BOTTOM DRAW/ TURNSTONE
19th July 2004
By Terry Bullen

Battle of the Bands 2004 kicked off on the 1st March 2004 and led us all to this day, the final day and a night that would never be forgotten in Battle of the Bands history.

This year’s event saw an unbelievable amount of talent come forward, which led to a really high standard of music and countless headaches for the judges at the end of each round. The weeks that led up to the final saw the Atlantis Arena crowds treated to a wide range of musical styles and genres, which included punk, ska, rock and even some jazz and soul. Along the way we saw friendly relationships form between the bands and between the music-loving public that turned up to listen each and every week.

Every single band that entered this years competition have been winners in some way or form, with exposure and gigs coming their way as a result of it. It was a pleasurable journey from the first week to the last and has proven just how much musical talent there is on offer in the area. The judges had to make tough decision after tough decision and on most occasions the bands were split by decimal points. After many rounds of entertainment and riveting performances the final two bands were named as Bottom Draw and Turnstone.

Both Bottom Draw and Turnstone have been professional throughout the competition and have always filled the stage with enthusiasm and desire for their music. Both bands had a strong and appreciative following, which was yet again apparent for this final night, to decide the winners of Battle of the Bands 2004.

The final got underway and both bands put on an amazing performance and every single member seemed to thrive on the packed crowd’s responses and hunger for the music. The bands fed off the crowds and seemed to be injected with that extra special something that saw them both perform to a level I could never have imagined. The music was solid, the vocals were strong and crisp and the whole sound for each of the bands was perfect. I’m not renowned for getting up on the dance floor, but a mixture of the devils water and some mighty fine music, saw me concede. I’m glad I did, as both bands packed the dance floor out and everyone was enjoying themselves by dancing and jumping up and down to the music.

It was a night that nobody wanted to see end but the time had come for the judges to announce the winners. After the point deducting and disqualification of Mavis from the Semi-finals, the fourth place went to the much deserving Born Backwards, who unleashed upon us one of the best vocalists in the competition. The third place prize went to Decadence; whose continued desire to perform saw them push their way to this proudly placed 3rd spot. At this point the crowd were getting very excited and chants for both of the finalists could be heard from all corners of the arena.

The anticipation was unbearable as PJ opened the envelopes from the judges, to reveal the final results of this year’s competition. There was a momentary pause in the arena as PJ announced the runners-up as being Bottom Draw and the victors of Battle of the Bands 2004 were Turnstone. At this point time seemed to stand still, while there were chants of “Turnstone” and champagne spraying, which wouldn’t have looked out of place at Silverstone race track. The crowd were even allowed to get their hands on the winners, as Guy, Lewis and Nick all stage dived in to the crowd and were passed around while the audience continued to applaud and show their appreciation. This was a final that will never be forgotten and Bottom Draw gave a fantastic performance and were every bit a part of this occasion. All of the final four bands were presented with various prizes and trophies. On top of this Bottom Draw were presented with a cheque for £500 and Turnstone received a cheque for £1000. Beach Radio, who sent a DJ along for the evening, covered the night’s proceedings.

Well what can I say, that was the final and that’s it until 2005. It’s been a great competition and at times has been stressful and full of some ups and downs, but overall I wouldn’t have changed anything and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. I’ve made so many friends throughout the event and Monday’s just won’t be the same for a while. I would say I have a tear in my eye, but I don’t want to come across as being all girlie………..LOL. In the words of Vinnie Jones “It’s been emotional”

At this point I would like to say a big thank you to PJ Walsh, for organising a magnificent event and putting together a Battle of the Bands competition that quiet frankly blows the rest of them out of the water. I’ve been to a few Battle of the Bands events around the area and have seen the prices they charge and how they set-up and run the event. Doing that highlighted to me what a great job PJ has done and I personally have nothing but respect and admiration for him.

Before I close this review out I would like to say a few more words of thanks to the people that have made this competition really special for me:

Each and every one of the bands that entered and gave their best shot when taking to the stage. I have nothing but respect for all of them, even the extremely crazy Beast with a Gun.

Every person who has visited the website and signed up to the messageboards, as this site has surpassed our wildest dreams and that’s down to you folks!

The people I’ve met and the friends I’ve made over the past few months.

Janistalis for being a great fellow reviewer and without doubt the best person I could have had along side me for each and every week of the competition.

Dale and Suzi, for getting to grips with the Atlantis sound system and working their socks off to provide the bands with a fantastic sound, week in, week out. On top of that they’re both fantastic people, who I’m glad to have met.

Gavin, for doing a great job with the lights, bubbles and foam. I’m sure he was trying to cover me and Jo in foam on purpose!!

Last but not least, the main man, the man behind this fantastic site and the man who planted the seed that grew from an idea, to something that I’m proud to be a part of. Of course I’m talking about Adam Larner and his amazing website designing skills and hard work in uploading and maintaining all of the material on the site. A true friend and an absolute star!

Not forgetting the customery thank you to my Mother and Father and to Jesus Christ himself……………..LOL

If I’ve missed anyone, I apologise!

Don’t forget to get your tickets for Bandfest, for your chance to continue the enjoyment of listening to some of best local bands going. Plus you can see me dancing like an idiot again!

Until next year folks, take care!

Terry Bullen (aka Darkness)

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Janistalis wrote:

Turnstone were worthy winners, without a doubt. Guy’s stage diving antics impressed us all! And they were the ONLY band I danced to all competition (although copious amounts of alcohol probably encouraged that!) But seriously, they played another good gig – they were extremely entertaining, very tight and highly original.

Bottom Draw were also superb. Each time I see them I love them more and their jaunty originals are outstanding. They work really well as a team (as do Turnstone) and they appear to be good friends. They were also really tight and oozed charisma! I hope that they stick at it and get out there and get a deal!

So congratulations to both bands!

It was great to see Born Backwards get 4th, although I wish they had had the opportunity to compete further, and Decadence did well to get to the semis and are definitely a band to watch out for.

As we have said many times before, the quality of all bands this year was very high – it was a great competition to watch and I know that each band has gained from the event in some way - be it experience, exposure or new friends and contacts!

So a very well done to ALL bands, Suzi and Dale and the organisers, Adam for the website and Terry for his superb reviews!

Thank you for all the support I’ve received from various people – you know who you are. There have been some tough times, but I’ve really enjoyed it and guess it’s safe to say I’ll be back next year!

See you all at Bandfest!! Janistalis x

Adam Larner wrote:
I’d like to say a huge thank you to the people that’s helped me over the past few months, you’ve been truly encouraging. Without my good friends Terry, Janistalis, Suzi, Dale and Steve this would never have been possible, I’d like to thank you dearly for your support and wish you all the very best in the future. I'd also like to take this opportunity to personally thank PJ for allowing me free admission to the final night; I highly appreciate this kind gesture of his and love to do a website for him next year. PJ, I love you.

It’s been an enjoyable experience for me as much as Terry and Jo. I’d like to totally agree with Terrys comment earlier on how a great success this site has been; it certainly has got to be one of the biggest websites I’ve ever done!
Actually, at the time of writing this, the hit counter reads 436,322 hits within the time period of BOTB first starting which was way back in February to 21 st of July. This alone speaks for itself on the true success that the website has been.

I’d like to carry on with doing a BOTB website for next year competition, but am hoping to have a full time job by then which should limit the amount of time I’m able to devote towards the website, but who knows! – (Actually, if anyone would like an enthusiastic, hard working, devoted web designer, please ring or email me). Ha Ha

Anyway, as for BOTB 04 , the website will remain open and the messageboard will still be accessible, so feel free to use it. Also check out www.bandfest.co.uk because it’s going to be a spectacular event, Suzi and Dale are organising it, so you know its going to be good. Hey, perhaps it might even bigger that BOTB we’ll have to see.

Thank you all and perhaps I’ll see you all at BOTB 05!!

The reviews listed are an opinion by the individual carrying out the review which happens to be a personal and honest account. These reviews are displayed on this website for the bands to obtain some truthful feedback on their performance. There is no point in us posting dishonest reviews here, as this will not benefit the bands who are looking for advice and constructive feedback.