REVIEW: Hank Wangford and the Lost Cowboys BRIDPORT ELECTRIC PALACE

HE’S as mad as a hatter and a lover of downright miserable country music. But if there’s one person who can sing a love song for Stalin, about the Cold War and death – and still have you laughing, singing and dancing along, it’s Hank Wangford.

Whatever ‘it’ is, this true grit soulful country singer has it.

Standing alongside the Lost Cowboys – B J Cole on pedal steel guitar, Kevin Foster on bass guitar, Martin Belmont on Stratocaster and six-string bass, Roy Dodds on drums and the incredible Anna (Spanner) Robinson on vocals, Hank and the band owned the stage and performed a brilliant set for the launch of Bridport Hat Festival.

Back for the seventh year running, the charismatic country singer was true class. The stories and black humoured thoughts shared between songs made the show, and gave the audience a deeper understanding of the wild man.

President of the Nude Mountaineering Society, a doctor of sexual health, a dodger of death and an accomplished writer – there’s little Hank hasn’t done, and his experiences shine through in his humourous and politically charged lyrics.

‘Spanner’ Robinson on vocals was sensational. Her tone is simple and stunning. Highlights were This Cold War and Missing You Already. The songs sound miserable and morbid – yet the night was devilishly dark, twisted and terrific.

A song in memory of Bill Pickett – the best known African-American rodeo star of all time from a bygone era was another stellar performance.

Almost stealing the show was Martin Belmont on bass. He was in his element on stage and great fun to watch. As was Kevin Foster – whistling the night away.

Ending the set with Simple Pleasures for the encore was a fitting tribute to just why the night was enjoyed so much by a hat wearing, Hank loving crowd.