Fuse 2006 - a fusion of fun and games and metal!

Sponsored by UbiSoft and merging together gaming and music - this gig was the first of it's kind - Fuse 2006 rocked Newbury Race Course on Friday 10th November.

Not only gaming as we know it but just to add a certain je ne sais quoi to the proceedings the Warfighters team - complete with competition winners - were on hand to scare the bejesus out of an unsuspecting crowd.

So - what was the first thing to greet you as you stepped into the abyss that was gaming/metal heaven for the first time? tanks and HUMVEE's were the first things that caught the eye! two fully operation Scorpion Tanks, two American HUMVEE's inviting and menacing all at once - and as well as having all the kit there Warfighters games could actually be played on site - and lots of folk took advantage to play for real right there and right then.

Inside the venue gamers were in their element, the place was stacked with gaming machines although some poor sods had to wander around with gaming machines attached to their person - all part of the weird and wonderful world of yer average gamer I suppose. A huge video screen relayed the tournament battle and the winners got a cheque for £1,000 plus a groovy computer all logoed up! well done guys.

The battle of the bands went on all evening, The Legacy opened proceedings in typical thrashing style, although not many had arrived when they took to the stage The Legacy gave it some intensity and set a tone, they were raw, really, really raw - didn't get a pic of you though - sorry guys..

Next up Forever Never did a stonking good set, although as with all the bands that contributed to the night the sets were rather too short so they were getting into their stride as were the crowd, only to find that their time was up all too soon, which was a shame as Forever Never showed a good deal of promise and were real competition for the crown at the end of the night. A good sound from these guys and I think we'll be hearing more from them in the near future.

A more mainstream edge was put out by Furthest Drive Home, a young band from Surrey who were enthusiastic, melodic and effective, another young band who I'm sure we'll be hearing more about soon, the guys did real good and they certainly have something good going for them. Definitely one to watch....

Miss Conduct stormed on stage giving it some attitude and posing for Britain with bells on! good on 'em, described as echoing Coheed and Cambria in their poppier moments, with perhaps a bit of early melodic Funeral For A Friend and some Panic! At The Disco thrown in for good measure on the FUSE site - Miss Conduct certainly made an impact.

A right bit of metal was given out by PDHM the overall winners in the battle of the bands competition. Competent and professional in their approach PDHM knew how to put themselves across in a way that ensured they walked off with the top prize - a real show of strength and power. The guys are a very determined bunch who work hard at what they do - and the hard work is paying off - they are making waves - so congratulations PDHM.

There was some very cool Warfighter scenarios being played out around the venue during the evening with terrorists bursting into the venue, taking hostages and ultimately being defeated by the 'good guys' - all played out amongst the punters and simultaneously relayed on the big screen.

A great evening of fun and games was topped off with Skindred - mad, very, very mad and very much in keeping with the whole ethos of FUSE - what can you say about Skindred eh? just well gone on but these guys know how to stir up any crowd, anywhere, anytime. The unique blend of Ragga Punk Metal went down a storm with an exuberant, expectant crowd - these guys delivered big time.

There was a major mosh pit going down, this looked just like your average Friday night punch up after the pubs close in most towns! what can ya say eh?

All in all this was a great mixture of music and gaming also offering the opportunity to suss out and try Warfighters - let's face it in this day and age of couch potato obesity the opportunity to play for real away from that computer can only be a good thing. But who dares eh?

This is an event that must be brought back again next year - but even bigger and better - my comments to the organisers would be to start and end a little later and next time bring us more music please - the bands were great but could either have played longer sets or could have been more bands - either way more next year please.

Still - if you missed this event - you missed a good one - log it for next year and make sure you're there!

PDHM They stormed it and were chosen as the winners in the battle of the bands. Good on ya guys! But please don't gob on stage Ali!		Forever Never These guys did a stonking little set and proved themselves more than worthy of their place in the finals. Proper good stuff!		Furthest Drive Home More mainstream than the other bands - but they were good - very good - so good that we think it's well worth checking these guys out asap!
Miss Conduct Miss whole heap of attitude more like! Stonked on stage like she owned it! Delivered a good set - worthy contestants - making an impact - go girl!		The Legacy Raw energy, these guys opened the show and did they make an impact! Pure hardcore, intense and passionate.		Skindred What can you say about this lot that hasn't already been said? Pure energy, stonking sound, great crowd pleasers - simply unique!

Warfighters Terrorists, hostages and rescue was everywhere!. Made most of us quite feared - but the good guys were on hand to save the day.		More Warfighters! Wasn't it great that they brought the tanks and a HUMVEE! and you could play! Contribute to Safeconcerts and WIN 2 tickets.		Moshpit Mayhem! Is it or is it not acceptable to do this at gigs? Looks like a typical Friday night in any major city after closing time to me! Bit chav or what?