Necessary Animals Photo by Bruno Decc

Necessary animals: summer’s end revue, at The Beacon

Trash Cannes organiser Keith Rodway gives us a shameless promotional heads up on Hastings’ number one art-rock group, an up-coming live appearance and much more.

As British summer time draws to a close,  Necessary Animals return to the Beacon for their Summer’s End Revue on Thursday October 20th, 7.00-10.30. They will be joined by a diverse bill of local acts and will perform songs from their acclaimed albums Necessary Animals, Animalia and Playboy of the Western Word.

Playboy of the Western Word, cover art by Peter Quinnell

James Joyce scholar Lucy Brennan will once again join the band for improvisations featuring readings from Ulysses, which formed the material for Playboy. This will be the final outing for the project as the centenary year for Ulysses draws to a close. One of the highlights of this collaboration was a letter from the Irish president Michael Higgins, who wrote to Lucy:

“May I say how greatly I appreciate the enthusiasm with which you, in East Sussex, are partaking in this year’s Bloomsday and the many events organised in your area to honour this landmark year.”

Sterling support will be given by some of the most interesting acts from the amazingly diverse Hastings and St Leonards alternative arts scene. Holly Finch and her band will reprise their acclaimed debut appearance at Necessary Animals’ first gig at the Beacon in May this year, with new songs and an expanded line-up. Philip Sanderson, whose work on the fringes of experimental and popular music in the UK stretches back over forty years, may or may not perform songs from his last two excellent albums – Rumble of the Ruins and Not Even My Closest Friends, as he has an amazingly eclectic back catalogue to draw from. Philip hasn’t yet said and may not be sure himself. Progressive folk artist Kim Thompsett, who sang with NA at the Kino for the HOT benefit gig in 2019, and whose album The Hollows was one of the highlights of that year, will perform new material. And the legendary Simon and the Pope, whose popadelic mantragrooves have been wowing visitors to the Bavard Bar at the Kino over the past year, will bring a suitcase full of wonder to share.

Click for ticket link!

Over the summer the Beacon has won itself a reputation for one of Hastings’ most eclectic venues, and it is arguably one of the most relaxed. Its gardens and commanding views give a chance to unwind, drink, eat and chat with friends and briefly forget the woes of a troubled world.

Tickets are from £10 (£20 to include a delicious vegan supper) and are available from Eventbrite or on the door on the night. The venue offers a fully licensed bar, full disabled access and, if the weather is fine, a fire in the garden.

This will be Necessary Animals’ final gig of 2022. They will emerge from hibernation refreshed and recharged in March 2023.

The Beacon, 67-68, St Mary’s Terrace, Hastings TN34 3LS

You can listen to Necessary Animals’ full catalogue here

Philip Sanderson’s work is here

You can watch Space Bossa Noodle by Simon and the Pope here

Kim Thompsett’s The Hollows is here

Who is she? by Holly Finch is here

Also in: Music & Sound