MUSIC MATTERS: 20th anniversary Godiva was 'glorious' event for Coventry - The Coventry Observer

MUSIC MATTERS: 20th anniversary Godiva was 'glorious' event for Coventry

Coventry Editorial 8th Sep, 2018 Updated: 13th Sep, 2018   0

This is my Godiva Festival, and it’s not meant to be a comprehensive review of the festival, just my favourite bits.

The sun shone, the music played and the fun began, Godiva’s 20th anniversary celebrations kicked off where it began with none other than the man who opened the festival 20 years ago, Jimmy Kemp.

Many see Jimmy busking in Coventry city centre, but he looked the part as he took to the stage on Friday’s opener. He loves his city, and this city loves him, and that amazing voice is still very much there.

I get asked my suggestions for Godiva each year. This year I suggested The Duck Thieves and there they were on the main stage, and that’s where they belong on a big stage with their quirky and original material. Two bars down and the electricity went, we all talked among ourselves till this minor inconvenience was sorted leaving the Duck Thieves to wow the crowd with their amazing show.




To find out more about this unique band join us on Saturday 8 at 12 noon at The Coventry Music Museum, as we induct the Duck Thieves as our Artists of The Month.

Back to Godiva, and Jake Bugg. Great set, well received by his huge fan base, a great choice. On the Saturday so many mentioned how much they enjoyed Jake and the other name was Cradle of Filth.


Have to say they were one of my faves too, never taking themselves too seriously, but always cutting the mustard. Yes they were loud, but took me back to my old rocking days of the 70s. Visually they were stunning too.

Godiva is a wonderful eclectic mix of music and arts, for example Tony Christie and The Cradle of Filth (now that’s a band I would love to see), and on Saturday morning we had Andy and the Odd Socks especially for the toddlers, perfect.

The day got hotter, and after much tent hopping and sunbathing, we welcomed Professor Green on the stage. I was really looking forward to him, and I wasn’t disappointed. No wonder he’s a big star, he knows how to own a stage, and he went down a storm.

Saturday night the news came through of the passing of Neville Staple’s grandson in a knife attack in Coventry. I dedicate this column to Fidel, who was just 21. Neville and Christine were due to play the festival, would they play? Knowing them well I thought they would; and play they did.

Though ask yourself just how much it took for these guys to get on stage. Bravery, dignity and resolve are just some of the words that spring to mind when you talk about Neville and Christine Staple. #KnifeFree

Their set was a glorious one dedicated to Fidel, when songs like “A Message To You Rudy” and “Concrete Jungle” took on much more sinister tones. The crowd gave the couple the respect they deserved.

Before them, we had the openers Gosp-ability with the amazing Sandra Godley, followed by legend Tony Christie, whom we got to talk to, and realised this was his first Coventry gig. He still has an amazing voice.

Hazel O’Connor followed and the stunning Subterraneans, who rocked the stage, and once again a sunny Godiva was over.

Can I thank Lee House, Carl Bainbridge and the team for another glorious event.

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