Remember the time before the lockdown and before the coronavirus started to interfere with all our plans for 2020?

Those with long memories may just about recollect that, when the lockdown hit, we were in the midst of the 2020 Quids Inn Battle of the Bands competition.

Well, for those who have been sat in tense anticipation to see who will be crowned this year’s champion rockers, the wait is about to come to an end.

This weekend finally sees the resumption of hostilities with the fourth round of heats.

Loud and proud metallers The Fletcher Christian Mutiny take on the indie rock groups Sunset Jet and The Getaways at Quids Inn tomorrow night.

The winners of the round will join Warbird, Swarf Damage and Acoustic Atmosphere in the finals, to be held in a couple of weeks.

Over to Quids Inn landlord and battlemaster Andy Saunders to offer up a hasty recap!

’Heat four of this years event, disrupted by Covid-19, is a massive one,’ said Andy.

’Warbird won heat one against last year’s finalists The Boneyard, after The Clown Calls for War withdrew.

’Swarf Damage absolutely smashed heat two, where Biskee Brisht and Shady Acres also were fantastic.

’Heat three happened as lockdown began so it was during a very surreal atmosphere that saw Mad Daddy, Acoustic Atmosphere and a hastily thrown together Terry George Band competed in front of a cautious audience.

’Acoustic Atmosphere came out winners after a real blinder of a performance.’

This year’s winners will win choice spots at the major TT venues, including the Bushys Village stage, and the Villa Marina Start a Conversation event, now scheduled for next October.

There is also a substantial recording budget with Small Bear records.

Fair play to Andy for keeping the fires burning with this competition and good luck to all the bands wanting to get through to the final.

Elsewhere, a full house welcomed the first ’Made In Mann’ concert at the Promenade Suite at the Villa Marina last Friday night.

More than 250 people came along to watch Voodoo Bandits headline the night, supported by A Stone’s Throw and The Getaways, and was regarded by all involved as a great success.

’It. Was. Awesome!’ wrote a spokesman for the organisers, the Isle of Man Arts Council

’We are so thrilled that so many of you came and showed your support for this free live music event with all the bells and whistles on!

’Voodoo Bandits were supported by A Stones Throw and The Getaways and all three gave it their all and reminded us how lucky we are to be able to gather and listen to live music like this.’

Next up for Made In Mann is folky-pop-types Biskee Brisht, plus support, on Friday, October 30.

Remember to check the gig guide on page 22 for this week’s local band action.