Music
16 Jul 22

Live Report: First day of Forever Young Festival set the stage with sets from The Adventures, Paul Carrack, and Marti Pellow

Forever Young Festival 2022. Copyright Miguel Ruiz/hotpress.com

Performances by rockstars The Adventures, Paul Carrack, and headliner Marti Pellow made for an action packed first evening of Forever Young.

The opening day of Forever Young was an exciting start to the 3-day festival which has been filling everyone with unparalleled '80s nostalgia. Performances by rockstars The Adventures, Paul Carrack, and headliner Marti Pellow made for an action packed evening. After 3 years, the crowd and performers alike are thrilled to be back at Forever Young.

The first act was Belfast's The Adventures, who delivered a lively performance on the main stage. Lead singer Terry Sharpe delivered passionate vocals while Pat Gribben shredded the electric guitar. Although the audience began the night seated in folding chairs, by the end the majority had gotten out of their seats to dance to 'Broken Land'.

The Adventures, Forever Young Festival, Copyright Miguel Ruiz/hotpress.com

The Adventures, Forever Young Festival, Copyright Miguel Ruiz/hotpress.com

Next up was Paul Carrack. Previously a member of some of the biggest bands of the '70s and '80s like Ace and Roxy Music, Carrack now returns as a solo act. His suave demeanor and smooth saxophone made for an entrancing performance. He played hit 'Groovin'', delivering an impassioned keyboard solo, and closed out his set with a cover of Marvin Gaye's 'Whats Going On'.

Paul Carrack, Forever Young Festival, Copyright Miguel Ruiz/hotpress.com

Finally, Marti Pellow took the stage. The organizer of the festival, Dr. Sharon Alston, introduced the headliner saying it had been a dream of hers for Pellow to perform at Forever Young. He began with a cover of Bob Marley's 'Jammin', dancing and swaying along with the crowd. He put on a marvelous rendition of his band Wet Wet Wet's 'Love is All Around', which the audience echoed back to him.

Marti Pellow, Forever Young Festival, Copyright Miguel Ruiz/hotpress.com

Between sets were performances by cover bands 80's Generation and GEORGE MICHAEL, contributing to the '80s atmosphere and keeping the energy up while the acts turned over.