Berwin Leighton Paisner’s BLP rock supergroup Real State romped home as the standout winner of Law Rocks 2010 at a packed 100 Club last night.
Property partner David Battiscombe’s eight-piece band beat off stiff competition from Blake Lapthorn, Nabarro, Davies Arnold Cooper, Pinsent Masons and Lovells to take the crown.
A judging panel of Everything But The Girl drummer June Miles-Kingston, Chris Taylor from charity Busking for Cancer and The Lawyer editor Catrin Griffiths assessed each band. As soon as Real State cranked up the chords to Robbie Williams’ Let Me Entertain You it was clear the ante had been upped.
“You’re now the guys to beat,” said Griffiths, channelling Amanda Holden.
Rumours had circulated the 100 Club on the night that the evening would be rigged to give the legendary fret-burner Bob Kidby, the leader of Lovells’ The New Teen Titans and retiring partner, a happy ending. Sadly for Kidby, it was not to be.
Real State’s relentless musical assault, led by Eddie Van Halen-like lawyer Chris Marsden, saw a packed dance floor and an ecstatic - and only mildly partisan - crowd whooping for more.
They got it when, after being crowned champs, compere Mr Justice Coulson invited Real State to hit the stage once more.
The band obliged with not one but two encores, Primal Scream’s Rocks and Stevie Wonder’s Superstition.
Last night’s legal market battle of the bands, which was organised by Keating Chambers senior clerk Nick Child, is the first of two charity fundraising events this summer. The second of this year’s Law Rocks events will take place on 24 June.
“The quality of the bands was, as ever, first class and on many occasions indistinguishable from professionals,” said Child. “It was again very tight, but BLP are deserved winners. I just cannot believe the enthusiasm of everyone that participates, be it attending or supporting – and I cannot wait for June 24th now.
“Law really does rock.”
Readers' comments (13)
Rum DAC | 30-Apr-2010 3:19 pm
Great night, but well done to Run DAC who had the best vocalist, IMO
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Anonymous | 30-Apr-2010 3:40 pm
Once again, Lovells rocked hardest and (as the lead singer predicted before they even started!) once again, Lovells were robbed! ;-)
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Robbie Williams | 30-Apr-2010 3:49 pm
Lovells were efficient but BLP had already won it by then. Agree about the Run DAC singer on Nutbush
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Anonymous | 30-Apr-2010 3:59 pm
Re Lovells rocking the hardest - covers from "Glee" should never be mentioned in the same breath as Rock! Angus Young would be ashamed.
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Gin Palace | 30-Apr-2010 4:18 pm
@Anonymous 3:59: Doh! It's not a cover from Glee, it's a song by Journey. Are you sure you should have been at a rock gig? Try some musical theatre instead.
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Anonymous | 30-Apr-2010 4:21 pm
An excellent and very enjoyable evening which was perfectly organised. The ac/dc solo was fantastic. Look forward to more of the same next year.
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Cleric Apton | 30-Apr-2010 4:21 pm
The sets were all amazing, and there were some VERY inventive medleys. The drummers all shone for me last night - geniuses one and all, and such energy and enthusiasm. A top night that will take some beating!
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Anonymous | 30-Apr-2010 5:54 pm
They may not have won, but Lovells had the best song of the night with a blistering version of Fleetwood Mac's "Oh Well". BLP could probably make a good living as a wedding band - if they didn't have to split the cash 8 ways!
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Anonymous | 2-May-2010 9:06 am
We were asked to enter and were about to until we heard the strict criteria:
Compulsory purchase of £800 worth of tickets
Entry fee of £200
And all for 20 mins on stage (which goes faster than a blink)
I appreciate it's for charity however, bands should be given more choice to spend.
Congrats to the winners...
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Anonymous | 3-May-2010 11:18 am
The New Teen Titans were indeed robbed as they showed true range by playing an awesome variety of true rock classics in contrast with BLP's populist choices! Don't stop believing Titans...............!
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