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It was interesting - even heart warming - to see members of each band watching the 'sound checks'.

It wasn't a case of checking out the opposition, for the night was a 'real team effort.' No, it was more an appreciation of good bands and good technicians doing their stuff. Encouragement and a determination to have a good time was the order of the day.

The glorious weather made it a double-edged sword for the organisers. They got plenty of people there, but many decided to soak up the late evening sunshine and therefore the crowd was not as big inside for the live bands as it might have been. But that didn't prevent the whole occasion being a roaring, rocking, revelatory success.

THE BASEMENT PROJECT are a group of teenagers from the Sheffield area. Their bass guitarist and backing vocalist Leo is Ben's cousin. This was the biggest crowed they had ever played in front of during their fledgling career to date but if they did have any nerves they must have been soothed at their sound check, by the appreciative clapping from the other bands.

Prior to the bands themselves, and in between their sets, one of the organisers, Mat, had 'burned' a few CDs of top quality indie music, which also perfectly suited the night and the public packing the Club.

And The Basement Project kicked things off in superb style. They showed a maturity in their playing that belied their tender years - and the songs were strong, catchy and extremely well delivered by lead singer, both guitarists and the drummer. They fully deserved the ovation they received at the closure of their set.

Following them onto the stage were THE HEADLINERS, who, as their name might suggest, look a band all ready for the big time. Having seen them before, this reviewer was expecting a storming set and he certainly wasn't disappointed. Neither was the crowd who could clearly be seen nodding to each other in appreciation at a band displaying their undoubted talents. The songs were melodic indie rock of the highest order, brilliantly sung, and if they keep on this form then The Headliners could well make it. 2008 may be their year. If they do, then those at Birdwell Club on Saturday can boast of a 'they were there' type moment.

Yet although The Headliners delivered a terrific set, there were a number of people who felt that THE DEAD RABBITS proved to be the best on show. It is hard to disagree with such a statement. With the aptly-named lead singer Ben at his very best, the band ran through their repertoire of hard-hitting indie rock tunes that had the crowd tapping their feet and clapping their hands. It was a fantastic set and went down a treat.

Fittingly, the 'personal touch' was brought by the last act on stage, VANQUISH. Ben was a big, big follower of the Hoyland-based band, helping them design their t-shirts and flag, as well as popping up at any number of their gigs to dance right at the front. As well as delivering some of their own songs, which certainly deserve to be brought to the attention of a wider public, Vanquish played several well-known cover versions, as a 'true tribute' to Ben. Vanquish brought the house down. They got people dancing, they got people on stage, they even got people taking over the microphone for an impromptu 'karaoke' session. It was a deliberate, delightful move that made the crowd warm to the four lads on stage. Vanquish delivered the goods - and brought down the curtain on a fabulous night.

The first Remembering Ben gig was a glorious success. Can't wait for number two.......

andrew