Another excellent evening’s entertainment beckons in the magnificent setting of Chepstow Castle. The Town is buzzing as it continues with the Castell Rocs month, and after the downpour that briefly threatened the first Big Day Pro Live event two days earlier, the border town between England and Wales has been warmed by two days of drier weather.
H.E.A.T
Chepstow Castle, Chepstow – 17 August 2024
Words And Photography: Paul Hutchings
Initially a four-band line-up, youngsters Zac & The New Men have disappeared from the bill in the 24-hour run-up, citing technical issues. Something afoot, we wonder, but regardless, their exit eases the running order and provides three very established bands with ample set time. 
My last time engaging with Swedes H.E.A.T was almost exactly two years ago when they took a huge step up in my estimation with a captivating show at Stonedead Festival.
Tonight, although they hit the stage with a bang, the show isn’t quite the intoxicating mix it was then. Certainly, the dual opener of Back To The Rhythm and Rock Your Body get everyone moving, including some of the ‘togs who are showing some nifty footwork front of stage, but they fade mid-set before picking it up towards the end. The gaps around me suggest I am not alone.
Maybe it’s the setlist, which contains possibly fewer up-tempo songs than it could have, or the relentless chatter of Kenny Leckremo between songs, but there are moments when I’m watching the audience rather than the stage. It’s a minor quibble and maybe more to do with Tyketto’s powerful showing directly before them.
H.E.A.T remain an entertaining outfit, with Dave Dalone’s lead work under the best hat of the weekend and Jimmy Jay’s high-energy bass compelling viewing.
When they hit their stride, such as during Living On The Run and the final duo of Dangerous Ground and Shot At Redemption, few bands of this genre can compete.
However, there are gaps in the set tonight, pauses and a lack of the fluid style they usually command. Don’t get me wrong, this was still fun and enjoyable, but I have seen them better and maybe that bar is not always going to be reached.
It is a great evening overall, and once again, Big Day Pro Live pull out a memorable event. Roll on 2025.
