The G Live in Guildford has become something of a destination venue in recent times, seeing numerous different events taking place there. Depending on what it is that you’re hoping to see, you can head along to the space to see everything from The Bootleg Beatles to Paul McCaffrey via Working Choral Society or James B Partridge’s Big Christmas Assembly.
You might not know a huge amount about the Rock Orchestra, but they’re heading to one of Guildford’s most impressive venues in order to bring you music from bands like Metallica, AC/DC and Rage Against the Machine like you’ve never heard them before.
What Is the Rock Orchestra?
Those of you well versed in the world of rock and metal may well know all about the Rock Orchestra, but for everyone else it is likely to be a group that they don’t know a huge amount about. The British orchestra tours around the United Kingdom as well as to other places around Europe and even further afield, asking an 18-ton truck, a pair of tour buses and a crew of 24 to go where they’re asked in order to perform new arrangements of track and metal songs that make the most of the orchestral sound. Created by Nathan Reed, it began life as a spin-of from the Festival of the Dead after lockdown curtailed such events.
The show is a brilliant one to watch, with the members of the orchestra as well as the conductor wearing skeletal attire and even face masks and makeup as they play. The candlelight adds an ethereal quality to what is taking place, whilst giant skull puppets engage in a bit of head-banging in order to get people in the mood. Alongside the usual classical instruments such as violins and cellos, the group brings in electric instruments, amplifiers and effects pedals to really bring the rock feel alive. There is a reason why this performance tends to take place close to Halloween, such is the spirit of the show itself.
Where & When?
If this sounds like exactly your bag, you’ll be pleased to know that Guildford will be one of the stops on the tour when it gets underway later this year. Having enjoyed a sold-out tour of Europe, the Rock Orchestra will be performing at the G Live on Wednesday the seventh of October. The show is due to start at 8.30pm and should last around 90 minutes, meaning that it will be brought to a close at around 10pm. Designed to be more like a rock concert than an orchestral performance, the show promises loud music, atmospheric effects and flashing lights, which not all young people are likely to be appreciative of during the event.
As a result, it is recommended that those under 14 should only attend if their parents or guardians think that they will definitely enjoy it. The show isn’t suitable for toddlers or infants, which is important to know before you book anything as there won’t be any refunds unless the show is cancelled or the details are changed. You might be able to transfer your ticket if you give the Rock Orchestra at least 48 hours’ notice, but that’s only if you bought your ticket via Eventbrite. If you bought from the likes of ATG or Ticketmaster, then the tickets can’t be transferred and you will need to speak to the company in question directly.
Things to Think About
The event is organised by the Rock Orchestra, meaning that it fits in with the original ethos of the show. It is a perfect event to attend for lovers of rock music who are keen to experience songs by the likes of Guns N’ Roses, Papa Roach and My Chemical Romance brought to life like never before. Obviously, the event is not affiliated with the bands themselves, but the music is given a fresh take by some of the most talented classical musicians around. Their talents are married to the power of the music and lit by candlelight to ensure that the evening’s entertainment is sure to delight and amaze attendees in equal measure.
Should the event sell out, there won’t be any additional tickets released, meaning it is vitally important that you get in there early if this is a show that you’re desperate to see. Wheelchair users can book tickets via the Wheelchair/Accessible ticket part of the Eventbrite website. You should know that strobe lighting is likely to be used, even if candlelight is the main way of offering light to proceedings. There is no dress code, but don’t be surprised if some of your fellow attendees are wearing rock and metal-inspired clothing. The show itself is intricately choreographed, promising a thrill ride from the moment the first string is plucked.