause. Following a guitar change, Quo performed the ever-popular “Whatever You Want,” during which a couple near me executed a full ballroom dance. Rossi’s guitar solos remained impeccable after 57 years, and the band concluded the main set with their rendition of John Fogerty’s “Rockin’ All Over the World,” during which Rossi stepped away from the mic to let the crowd sing the lead line.
The final song was succeeded by an extended three-song encore, a departure from Quo’s typical set. The group performed “Don’t Waste My Time,” followed by “Paper Plane,” with Rossi once again allowing the audience to sing the chorus of “Paper Plane.” The encore concluded with the 1988 UK number 5 hit “Burning Bridges,” another personal favorite from my youth. The overall event was an exceptional experience, highlighting the joy of music that transcends generations and fosters familial connections.
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