The past was a blast

I first played in a band when I was 15,' Stace Blondel announces.

'We were called Sheepdip and back then you could play in numerous venues. I remember playing gigs at the Albion, Number 10, Dorset Arms and the Pony Inn.

'We played a few originals and covers of Black Sabbath, Cream and AC/DC.'

Over the years, Stace has become renowned for his controlled voice. Mainly known for his old-metal influences, which inspired his famous scream, Stace has been a regular at the Cock and Bull Jam nights, where he often coupled his voice with an acoustic guitar and taking a softer approach.

He has become a diverse singer, who can be found singing Britney Spears's Toxic one minute and Iron Maiden the next. His diversity can be heard in the four bands for which he currently sings: Mechanical Lobster, Iron Babies, 1000 Points of Hate and Choke, all of which fall into different categories (although Stace tends to avoid speaking in terms of genre).

'Well, you can't really place Mechanical Lobster,' he said. 'We have elements of rock and dance. We have that industrial vibe as well, which kind of reflects Nine Inch Nails. But we have been told we have reminded people of Pitchshifter and most recently people have commented that we sound like Queens of the Stone Age on our new album.

'Obviously Iron Babies sound like Iron Maiden – 1000 Points of Hate and Choke are pure metal.'

I asked Stace why he thought the number of music venues was in such a steep decline.

'I think there is a stigma attached to gigs and music,' he said.

'Pubs and clubs tend to think music will either bring violence or is too loud – there are too many judgemental people. Not many people realise that over the years the local scene has allowed a lot more styles to be accepted. Before, you either had metal or dance, now people are really experimenting and becoming inventive.'

'You have hip-hop like the Asylum Seekaz performing with a guitar-based band like The Bake, which happened at a Funk Da Rock gig in the summer. You have acoustic player Mike Meinke, who performed in the Cock and Bull with rappers and beatboxers 9MM and Huw Rose. We have all this great talent and I think people who own pubs would generally be pleasantly surprised if they took the risk and put a music night on.

Stace recognises the efforts of those who are willing to host live music events.

'The Cock and Bull have been providing a venue for a while now and the Jam night is always a good one. Everybody gets a chance to play and you'll get a real mix there, from harmonica players to acoustic guitars and even drum machines,' he said

'And if it is true about the Fermain Tavern really stepping up, then that will do wonders for the scene. Yet all these places are over-18s' venues, so we really do need a permanent venue that is solely dedicated to gigs.

'I say bring back the Market Rock, that was great – you had a stage and a bar with about six or seven bands playing. That was on Liberation Day.

'I think Liberation Day has been ruined – all these regulations and we're supposed to be celebrating being liberated.'

With Guernsey Live drawing closer, I asked Stace if he thought it would tarnish Vale Earth Fair.

'No. The Earth Fair does a great job every year and it has a great dedicated following, but Guernsey Live will be great for Guernsey and the line-up is really good. The best local bands in the island are playing as well and My Last Victory don't need to worry about being too heavy as they aren't as hairy as Biffy Clyro.'