KT Tunstall gave one of the two standout performances at Belladrum 2017, combining a great rock and roll set with passionate intensity and an immediate connection with her audience. The other standout performers were The Pretenders with Chrissie Hyde truly demonstrating that “age shall not wither her”. Atomic Rooster played Inverness in 1970 and Belladrum 2017 is their first return. None of the original members of the group (including Carl Palmer on drums) are still with them, but Steve Bolton has played with them on and off since 1971. Here he stands looking exactly like a figure out of a John Byrne painting; definitely one of the characters of the festival.Another festival character was Tom of lengthily named The Goat Roper Rodeo Band. Tom appears to exist entirely in his own bubble, but never missed a note!And of course the greatest characters of the festival were the audience. The weather on Friday was terrible but this couple were not concerned as they perambulated to the sound of The Dub Pistols, who were outstanding and made everyone forget about the rain.The Grassroots Stage is often where the most interesting performances were to be found. Tamzene is a local talent with a beautiful voice and great potential.I See Rivers (Eline, Gøril and Lill) are a Norwegian trio, now based in Liverpool. This is Gøril. I See Rivers made a first appearance at Belladrum last year and played to a full house this year. Beautiful harmonies are interspersed with a wonderful manner of getting their audience on side and this team deserve to be back at Belladrum on a bigger stage before long.Lill Scheie of I See Rivers… and to complete the trio, Eline Brun also of I See RiversAs usual, the festival ended in fireworks, which I’m pleased to say I was able to view from the comfort (loosely described) of my tent.
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