Music / Bristol Sounds
Bristol Sounds superfans: Goldie Lookin’ Chain
In the run up to this year’s Bristol Sounds concert series, Bristol superfans reveal their favourite memories of the bands playing and why they’re looking forward to seeing them this summer.
For the third in the series, Lee Cresswell and father-in-Law Paul Baglow share their love for Newport hip hop group Goldie Lookin’ Chain who take to the Lloyds Amphitheatre stage on June 28 along with the Fratellis, Sleeper, Cast and Stereo MC’s.
When did you discover Goldie Lookin Chain?
is needed now More than ever
Paul Baglow discovered the GLC as he worked with the mum of a band member; his son-in-law Lee Cresswell bought their CD on a whim and loved it
Lee: “In 2004, I bought the Greatest Hits album from Hitman record store in Newport, having never heard of the band before. The front cover just caught my eye. At the time, I had no idea they were from Newport and I didn’t realise the cover photo was taken pretty much opposite Hitman’s!
“I listened to the album with my uncles at my nan’s house on Boxing Day 2004, we were in stitches.”
Paul: “I discovered them in 2000 when Christabel, Rhys’ (from the band) mum, told me to look at GLC’s website. I worked with her. The website was hilarious, especially the (Newport West MP) Paul Flynn content.
“I remember going through the GLC dictionary and learning the definitions. That’s how I became a Clart (someone in the know about Goldie Lookin’ Chain, according to the band’s own dictionary).“
What’s your favourite memory of the band?
The pair are fans of the band’s witty comedy lyrics, Newport-chic style and onstage dancing
Lee: “My wife being gifted Lethal Weapon 2 on DVD as a Christmas present from the band at their Christmas gig at the Tramshed, Cardiff.”
Paul: “Seeing them live for the first time. I already knew about their witty lyrics and sardonic view on life, but I was blown away by their energy and rapping skills.”
Your favourite live show?
The family make a point of seeing GLC at least once a year and are pumped for the Bristol show
Lee: “The Christmas gig in 2019 at Newport Leisure Centre. In a local pub before the show, we met a couple from Reading and took them under our wing. We showed them the real side of Newport, and they couldn’t quite believe it.”
Paul: “My favourite live show was in Frome. I went with Caitlin, my daughter, who is another superfan. It was brilliant to see the folks of Somerset trying to recreate the Newport Leisure look, though they couldn’t quite capture its sartorial urban elegance.”
Why do you connect with them?
Lee: “Because they embody everything I grew up around. They speak for the people of Newport and the surrounding areas in such a comedic and truthful way. I grew up listening to hip hop, and having someone from where I live do it made me feel like anybody could, not just artists from the U.S.
“I love their freedom to say what they want and to make it funny and relatable. They’re such great rappers and always put on a live show full of energy and stage presence.”
Paul: “I connect with them through their lyrics. They explore the underbelly of city life in an insightful, warmly humorous way. It’s Newport-specific, and I love that.
What are you hoping for from their Bristol show?
Lee’s one hope for the Bristol Sounds show is that he’s invited onstage to dance with the band
Lee: “For them to finally invite me up on stage to dance with them while they perform. It’s always been a dream of mine!
“I always look forward to their gigs. It’s a day my wife and I get excited about every year. We let our hair down and dance all night. You knows it!”
Paul: “In Bristol, I’m hoping to see Bristolians trying and failing to recreate that Zooport urban chic, and to watch that dude in the red tracksuit, who looks like Charlie Drake, strut his stuff on stage.
“I’m going with my son-in-law, proving that witty rap music really does transcend generations.”
Bristol Sounds kicks off on June 25. Find all details and tickets at bristolsounds.co.uk
All images: Baglow/Cresswell
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