On the evening of June 4th 1999 I was back in the Cheltenham and Gloucester College of Higher Education Students Union Bar at the Park Campus for the second Gig in two nights. This time it was for the Final of Battle of the Bands to decide who would play in one of the side rooms at this years Summer Ball. The contest was between BELLJAR (whom I had seen win their heat), and a band called MONARCHY.

BELLJAR

I felt that this band had improved since the heats with some of the songs being more up tempo, I then found out that their rhythm guitarist had been abscent last time as she was on tour with PHIL BEER, she also impressed me with her Harmonica playing.

MONARCHY

I felt that this band was very good and reminded me of THE MANIC STREET PREACHERS.

Although I voted for BELLJAR the winners of the competition were MONARCHY.