A few weeks ago (sorry – it’s been busy) at the invitation of one of my former barrister clients I took myself along to the second Law Rocks music event at the 100 Club in London – dragging one of my legal chums with me. I had even put on the white tee shirt covered in logos of the participating firms and sponsors provided as part of my charity donation ticket.
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect – with memories of the Olswang Partners’ Rock Band playing at Covent Garden’s Rock Garden at a Christmas party several decades ago still burned indelibly into my memory. But what a pleasant surprise – and a great evening!
Introduced by our MC for the evening (High Court Judge Mr Justice Coulson), first up was a band called Eclectic Zoo (Blake Lapthorn) with two energetic female vocalists belting out their five numbers which included a Blondie number (to which everyone sang along) and an interesting Led Zeppelin/Mamma Mia arrangement. The three judges (one of whom was The Lawyer’s editor Cat Griffiths and the other two were real music industry peeps) gave their views after each performance.
Then Music Matters (not a terribly inspirational name) from Nabarro were on with a female vocalist with a voice similar to Alison Moyet in an amazing sparkly dress and a mellow male lead singer who looked vaguely like a young Jon Bon Jovi. In their set we were treated to some Red Hot Chilli Pepper numbers, a heart felt version of Queen’s “Don’t stop me now”, another Blondie number and a brave Muse cover. Being an ex-Nabarro person I felt I owed my allegiance to this band and sang along where I could.
At this point I was encouraged to buy some tickets for the charity raffle which were being sold rather effectively by one of the Keating Chambers clerks. The prize was an impressive looking Fender white Stratocaster guitar – perfect for any lawyer who still holds dreams of a rock rather than a legal career…
Then Run-DAC fielded three front women – one of whom played sax. “Nutbush” got the crowd moving and “Proud Mary” kept them going. “Another piece of my heart” allowed the vocals to shine.
Berwin Leighton Paisner (Real State) – fielding its head of real estate in the band – did a rousing “Let me entertain you”. Awesome sparkly shoes here – on one of the guys. Keyboard AND sax. We sang along to the cover of Scissor Sister’s “Take your mama out all night” and to the Doobie Brother’s “Long train running” (“Without love, where would we be now…”). Bit surprised at the “Beat it” number at the end of the set, but the judges were impressed – noting the incredible similarity of the lead singer to Rob Lowe.
Rebels without a clause (Pinsent Masons) got my vote for the stripy suit straight from the set of Beetlejuice on the drum player. Not too sure about the attempt to simulate real punk “Echo Beach” (one of my favourites) but “Go your own way” by Fleetwood Mac and King’s of Leon’s “Use somebody” were good.
Last to play were the New Teen Titans from Hogan Lovells. Bravely, this was the only all male band. These, I have to say, were my favourites, especially as they opened with “My Sharona”. The Neil Young number (“Keep on rocking in the free world”) was pretty good too. Bob Kidby – ex head of global real estate – was an astonishing player. These guys were real pros.
The judges deliberated for a short while and announced the runners up to be Pinsent Masons and the winners BLP. Congratulations to all the participants and to Nick Child and Keating Chambers for organising such a fabulous event which everyone enjoyed so much – and which raised a considerable amount for various charities.
The second round for 2010 will be held on 24th June and the firms competing are: Addleshaw Goddard, CMS Cameron McKenna, DLA Piper, Reed Smith, Bird & Bird and – of course – Keating Chambers. Can’t wait. Tickets have sold out – lucky I have mine already.
Further information at http://www.lawrocks.com/
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