Women in Rock is an often debated issue along with Women in general playing festivals, well here at Black Deer Festival on the Saturday night we have 2 septuagenarian ladies with interesting histories battling it out for headliner status. Bonnie Raitt is on first and wastes no time in showing this crowd why she is a celebrated blues guitarist. It is visibly busier now at this point than at any other time of the day. Bonnie Raitt is a legend and isn’t frightened to cover INXS of all people with a bluesy version of ‘Need You Tonight’, then John Prine and Talking Heads ‘Burning Down The House’.
Chrissie Hynde is waiting in the wings and her new Pretenders outfit no longer has Martin on drums, but does include James Walbourne, and what a guitarist he is. They play a hit laden set with some old and new tracks thrown in for good measure. Highlights are a stunning version of ‘I’ll Stand By You’ where Chrissie hits those highs and then some rocking versions of The Adultress, Tattooed Love Boys, and Mystery Achievement for the hardcore fans. Also rans get Kid, Message of Love, Back on the Chain Gang and Talk of the Town.
So who won the battle for headliner? – Who Cares! When both artists are this good, at the ages they are at, then just wallow in the moment, enjoy watching two worthy headliners play some fantastic music with passion and pizzaz. On to Day 3 but I see rain clouds approaching….
