Camp Bestival, Lulworth Castle
While most of the world in 1992 were listening to Nirvana, Pearl Jam, U2 and The Red Hot Chilli Peppers; a spit and sawdust pub notably The Brusnwick in Bournemouth was playing host to the debut gig by a brand new band called Pronghorn. Around that time you would have been able to go into any of the local venues such as Mr Smiths, Gander, Mr C’s, Bacchus, Mr Kyps to see bands like Agatha’s Garden, Ivor & The Engines, Godhead, Sons of Geronimo and of course Hampshire’s Hoedown heroes The Cropdusters.
Apparently original Pronghorn members Jon Bruce and Lamma put together the band from the ashes of skiffle outfit Hoedown At Hanks; a Cult Tribute Band Blue Rain, and local upstarts The Crunchy Tractors. Who’d have thought it 33 years later, Pronghorn are still going strong and this year have played a host of major festivals including Glastonbury and Isle of Wight, as well as promoting local bands and running their own festivals. Their legacy is profound and the band were awarded a lifetime achievement award by the Original Music Awards in 2023 at a ceremony at the Lighthouse in Poole.
This weekend the Pronghorn Posse featuring wags, offspring and Lamma’s new mascot dog “Maggie” are found at Rob Da Bank’s Camp Bestival at Lulworth Castle, set amongst the wonderful countryside of the Isle of Purbeck. They are playing on the wonderfully constructed Caranansera Stage made up of old caravans, cars, disused fairground machinery and the hosting tent is decorated with a host of old school lampshades. Despite the mighty Dub Pistols being on the main stage, this stage is packed out with people who know of this local act’s firm live reputation. This seven-piece make what can only be described as a unique sound with their two fiddles and two banjos, along with infectious rhythms including Folk, Punk, Country and Rockabilly all colliding to create their very own genre of Cowpunk. The crowd lap up everything they have to offer and dance furiously as ably directed by the grizzly bearded Lamma. Most of the tracks that they play are instantly recognisable as they have been playing them for years, tunes like “Soldiers Joy” with its clever lyrical double entendres, “Pay Me What You Owe Me” and the title track from the band’s last album “Psycho Ceilidh”.
The fun does not end there, as it’s a family festival and there are loads of children in the audience, they get invited to join the band on stage for their last number “The Cullen”. Lots of parents push their kids forward for their chance to get up on stage and chaos ensues. Typically the song is a really engaging number and the band direct the children to clap, jump and wave their hands in the air, providing some special moments for band and audience alike. I have personally seen Pronghorn possibly more times than any other local band, with past fond memories of former members Aussie Mike, Big G, Ski Daddle and Andy Law. The band continue to enchant audiences year after year without any sign of stopping.
Video
Pronghorn are
Lamma – Banjo/Vocals
Steve Gun – Guitar/Vocals
Ffi-Fiddle
Alex – Bass
Toni Viagra – Drums
Gypsy Joe -Fiddle/Mandolin/Vocals
Ollie – Banjo/Vocals
Links
https://pronghorn.co.uk
https://pronghorn2.bandcamp.com
https://www.facebook.com/pronghornuk
Article by David Chinery (Chinners)
