Day Two – Thursday 21st May 2009
The second day of events was a slightly different affair, heavily influenced by the movies. First up was the world premiere of 'Awaydays’ a film based on the book by local author Kevin Sampson. Red carpet arrivals of the film’s stars and a host of TV and photographers added to the anticipation for the first showing at Liverpool’s art deco Philharmonic Hall.
The film is a dark and occasionally witty portrayal of life in Merseyside at back end of the 70s. Based around the violent world of football hooliganism, Awaydays tells the tale of a developing friendship between 'outsider’ Carty, closet bohemian Elvis and the violent confrontations of hooligan gang 'The Pack’. The real star however is the soundtrack featuring tracks from Echo And The Bunnymen, The Cure and Joy Division which suits the mood of the movie perfectly.
After a warm and sincere ovation from the audience, we headed up to the Stanley Theatre where Hollywood actress Juliette Lewis was performing with her latest band The New Romantiques. The theatre was only half full as the band came on stage which must have been a disappointing sight for the LA five piece. It’s clear from the off though that Lewis steals all the limelight from her strangely inanimate band while she belts out a mixture of rock and blues with all her might. The poor attendance didn’t affect the performance as the band gave everything to entertain those present. Without a doubt Lewis is completely crazy, bouncing around the stage like Mick Jagger on steroids, she just rocks!
Halfway through the week and I’m not sure if my voicebox or indeed my calf muscles can take anymore,. Still with White Lies, Little Boots and The Zutons yet to come I’m sure the energy will come from somewhere, perhaps I could ask Miss Lewis for some!!
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