Carnage at LawRocks as Squire Sanders snatches victory
There were ugly scenes at London’s iconic 100 Club last night as LawRocks debutante Squire Sanders snatched an unexpected, and in certain quarters highly unpopular, victory from hot favourites Landmark Chambers and the Practical Law Company.
A packed crowd was divided along partisan lines between the wild cheers for the band from the US firm, and unprecedented boos from an increasingly rowdy element supporting the technically superior metallers from PLC, Big Ghost.
The latter had kicked off their set with a Muse song, Hysteria, showcasing the bass player’s lightning fingers and the lead guitarist’s ability to widdle with the best of them. Many heads were banged and much hair, or at least what there was of it in the audience, was thrown around during the five-song set.
But even before the Squire Sanders band, Earth, Wind and Squires, took to the stage it was clear the newbies meant business. A lackey, most likely a trainee from one of the firm’s regional offices, distributed specially made flags for the audience to wave while the group itself were decked out in a plethora of hats. Notably, for a note-perfect version of The Bangles’ Walk Like an Egyptian, the band all wore fez’s except for the singers, who sported gold lame Cleopatra wigs. A four-song Monkees medley proved that this lot had been putting in the hours and knew their way around a segue.
The judging panel of Bob Kidby from Welbeck Land, Robert Anderson QC from Blackstone Chambers and Matt Byrne, features editor at The Lawyer came under intense pressure to bow to mob rule and give Big Ghost the nod. However, after much deliberation the trio bravely faced down the hostility by first announcing a play-off between Landmark’s Infinite Jest, a band consisting entirely of barristers and led by a singer with a voice that did Adele proud on Rolling in the Deep, and Squire Sanders. The judges eventually revealed Earth, Wind and Squires as the winner by dint of the band’s tightness and superior entertainment value. Cue outrage and a near stampede. To the bar.
“My, wasn’t that close,” said the organiser of Law Rocks, Keating Chambers’ senior clerk Nick Child. “What can I say that the audience on the night didn’t already? So many people have written to say this was one of the best yet. The standard really does just keep on getting better.”
Law Rocks, which has raised thousands of pounds for a variety of charities, began in 2009 (27 April 2009). Last night’s show was the tenth event in the UK, while earlier this year Child and numerous UK musicians travelled to Los Angeles for LawRocks LA.
Three more events are set for next year along with another Six Of The Best event in November, when previous winners compete for the title of overall winner.
Earlier this year bands from Mishcon de Reya and Berwin Leighton Paisner, both previous winners of LawRocks, won the right to entertain 1,500 lawyers at The Lawyer awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel (9 July 2012).
Readers' comments (27)
Anonymous | 21-Sep-2012 12:30 pm
It's an outrage!!! Landmark woz robbed.
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Anonymous | 21-Sep-2012 1:53 pm
Note perfect? you sir are tone deaf...
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Chris Woodman | 21-Sep-2012 2:26 pm
The quality of the bands last night was excellent, congratulations to all. I think the 'judge' protests too much. Rather than mob rule, the audience was surprised that the band Big Ghost, who were very heavy but absolutely outstanding on the night, created a barnstorming performance and were not fairly treated by a panel that clearly did not like heavy rock. Sounds like music that comes out of a 12 year old boys bedroom was one comment. Rather than 'Law Rocks', I would say it was more 'Law Pop' and the most genuine Rock Band found that its brand of rock was too heavy for the tastes of the panel. I am guessing that had Big Ghost played Bon Jovi, Darkness, Queen, AC/DC then they might have had a chance. Instead, as befitted the 100 club, one of the first venues to showcase punk rock, there was no compromise - it was out and out rock, played with attitude and the highest levels of musicianship.
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Anonymous | 21-Sep-2012 2:51 pm
Oh come on, be fair - there were better bands. I thought Big Ghost were great, but so did they. It's about having fun, no point being b*tchy here and throwing dollies out of prams. Try again.
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David Adlam | 21-Sep-2012 2:59 pm
Well said Chris - the "sounds like music from a 12 year old boys bedroom" comment actually made me slightly angry being a 35 year old that listens to all of the bands Big Ghost covered.
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Shirley Bassey's Uncle | 21-Sep-2012 3:14 pm
Count yourselves lucky. If Demolition had been playing, they would have wiped the floor with the lot of you.
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Scott Eaton | 21-Sep-2012 3:18 pm
I'm one of the band members of Big Ghost and while I appreciate all the support I feel this has all got a bit out of hand. Let's just remember what this event is about. It's a light hearted competiton to raise money for charity and have some fun. I personally thought Squire Sanders were thoroughly entertaining and wouldn't want to take away from their well deserved victory.
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Roadie for Fleetwood Mac | 21-Sep-2012 3:41 pm
Good call re Demolition. I saw them play last year at the same competition. Awesome. They went through to a play-off but did not win. Came second but were very gracious in defeat. No tears. A great band. And very butch.
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Dalai Llama | 21-Sep-2012 4:16 pm
Good call, Scott Easton! But remember that this whole thing involves lawyers...
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Natasha QC | 21-Sep-2012 4:19 pm
I loved the Demolition show at last year’s Law Rocks. Great attitude on stage. I have a picture of their guitarist on my wall and a picture of the bass player. In the middle is a picture of my husband. That’s how much I love them !
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Fleetwood Mac | 21-Sep-2012 4:23 pm
I see from the comment above that our roadie has been released from care and has bought a computer. All the bands were brilliant last night, and as a regular attendee I can safely say that all the bands always are. Earth Wind & Squires were indeed entertaining, and are deserved winners. Big Ghost may in fact be technically the best band ever to play Law Rocks, but it wasn't their night. Squires fans would have been disappointed if their band hadn't won, just like BIg Ghosts fans were, but thats because they are, erm, fans. (Def; "A person who has a strong interest in or admiration for a particular sport, art or entertainment form")
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Anonymous | 21-Sep-2012 4:53 pm
Scott being very grown-up there, likewise with Fleetwood.
Im a Big Ghost groupie, my main disappointment was to the style of music that won in what is supposed to be a Rock- gig rather than anything against Squires per-se.
Anyway it WAS a great night, and I will go next year if BG sign up again.
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Shirley Bassey's Aunt | 21-Sep-2012 4:58 pm
Ignore my husband, please. He has taken to drinking in the afternoon. What I personally have taken from all the Law Rocks! events that I have attended, and I am proud to say I could almost be considered a "regular", is that it REALLY DOESN'T MATTER who wins - and the bands appear to feel the same. All the bands want to do is entertain the crowd, and help raise money for those less fortunate than ourselves. They are incredibly supportive of one another, and the Law Rocks "family" seems to be a good thing to be a part of.
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Shirley Bassey's Uncle | 21-Sep-2012 5:04 pm
I drink in the afternoon because I am married to you.
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Anonymous | 21-Sep-2012 5:12 pm
I'm in the Landmark band and I'm with Scott. Who wins is irrelevant. The whole event is about raising money for charity, having fun and hearing some good music. Last night we all did that in spades. At landmark we all feel honoured to have shared the bill wilth all the other bands. We all gave our all and created a fantasic show that was a privilege to be a part of.
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Shirley Bassey's Aunt | 21-Sep-2012 5:13 pm
It's over. I'm leaving you. There, I said it. God that feels better. Your fixation with the lead guitarist from Demolition has always worried me. Now you can watch their sets over and over again on YouTube as many times as you want (not that you didn't anyway). I'm taking the cat. If you want me, I'll be at my sisters.
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Shirley Bassey's Uncle | 21-Sep-2012 5:27 pm
Funny you should say that. I am at your sister's right now.
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Shirley Bassey's Uncle | 21-Sep-2012 5:49 pm
Oh the bliss. We have just ordered a take away curry and are going to watch the Demolition You Tube vid. Shame you are not here. Your sister is so obliging and unlike you, fun.
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Anonymous | 21-Sep-2012 6:10 pm
familial Shirley Bassey - hijacked, but funny.
I hope you guys work it out
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Anonymous | 21-Sep-2012 7:33 pm
Massive thanks for the demolition comments .A few more and we may need to play a reunion gig!
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Anonymous | 21-Sep-2012 10:57 pm
Video Killed the Radio Star. Impossible to play well. Poppy but its a very hard song to get right. As a proffesional musician who was invited to go the gig by a mate who works at a law firm (not any of the bands playing that nigh but a client of one of the lawyers), I was very immpressed by all the bands. The french Keef telecaster player detuning his guitar, all of heavy metal bunch stuff (huge respect for no compromise nice licks, loved the muse cover) and the blokes with the braces and lady doing the queen cover (amazing voice, a real talent), solid outfit.
Real highlight for me. EWS (no connection). Yes, they was cheesy, massively nosstalgic and trying to crowd please but the level of playing was quite superb. They made hard stuff look straightforward.Rhtyhm section was outstanding. Guitarist taking the piss but cleary new his stuff making it look easy, keyboard player a natural and three very good singers.One doign rehab. a bit sweet ;)
To the guy who wrote abot the hats. Dont let the hats fool ya ! They spent a lot of time geting that set right.My vote on the night.
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Roy Godfrey | 22-Sep-2012 4:19 pm
Congrats to all the bands and Squire Saunders for the win. As a former member of Big Ghost!, it was great to see all the bands from the audience side. I'm sure the guys knew their song choices weren't going to be vote winners, but anyone that goes up there and gives it their all is in a winner in my eyes. The difference in musical styles and interpretations of rock is one of the things that makes seeing all the bands at Law Rocks! so special.
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Anonymous | 23-Sep-2012 0:30 am
That lead singer from Ballistic hedgehogs rocked
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Anonymous | 23-Sep-2012 10:22 am
That kiwi chick from ballistic hedgehogs really rocked
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Brandon F | 23-Sep-2012 3:08 pm
Wonderful comments for Demolition - thank you .Any more and we may need to organise a reunion gig!
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Natasha QC | 20-Dec-2012 3:07 pm
Anymore news on the next possible Demolition gig ?? I am at home today and staring at the two pictures of the guitarist and the bass player ! x
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Junior Barrister | 20-Dec-2012 3:16 pm
Hi Nat, ;-)
Agreed. Get the guys back on stage ! Remember our dancing to Rocking in the Free World and Sleazy ? :-)
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