Gomad Festival Diary Part 1

Day 1 - GOMAD TURANGALILA FESTIVAL
THURS AUG 12TH
THE GEORGE TAVERN, LONDON

Photos: Kazunori Nishibiro

They don't call it Gomad for nothing...

An hour and a half before they're meant to arrive, I get a call from Plan B's manager- "he's on his way to soundcheck...NOW." A frantic call to our amazing sound team Leaf and Finbar and they arrive within moments of Plan B and his entourage. Better early than late obviously, and under the team of Bar Manager Helen Blackmore, we get up to speed despite an hour and half of lost time.

I wasn't sure what to make of Plan B - sure he's had number one singles, albums and blah blah blah - but who is he and what does he mean? A kind smile and kiss on the cheek is my first introduction. Quiet but authoritative, turning up to soundcheck because a show is still a show - whether it's 02 Arena or The George Tavern. He also gives in and supports our demands to let his amazing beatboxer Faith have a 10 minute solo before he gets on stage.

I'm impressed by the charisma then, so what about the music? A stripped down backing band of guitarist, cellist and beatboxer lends itself beautifully to the intimate and appreciative audience of The George.

"Are you sure this isn't a wind up? Are you sure Plan B is playing tonight??!"were the remarks of many astonished punters who walked through the door.

From a mix of tracks from his first and second album, tender soulfulmusic versus moments of fierce rapping, what moved me most was the fact I felt he had genuine conviction. Each song was introduced with his intent behind it: "I wrote this song about the glamourisation of rap music. People always misinterpret it but just listen to the lyrics!"

Speaking about his year spent in borstal, half his entourage seem barely over 18, talented kids from the streets and he pretty much sums up the perils of being an east London kid in a deprived area like Shadwell. Going to work everyday at the George I see it myself. Gangs, youths, unemployed drop-outs who loiter about the streets. This is exactly why we set up our charity TURANGALILA. To put something positive and much-needed out to the community. Community outreach with a damn artistic purpose. Well, THIS kid made it. THIS kid is now Plan B.

Later he tells me about his new film and the importance of preserving listed buildings like The George Tavern. "I'm currently shooting my new film. I don't want to shoot it at some staged, fake 1960s place. We've got to preserve places like this."

He then reels with shock when I tell him Konk Studios is being soldoff to developers for £2m. "I recorded some of my album there!" The Kinks were a phenomenal band and their music, their studio and the tremendous bands who have recorded there surely mean a blue plaque should be erected but instead it's being knocked down! Crazy times...

In the middle of all this, an infamously tall and gangly iconic figure wearing a tight-fitted pin strip suit with mod cut black hair and rose tinted glasses emerges towards us with a big devil grin. John Cooper Clarke with his entire family in tow, waves at us and drags his suitcase in preparation for an overnight stay at The George. "Alright kiddos!" he says.

John is a dear friend of the Landlady Pauline Forster and zooms over to help out and put his name to our causes at the drop of a hat. A real gem, a true punk poet, a cult legend. Him and Plan B both requested to be on the same bill despite the fact they have never met. There is a strong sense of mutual admiration and adoration between the men. A rare genuine meeting of minds... It felt like there was something unique happening - a revolution of arts - all happening in an intimate, east end pub. It all felt rather surreal.

DJs on the night were Aidan James Robinson (freakbeat/psychpunk), Adam Dineen (postpunk), Jungs & Technik (German new wave/electronica) and Blue On Blue (everything in between). A lock-in till 6am determined a powerful punch to the first night of the festival. What else was going to be in store over the next 3 days?!

Dee Sada,
The George Tavern August 2010