The Vive Le Rock Awards, hosted by Vive Le Rock magazine, soared back to life this past Thursday, 6th April, at the O2 Shepherd’s Bush after a 3 year hiatus due to pandemic restrictions. Attendees expressed the utmost ecstaticism for the acts and the awards themselves, creating an electric environment throughout the 4 hour long event. At a birds eye view, multiple sub culture communities, most notably being punk, rock, and goth, gathered in one room to celebrate what they love most. Fishnet tights, thick black eyeliner, neon mohawks, and hardware fashion of all sorts could not be missed, and I certainly felt underdressed for the occasion. Nonetheless, the buzzing atmosphere never faltered.
The night began with doors opening at 6 PM and the crowd began to filter in slowly, but surely. The first act, appropriately named ‘Vive Le Rockers’, performed an fantastic first set to ignite the already bustling crowd before the awards officially began and artists joined them. Featured artists included classics like “Girlschool” members Kim McAuliffe and Jackie Chambers, Jim Jones, and Elizabeth Westwood and Jennie Bellestar Matthias (also known as “Bad Barbee”) who played numerous punk, funk, and rock hits. Eugene Butcher, Vive Le Rock’s very own Editor in Chief, even made a notable appearance for a single song. After excellently playing crowd favourites, like the Sex Pistol’s “God Save the Queen” performed by Millie Manders and guitarist Michael “Gaff” Gaffney, and Little Richard’s “Lucille” performed by Beki Bondage, the awards began. Shoutout to the amazing trumpet player and their absolute star quality.
Acts were sewn in between awards, and the event as a whole was truly a surprise. Although I was not certain as to what the night would entail and was lacking in the fashion department, I felt one with the crowd . They roared with applause after each award and performance and the announcers were full of life and enthusiasm; there was not a soul in the room who would rather be anywhere else.
Although the event itself was definitely something to write home about, the attendees were the light of the night. Each person in the crowd had their own story to tell, whether it be through their outfits or their willingness to speak with me. Overall, the night was unforgettable by the captivating performances and enhanced by the endlessly pumped up crowd.
The Vive Le Rock Awards 2023 was nothing short of an entertaining celebration. Although I knew of some of the bigger name artists who performed, like Terry Chimes of the Clash, I definitely went home to stream the artists I was less aware of (I highly suggest anyone reading to go ahead and listen to Millie Manders and the Shutup!).
In summary, award winners go as follows:
Best Festival: Rebellion Festival and R-Fest
Best Live Act: Amyl and the Sniffers
Roots Award: Neville Staple
Reissue of the Year: UK Subs and Edsel Records
New Blood: Bob Vylan
Album of the Year: The Interrupters’ “In the Wild” Pioneer Award: Brian James
Services to Music: Norman Watt-Roy Icon Award: Terry Hall
Lifetime Achievement: Cockney Rejects
