A sold-out concert by an international icon and a successful three-day festival featuring some 30 local and foreign acts – all in the space of a few days; you will, I’m sure, agree that this was a bonanza for every music lover. But where to begin, given the amount of live music that was available for consumption?

Much has been said in the wake of Patti Smith’s first live performance in Malta, and rightfully so, for it was an incredible performance, where one could feel much more than the words and music advertised on the event poster (of which not many were left on the walls outside the venue after the gig, I noticed).

Having had the privilege of watching Patti Smith in concert with a full band during the Banga tour in Rome two years ago, a stripped-down performance was something I was particularly looking forward to.

I wonder why it is so many of the faces I saw at Patti Smith’s concert didn’t turn up at least once at Rock the South

Although it has to be said that in the end, in terms of energy at least, this was every bit as electrifying a performance as the one in Rome, which is a good thing.

In contrast, however, I felt the local crowd took its time to get into the gig, while in Rome the response was immediate and boosted the atmosphere both onstage and off it.

Perhaps this was because in Rome the audience wasn’t handed out a list of rules and regulations that made one wonder if it was even okay to clap (some did, some weren’t so sure, if you were there you’ll know how awkward it sounded).

As for the no photos rule, which was adhered to rather well I must say, this was just as odd. In other concerts Smith usually sits down at the front of the stage (while Lenny Kaye sings a few songs himself) and chats, signs autographs and takes pictures with whoever is the quickest to get out of their seat (as happened in Rome, which was also a seated concert).

The tone that these rules were written in seemed to suggest that the audience should only be there to sit and listen (and many others commented on this before the gig) whereas I’m sure every rock artist (as was evident when Smith emphatically urged people to get off their seat and on their feet) loves to see an audience respond to his or her art more expressively than it would, for example, at a classical music performance.

In the end, however, thanks largely to Smith’s immense charisma and presence, along with the awesome performance she, Kaye and Tony Shanahan delivered, everyone came out of the venue totally overcome.

This was as much thanks to the music as to Smith’s humility and compassion and the unique way she has of connecting with her audience. As big an icon as she is, she certainly doesn’t act like it.

Apart from the songs and poetry themselves, I believe that is what so many people (myself included) have always found special and appealing in her.

There were too many amazing moments (and not just musical ones) on the night to pick just the one, but Ghost Dance, Dancing Barefoot and Because the Night were certainly memorable above everything else.

ForMartha Theuma, one lucky young, Maltese musician, it is probably the encores that will forever remain indelibly stamped in her mind. Incidentally, that same young Maltese musician was also performing with her band Catcake at the Rock the South festival in Marsascala last weekend.

This festival, now in its third edition, represents the most comprehensive overview of what the Maltese music scene has to offer, and to the credit of its founder Nick Morales and his team, it was all done independently – no-frills, all substance, one great weekend of authentic live music that certainly deserves to be encouraged and supported.

The majority of the bands are understandably local, but this year also saw the biggest number of foreign acts take part, among them Italian trio Cut, who delivered a fireball of a performance, as did The Violent Violets.

Hip hop act Sempliċiment tat-Triq, with their full band line-up, was one solid display that I’m sure earned them a new army of fans from outside the hip hop circuit.

The final night actually started early in the afternoon, and pulled a sizeable audience that lapped up the sun as the music played on.

Gozo’s Divine Sinners seemed to really enjoy their first Rock the South experience. Nordgarden gave a rousing acoustic performance, upping the ante for the bands that followed. Of these, I was particularly impressed by Errormantics’ fuller sound and also The Cosmic Erotic’s fluid approach.

This was their first gig and certainly a pleasant revelation to most that were present. Jane Doe and Skimmed, the latter in a trimmed-down formation, are both bands whose new material I look forward to listen to more closely.

Overall, this was undoubtedly another successful edition of the festival.

Despite the good attendance on all nights, I still wonder why so many of the faces I saw at Smith’s concert didn’t turn up at least once at Rock the South, as I’m sure they would have found something that appeal to them.

Ah, maybe the next one…

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