REVIEW: I Am Weekender - GigslutzGigslutz

Flowered Up have been a marmite kinda band ever since gracing the front pages of the weekly music papers back in the early 90’s. Some labelled them the southern Happy Mondays whilst others laughed at their on-stage dancer with a huge foam flower around his neck.

Whilst judgements continue, the bands legacy as one of the most raucous, outrageous and ahead of their time units is now firmly cemented with a new film which looks back briefly on the bands far too quick career which led to one of, if no thee, stand out musical moments from the early 90’s music scene.

Weekender was born out of the band jamming at length, looking for ideas for a new release, something that would equal their timeless singles It’s On, Phobia and Take It. The jam went on for a lot longer than the extended 12 minute version released via Heavenly Records. With Clive Langer at the production helm who had worked with the band’s nutty friends Madness, the finished track baffled many. Indie fans had become used to short sharp 3 minute releases, the thought of anything longer bamboozled many.

Those in the know however were highly impressed. I don’t remember the first time I heard the track, but I do remember being completely blown away upon its original release, which is a feeling that has stayed with me up until this very day. These same feelings no doubt enthused Jeff Barrett to play the track to Wiz, the lauded film maker who took on the task of creating the timeless extended video accompanying the track.

Influenced by The Who’s lament to Mod Quadrophenia, subsequently banned by the likes of the BBC, only made it must see moving picture release of the time. Following Shine On Harvey Moon actor Lee Whitlock (I Am Weekender is dedicated to Lee upon his passing) in and around events surrounding his weekend of debauchery the film spoke vividly to like minded weekenders, going out, having a good time before breaching the weekly grind of Mondays all too frequent wake up call.

I Am Weekender, directed by Chloé Raunet, follows this timeline speaking to many involved in the creation of the track including band members Tim Dorney, John Tuvey and Barry Mooncult, along with guest vocalist and star of Weekender Anna Haigh, speaking fondly with humour of their times in the band, also remembering 2 characters poignantly missing, lead singer Liam Maher and guitarist Joe Maher, brothers, tragically passing away years apart from each other, but who were and always be fundamental to the bands name and fame.

There are previously unseen snippets from Wiz’s personal archive taken from Weekender including many photos and memorabilia, candid interviews, all conducted via zoom back in lockdown, with the aforementioned Barrett, Langer along with Shaun Ryder, Jeremy Deller, Róisín Murphy, Annie Nightingale, Miranda Sawyer, the list goes on with many delivering their heartfelt anecdotes of the band, the film and the influence those times have had on their own careers and daily movements ever since those heady times.

A Blu Ray edition comes with bounteous amount of extras including Flowered Up music videos, audio commentary, image gallery, isolated original recordings and extended booklet providing the definitive last word.

I Am Weekender can be purchased via the following link