TOMORROW: Stars of Reef and Massive Attack come to South Bristol pub

TOMORROW: Stars of Reef and Massive Attack come to South Bristol pub

Posted on: 17 Apr 2024

Jack Bessant of Reef and Damon Reece of Massive Attack are set to appear together at Bedminster’s newest pub tomorrow, Thursday 18 May.

 

English rock fans will no doubt be familiar with Reef and Massive Attack – the former being one of the South-West’s most acclaimed Britpop bands, and the latter one of Bristol’s proudest cultural exports. Now, two legends from each of the prolific bands are coming together – for an unassuming gig at a fresh-faced pub.

 

Jack Bessant, bassist of the platinum-selling Reef, leads the band as his self-titled project – teaming up with Massive Attack’s drummer, Damon Reece. Bessant’s solo work draws on the same hard-rocking influences as Reef, but with a decidedly more folk-tinged sound that rings true with authenticity.

Bessant is also a dedicated surfer and skater – having hosted a number of fundraisers for his local skate park, Cheddar Skate Park, including auctioning the white label of his raw and personal EP Lucky Mountain. It’s perhaps no surprise, then, where he’s chosen to play his newest gig – at Bristol skate pub, The Dame.

 

Formerly the Tap & Barrel, The Dame has been transformed by the owners of Campus Skateparks, Andre Seidel and Tim Noakes, into a haven for skaters – and all of Bristol’s community, according to our interview with Seidel earlier this week. “We’re unbelievably excited.” Seidel said. “I know Jack, he comes to skate the skate park, he’s a friend of mine, but it feels quite surreal to have him and Damon play at the bar.”

Playing with Bessant will be Damon Reece – drummer of beloved Bristol trip-hop outfit Massive Attack. Reece has an almost Forrest Gump-like involvement in music history, having started out as a member of Spiritualised, then Echo & The Bunnymen, and Lupine Howl, he’s now the permanent drummer for Massive Attack.

 

It’ s a wild gig – with shockingly cheap tickets for such inimitable talent. Tickets are £10 on the door, with seemingly no option for buying ahead. For more information, head to The Dame’s Instagram. 

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Patrick Bate

Patrick is a filmmaker with so much Bristol in his blood the white blood cells are graffiti'd. Educated at the Northern Film School in Leeds, he’s returned home to be a Videographer and Reviewer for 365Bristol and BARBI. When he’s not messing about with cameras, he enjoys playing guitar, spending far too much time on tabletop RPGs, and being an awful snob about cider. Have a look at his work here, or get in touch at patrickb@365bristol.com.