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Review of Rochester Castle Concerts 2022: Al McKay's Earth, Wind and Fire Experience

Rochester Castle became a Boogie Wonderland last night as thousands of music fans descended on the historic grounds to dance the night away.

Al McKay's Earth Wind & Fire Experience were certainly in the groove as they had each and every member of the audience up on their feet dancing like mad as soon as they started performing.

The band performing in Rochester

Their 70s style of jazz, R&B, soul, funk, disco and pop all rolled into one - is just magic.

Not only because you want sing the songs at the top of your voice (and believe me we all did), but you also really can feel the beat of their hits like September, Boogie Wonderland and of course, Let's Groove.

My concert buddy and I didn't leave the stage area for hours before the main act came on as we took in the atmosphere and other special guests Third World, The Dualers and the James Taylor Quartet.

They certainly warmed up the audience and seemed to love performing in Rochester.

Third World performing at Rochester Castle 2022. Picture: Peter Willson
Third World performing at Rochester Castle 2022. Picture: Peter Willson
The Dualers on stage at Rochester Castle 2022. Picture: Peter Willson
The Dualers on stage at Rochester Castle 2022. Picture: Peter Willson

It was great to see so many people having a wonderful time, both young and old, smiling, laughing and dancing in such a great setting with the sun shining and I really can't fault the bands or their sets.

The ska performers and disco act made the night magical, however, not everything on stage seemed to run as smoothly as perhaps it should have done.

There were a few glitches with microphones, loud pitch noises and the DJ just turned off one warm up song midway though the track, which brought each and everyone who was dancing to it to an abrupt stop.

Now I'm not saying I could have done a better job and the logistics of getting the stage ready for each act must be a tall order.

But it seemed a bit chaotic and disorganised at times and I felt the breaks between acts should have keep the audience entertained a bit more in anticipation of what's to come next - well that just didn't happen.

Al McKay's Earth, Wind and Fire Experience Rochester Castle 2022. Picture: Peter Willson
Al McKay's Earth, Wind and Fire Experience Rochester Castle 2022. Picture: Peter Willson
Al McKay's Earth, Wind and Fire Experience Rochester Castle 2022. Picture: Peter Willson
Al McKay's Earth, Wind and Fire Experience Rochester Castle 2022. Picture: Peter Willson
Al McKay's Earth, Wind and Fire Experience Rochester Castle 2022. Picture: Peter Willson (57861719)
Al McKay's Earth, Wind and Fire Experience Rochester Castle 2022. Picture: Peter Willson (57861719)
Al McKay's Earth, Wind and Fire Experience Rochester Castle 2022. Picture: Peter Willson
Al McKay's Earth, Wind and Fire Experience Rochester Castle 2022. Picture: Peter Willson

I've been lucky enough to have been to quite a few concerts at the castle, and the logistics and transformation of the stage for each act has always seemed to run smoothly, well, last night, it didn't.

And I wasn't best pleased about having to buy my own plastic glass to drink beer out of, (yes, I should have taken my own beers in), OK, it was only £1 and they told me the proceeds were going to be donated to the castle but with each pint £6 or more, I felt that was a tad too much.

However, the workers behind the bar were great at getting you served quickly and there wasn't a big queue, so 10 out of 10 to them for that.

Closing out the festival tonight will be The Specials who no doubt will perform their haunting anthem Ghost Town.

To book tickets, click here.

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