Indigo O2 London, 23rd February 2025
Milkfest '25 is a brand new, one day festival, celebrating British blues music. Conceived by Adam Norsworthy of The Milk Men, the excellent line up reflects the spectrum of roots and blues music history in the UK. It’s also in aid of The Brain Tumour Charity: a criminally underfunded illness, considering it accounts for the majority of cancers in people under 40! So not only are you getting some terrific bands for your ticket price, you are helping change lives too. And when a musical community comes together, it’s a great way to make a difference.
Festival organisers The Milk Men kicked off the inaugeral festival with their own brand of blues punk inspired by headliners Dr Feelgood (more on them later). They put on a “Fabulous” set even if you were in the “Cheap Seats”. While it was a seated event, there were a few people boogying down to the R & B gold top music that the band were pumping out during their set.
Next up were The Cinelli Brothers, who played it cool and took us on a rootsy blues ride. Often reminiscent of 60s and 70s blues in the vein of Booker T and The Doors, helped by the organ and harmonica: the band create an atmospheric sound that is inspired by the past but brilliantly contemporary. Thomas Hepple joined the band for a jam a terrific young guitarist who has already shared the stage with established act a such as Albert Lee, Mike Zito, Dan Patlanksy, Chicken Shack, Catfish and Brave Rival. He’s definitely a rising star of the British blues scene.
Legendary Paul Jones and Dave Kelly slowed things down with a straight up old school blues set. "San Fransisco Bay Blues" set the tone and show their love for blues and roots music. These guys have been playing this music for years and their love for the blues is still evident. A venerable gentlemen of the blues: Paul Jones' stella blues harp work is still an inspiration to younger players. Both Dave and Paul deliver some great vocals during their set that really connects to the genesis of the genre.
Jo Harman continues the laid back early evening feel with a terrific version of Van Morrison’s 'Philosopher's Stone', which showcased her powerful and soulful vocal. Long time collaborator Mike Mayfield joined her for a version of 'Enough'. On the album Jo was joined by the legendary Michael McDonald, but she was flying solo as she sang the upbeat and funky ‘When We Were Young’.
Fresh off touring with Rick Wakeman was Mollie Marriott. Packed with heavy Led Zep style guitars and powerhouse blues-rock vocals. Performing songs that she’d written with Judy Tzuke ('Trouble and Shame' and 'King of Hearts'). Last time she appeared in the Indigo was with Led Zeppelin Symphonic with a certain Mr Plant watching from the wings. No sign of Planty tonight, but Mollie performed an outstanding version of ‘Since I’ve Been Loving You’.
Mollie confided to the audience that The Brain Tumour charity is a cause close to her heart after her Mum’s Goddaughter and several of her relatives have all been diagnosed with brain tumours. It was a humble and sobering moment and a reminder of the worthy cause that we are all here to support.
Blues wunderkind Toby Lee, fresh from his appearance at this year's Hootenanny. He’s only just turned 20, but is a staggering reminder that in today's mass processed musical world, there are young musicians who are impassioned supporters of roots music. His set is packed with poppy blues - stuff you can sing a long to - and mountains of adroit guitar work too! 'Can’t Blame Me For Loving You', 'Count On Me' and lead single from his album 'House on Fire' were all highlights of his incendiary set.
When Rivers Meet have become one of the blues scene's most popular acts in recent years. This was evident today with the amount of support they had from the crowd. It was wonderful to see Grace recognising members of the audience from other gigs during their set.
The band's popularity was further enhanced by having a top 10 album last year. they've come a long way since their days as a duo, but their sound gets grittier every time they play. Tonight they played a track from each of their albums, including some new tracks 'Addicted To you' and 'Break Free' from their forthcoming album.
Headliners, Dr Feelgood need no introduction. Their energetic and ballsy sets have been making an impact since the 70s; and their set was still packed with that punky-blues swagger and bags of energy. The band were again a hugely popular choice. The Doc played hits 'Roxette' and 'Milk & Alcohol' alongside more recent material from the album 'Damn Right'.
The day ran smoothly with sets averaging at around 40 minutes with enough time to do a quick change over and grab a drink between line ups. The advantage of having the festival at the O2 is there are plenty of wateringholes and eateries to refuel, and yes you are able to leave the Indigo if you wish during the day. Or you could just kick back and enjoy a day of top notch blues.
If you can think of a better way to spend a drizzly, cold February than to chill out at a one day charity blues festival, we’d love to hear it!
Words Cathy Clark
Photos Gerry Driver
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