Mitchell Devastation on stage. DB3231P24

LOW lighting and an eerie mist set the stage for the bands performing at last Saturday's Bass Connection Rock Awards, harking back to the Arts Centre's grungy pre-renovation era.

For many, this was their first experience of a rock night at the new-look Arts Centre but, surely, not their last.

The evening was hailed a success by event organiser and founder of Bass Connection, Keith Gale: "The Rock Awards are always a success and, hopefully, this will help kick-start the live music scene in Salisbury again."

There has been a distinct lack of events of late, but Keith is hoping that the awards will help spread the word that rock is still alive and kicking in our city.

The Emo influence was apparent in the crowd and shows that the evolution of the music scene has not left live music to fade away, and that there is still a demand in Salisbury.

The awards were presented during the evening, with live music from Ascendency, Slapface, Endor, Mitchell Devastation and Co_Pilot:Down.

The bands played impressively tight acts, showing confidence and ability combined with showmanship and humour.

A growing trend seems to be unlikely covers, with Mitchell Devastation thrashing out About You Now by the Sugababes, and an original take on Leona Lewis's Keep Bleeding by Co_Pilot:Down.

Keith Gale with band members. DB3231P06

With just a few more people, the Rock Awards could have raised the roof but, hopefully, this is just a taste of what's to come, so watch this space.

Winners' roll of honour
Best Band: Dead Mile
Best Stage Act: Slapface
Best Singer: Olly Sheppard (Dead Mile)(second year running for Olly)
Best Guitarist: Ryan Kowalewski (Endor)
Best Bassist: Fred McCauley (Streets At War)
Best Drummer: James Waddington (Dead Mile)
Rose Gale Award for Outstanding Musicians: Big Num
Trewist Award for Contribution to Bass Connection: Geoff Swan

Review
Bass Connection's annual Rock Awards were back on Saturday, with eight awards and five bands.

Ascendency and Slapface were both on good form, and last year's best new band, Endor, has come on in leaps and bounds. They gave an impressive performance full of angst and venom.

Next it was time for Salisburys more experienced acts to take to the stage Mitchell Devastation kicked off with an ex-cellent cover of the Sugababes and then belted out some fine material of their own.

Co_Pilot:Down head-lined with another hit showing the high level of performance we've come to expect from them.

Full of energy, with some stunning new tunes, freshly added to their repertoire I wonder why these guys haven't been picked up by a label yet.

Tonight was about awarding young, new music in Salisbury. As always, there were plenty of opinions about who should have won what, but what is important is that fresh talent coming through is encouraged, and rewarded.

Good on Bass Connection for doing just that yet again! A great night's entertainment.
Dave Gerrard

Riding high
2007 Best Band Dead Mile is riding on the crest of a wave.

After winning Best Singer in the 2006 Rock Awards, lead vocalist, Olly Sheppard led the whole group to victory this year.

This pop punk/rock band only started life in 2005, when they were nominated for Best Newcomer Band at that year's awards, so they've come a long way fast.

The other members of the band are Harry Waddington (lead guitar), Ed Kelly (rhythm guitar), Nick Kontzle (bass) and James Waddington (drums).

So far, the band has released two EPs, done a three-track demo with Swanton Bomb Productions and worked with internet TV station Vision News.

Olly said: "This is fantastic. What a night! It's a great reward for the band's hard work. We are only interested in making good music."

9:59am Thursday 6th December 2007

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