Fat 45's Big Spiegel Spectacular
It doesn’t matter what age, sex, ethnicity or religion you are, Brighton Fringe is a time when people from all walks of life come together to celebrate being free, creative and alive. It’s a time to let your luscious locks down and swing the person in your closest proximity around your head. And I can guarantee that Fat 45 are the band to see at this year's festival if you want just that. There’s a reason their audiences call them “liberating” and “absolutely amazing.” I have no doubt you’ll be sweating buckets by the end of the show and you won’t even care that your lipstick has slipped up onto your forehead.
Fat 45 are a jump jive big band with added rhythm 'n’ blues and a splatter of rock 'n’ roll. They will be taking centre stage at the Old Steine’s Spiegeltent in the heart of the city for Fat 45's Big Spiegel Spectacular! On the crowded but comfortable stage, you'll find a group of 11 skilled performers among a cluster of saxophones, trumpets, a keyboard, double bass, drums and the beautifully soulful voice of Dale de Ville thrown in for good measure. Depending on whether you're hearing their remake of Louis Jordan's classic Choo Choo Ch’boogie, or their spiced-up version of Etta James' notorious tune Good Rockin’ Daddy, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back to the 40s or 50s.
Since forming in 2009, the band have been setting dance floors alight across the country, from renowned festivals like Glastonbury to local venues in areas such as Herefordshire and Norwich. They’ll be playing on home soil at this year’s Fringe as (you’ve guessed it!) the 11-piece swing group are from Brighton. How much more talent can come from this city? So you might have seen them in the past living it up at Concorde 2.
Most importantly, Fat 45’s Big Spiegel Spectacular will be raising money for the band’s drummer who is seriously unwell. “We would especially love your support for this one as we will be raising funds for our drummer and dear friend Johnny Machin, who is seriously ill.”
Not only will your presence at the event be a reward to all of your senses, you will be contributing to a great cause also.
With their slick quiffs, sharp suits, swingin’ hips and high heels, Fat 45 know how to get the crowd going. Just wait for that keyboard solo to kick in. A word of caution however, don’t be that one person that turns up underdressed. You’ll stand out like a sore thumb. Get your braces and trilby out or your swing dress on, anything goes in this town. As a fan once said: “It’s not just a night out, it’s an experience. Something you’ll remember.” So embrace the madness and shake, rattle and roll your way down to the Spiegeltent. It’s going to be, well, spectacular!
