Retford Fake Fest is ‘simply the best’

Acclaimed tribute bands The Fillers, Oasish and Four Fighters headlined a feast of music, which also featured a wealth of local bands at East Retford Rugby Club.

The five support bands included Vinegar Strokes, James Foy, The Torn, Digging For Elvis and Stereoepic, who all entertained the crowds from midday on Saturday.

Headliners Oasish, since forming in 2004, have gone on to be one of the UK’s most sought-after tribute bands.

Lead singer Paul Higginson, who acts as an uncanny parallel for front man Liam Gallagher, said it was their third year on the Fake Festivals tour.

He said the band always give fans a 100 per cent Oasis experience.

“I don’t do anything by halves so the attitude, swagger and arrogance was all there on stage in abundance, along with some of the finest British Anthems ever written.”

“The night itself was amazing. It was incredible to come out to Rock ‘n’ Roll Star and to see 1,500-plus people scream the words back at you. You could see everyone was having such a great time and that in itself fuelled what, for me, was the best Fake Festivals we’ve done.”

Not only does is band comprised of professional musicians, it also boasts members who have played on stages alongside Robbie Williams, The Who’s Pete Townshend and Bryan Adams.

Plus, ‘Liam’ said they use the same amps as Oasis as well as the same instruments, such as the Union Jack Epiphone Supernova, the signature guitar that Noel helped design after appearing at their seminal Maine Road gigs in Manchester in the mid 90s.