Tag Archive: Rock Music


Joan Jett and the Blackhearts — The Halls, Wolverhampton — 7 July 2026

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August 18, 2026

*** Many apologies for the delay in this review. I have had quite a few issues of late. ***

I love rock and roll,
so put another dime in the jukebox, baby.
I love rock and roll,
so come and take your time and dance with me.

When Joan Jett announced her first headline tour in 16 years, I knew I had to go. Like many artists who have been around since the 1970s, you do wonder how many more opportunities you will get to see them. So, third time for me with Joan and as good as ever. Better, in fact.

Joan Jett and the Blackhearts — The Halls, Wolverhampton — 7 July 2026

Kicking off with Victim of Circumstance, we were then treated to two numbers from Joan’s time with the groundbreaking all female band, The Runaways in Cherry Bomb and You Drive Me Wild. Then, we had hit after hit with the likes of (I’m Gonna) Run Away, Love is Pain and I Hate Myself for Loving You. Of course, it was obligatory that she would perform Bad Reputation and I Love Rock and Roll, which came towards the end of the evening, but my personal favourites of the night were The French Song and Fake Friends. French Song just shows the influence of JJ and the Blackhearts as you can hear the riffs in one of my other favourite bands – Green Day. Fake Friends was more a guilty pleasure, as it totally summed up how those I thought were friends, threw me under a bus a few years back. I guess that we have all been through it sometime or other.

Joan Jett and the Blackhearts — The Halls, Wolverhampton — 7 July 2026

Not known for vast interaction with the audience, Joan Jett let the music do the talking for most of the show, but it was nice to hear from producing legend, Kenny Laguna (Keys and percussion), reminding us of the influence that he has had over the years.

Joan Jett and the Blackhearts — The Halls, Wolverhampton — 7 July 2026

Hopefully, Joan will be around for a long time to come. She is only 67 after all, having begun her Runaways career at a ridiculously young age. But there was no sign of current age on view, or of slowing down. Joan Jet and the Blackhearts rocked Wolverhampton from start to finish, and here’s hoping for more in years to come.

Cheers.

Antony N Britt

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Foo Fighters — Anfield Stadium, Liverpool — 25 June 2026

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*** Many apologies for the delay in this review. I have had quite a few issues of late. ***

I was determined to hate Anfield Stadium in Liverpool. You see, back in the days when I gave a toss about football, in 1979, my worst experience happened when at the age of 15 I was kicked to pieces by men in their 30s and 40s. It was also the worst racist abuse I have heard directed at black players (to this day). Not just a few, 50,000 of them. However, after the horrible experience of Villa Park seeing the Foo Fighters two years ago with the worst venue ever for a stadium gig, Anfield was the best. Friendly, helpful staff, low queues, loads of toilets, clean, and decent food (for a football ground). Two years ago in Aston, the sound was terrible, but this time every word and chord of the Foo Fighters was clear as they rocked the Liverpool stage.

Foo Fighters — Anfield Stadium, Liverpool — 25 June 2026

Kicking off with All My Life, a packed audience were on their feet most of the night for Dave Grohl and the band, hearing hit after hit including The Pretender, Times Like These, My Hero, Learn to Fly and Walk. A short foray to the B-Stage for an acoustic set which included Wheels, Big Me and Under You. And then back to the main with Monkey Wrench, Breakout and Aurora (dedicated to Taylor Hawkins).

Foo Fighters — Anfield Stadium, Liverpool — 25 June 2026

The Foo Fighters, in the earlier times that I have seen them, have always had big guest appearances. This time, it was a guy from (apparently) the crowd who solved a cube puzzle to play a song. He took the drums and boy, could he do them well, and all on his 18th Birthday. Of course, it was a setup. His name was Max and he is Dave Grohl’s daughter’s boyfriend. But it was a cool moment anyway.

Foo Fighters — Anfield Stadium, Liverpool — 25 June 2026

The obligatory encore included The Teacher, about Dave’s late mother, and we ended the night with Everlong, accompanied by a massive firework display. One thing I always love about going to see the Foo Fighters is the crowd singing parts of a certain song as they leave. This was the seventh time I have seen the Foos, and I have to say, the best yet from start to finish. I cannot remember a single negative. The band ended the main set before the encore with the classic Best of You, and I can honestly say that those watching got the best of them.

Cheers.

Antony N Britt

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Baz Warne — Convivial — Wolverhampton Arts Centre — 7 March 2026

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April 3, 2026

Life was good for a short while. 
Hot sweet nights days that were fine. 
Spent many hours just looking at you. 
Heart stopped beating for a moment or two. 
Long black veil now you are mine.

Baz Warne — Convivial — Wolverhampton Arts Centre — 7 March 2026

Stranglers guitarist for 26 years with the latter twenty fronting many of the vocals; Baz Warne is a legend to those fans who are grateful for the longevity of the band. I am lucky that many of my favourites have lasted decades, producing new music and still touring, and The Stranglers lead the way in this, myself having seen them 23 times in all incarnations. Now that may seem a lot but judging by the Q&A session at the end, I am a mere novice as there are those whose attendance is in the hundreds and have followed them all over the world. In fact, Baz is on first name terms with many of these admirable souls.

Baz Warne — Convivial — Wolverhampton Arts Centre — 7 March 2026

Following the 2025 release of his book, No Grass Grows on a Busy Street, Warne embarked on this tour (Convivial) which is described as a seated run of shows blending songs, conversation, and audience questions in an informal setting. Somewhere between a book tour and a gig with each night unfolding differently. I have deliberately avoided reading the book until now because I wanted to hear as much as I could fresh, and I was not disappointed. What is immediately clear is that Warne is a genuinely honest and open top guy.

Baz Warne — Convivial — Wolverhampton Arts Centre — 7 March 2026

Interspersed between an excellent casual conversation with WCRFM’s Garry Foster, Warne treated a packed audience to seven acoustic songs. These were Long Black Veil, Peaches, Breathe, And If You Should See Dave, Bear Cage, The Lines and Goodbye Toulouse. All were excellent, and poignant in the tribute song as you could feel the emotion at the loss of Dave Greenfield from Covid in 2020 which followers still feel now. But there was also humour in abundance, especially with impersonations and tongue in cheek references to current and past band members. Some genuinely kind words were said about the songwriting of Hugh Cornwell, which is important as although the show goes on, and that era is long in the past, the legacy always needs recognising. I do think, though, the band are now better live than ever, and much of that is down to Baz Warne including the excellent standard of studio albums produced over the past couple of decades.

Baz Warne — Convivial — Wolverhampton Arts Centre — 7 March 2026

What did we learn? A snapshot would be that Baz Warne loves Status Quo, his favourite cheese is Red Leicester and that former band member, John Ellis is a cunt. Overall, though, Baz comes across as humble and grateful to the fans, as we are to him. And in a photo opportunity at the end where he gave his time to all who queued, I told him after following The Stranglers since 1977, through times they could have folded, he has helped keep the magic alive. And for that, I can only say thank you.

Baz Warne — Convivial — Wolverhampton Arts Centre — 7 March 2026

Cheers.

Baz Warne — Convivial — Wolverhampton Arts Centre — 7 March 2026

Antony N Britt

*Some photos blatantly stolen from Garry Foster’s Facebook page.

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Garbage — The Halls, Wolverhampton — 17 July 2024

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July 30, 2024

I had never seen Garbage before. I did come perilously close a few years ago as they were due to support Blondie, but when that Covid-affected gig was rearranged, Garbage were unavailable. Therefore, once I heard they were touring again I was at the front of the queue. Unfinished business, you see.

Garbage — The Halls, Wolverhampton — 17 July 2024

Garbage; an American/Scottish combination with lead singer, Shirley Manson hailing from Edinburgh, and a Wisconsin trio of Duke Erikson (Guitar/Keys), Steve Marker (Guitar/Keys) and Butch Vig (Drums). Also, on tour we had Ginger Pooley (of Smashing Pumpkins) on Bass and backing vocals. Their musical style has been described widely from Alternative or Electropop, to Post-Grunge. I like to think of them simply as a banging rock band who would make any road-trip pass quickly. They are one of the best bands of the last 30 years. Heck, you don’t get a Bond Movie theme tune gig unless you’re at the top of your game.

Garbage — The Halls, Wolverhampton — 17 July 2024 © Antony N Britt 2024

I at once warmed to Manson during her between songs speeches. Tales of mental illness and one reference of being the person the family never knew what to do with. Yes, by the end, I had quite the affinity, even empathising with Manson’s continuous pacing in a circle on numerous occasions. Opening with #1 Crush and Godhead, we then had two of my favourites in I Think I’m Paranoid and Cherry Lips (Go Baby Go). I have got to say, it’s not often you get a show which grips and rocks you from beginning to end, but this one did.

Garbage — The Halls, Wolverhampton — 17 July 2024 © Antony N Britt 2024

Great numbers continued to come: Special, The Men Who Rule the World, Hammering in My Head and The Creeps, before the poignant Bleed Like Me and arguably their most recognisable tune outside of fandom in Stupid Girl. There was a Siouxsie and the Banshees cover of Cities in the Dust before unleashing the 30-year-old debut single, Vow. Wow! We also had When I Grow Up, Push It and one of the most kick-ass songs of all time in Why Do You Love Me? Garbage then departed the stage, returning after a few minutes for the encore we all knew was going to happen. There, we were treated to a further two monsters in Milk and Only Happy When It Rains.

Garbage — The Halls, Wolverhampton — 17 July 2024 © Antony N Britt 2024

It’s easy for the uneducated to think of Garbage as solely being Shirley Manson, but this is a team, each member, plus Pooley, giving it all. Manson told the crowd that this was the 6th time playing at The Halls in Wolverhampton, although remarking that the place looked a whole lot better since its recent revamp. Understatement of the year to all of us who knew the Wolverhampton Civic. But reference was also made to their advancing years. Manson is 57 and the rest of the band even older. Commenting on not knowing what the future holds, Manson said this gig might turn out to be the last they ever play at the venue, but they really hope not, and that they may be back one day. We hope so too.

Garbage — The Halls, Wolverhampton — 17 July 2024 © Antony N Britt 2024

Cheers

Antony N Britt 

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Lucia and the Best Boys — The Halls, Wolverhampton — 17 July 2024

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Every now and then you go to see a band you like and come across a gem that you have never heard of before. This was the case at The Halls in Wolverhampton when I turned up to watch Garbage.

Lucia and the Best Boys — The Halls, Wolverhampton — 17 July 2024 © Antony N Britt 2024

Lucia and the Best Boys hail from Glasgow and have been around about 8 years, so we were told, and released their debut album, (Burning Castles) last year. I am led to believe this new material was a departure from earlier guitar shredding tunes with grunge influences. Now, the more elemental electro pop music draws from experiences growing up, mixing with empowerment and a blast of Scottish heritage. The result is a hypnotic sound unleashing the forces of nature with an air of mysticism and magic to enchanting indie-rock. More importantly, they deliver excellent songs in both music and lyrics.

Lucia and the Best Boys — The Halls, Wolverhampton — 17 July 2024 © Antony N Britt 2024

Launching their small support set with When You Dress Up, the appropriately titled Haunt You Back followed before my favourite song of the night in Angels Cry Too. All three came from the Burning Castles album before a new song in Picking Petals. This, as with the album songs, plus, So Sweet I Could Die which followed was written in the far north of Scotland on the Isle of Lewis, in a little croft which seems to have inspired the new sounds. This information was relayed by lead singer, Lucia Fairfull who also told as to how they came to be supporting Garbage. This was a combination of fandom, mutual respect and admiration, plus a fair amount of social media networking. And I am so glad of this because otherwise I would never have discovered this wonderful band.

Lucia and the Best Boys — The Halls, Wolverhampton — 17 July 2024 © Antony N Britt 2024

Joining Fairfull on stage were Ally Scott, Christopher Ballantyne and Adam Campbell. Lucia and the Best Boys ended their set with Forever Forget and Perfectly Untrue to massive applause from those who had initially come only to see Garbage. However, like myself (who has already bought the back catalogue), these new admirers will join the fan club and continue to follow their progress.

Lucia and the Best Boys — The Halls, Wolverhampton — 17 July 2024

Cheers

Antony N Britt 

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Foo Fighters — Villa Park — 27 June 2024

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July 8, 2024

Last time I saw Foo Fighters it was an emotional experience, with the then recent and (still to this day) devastating loss of Taylor Hawkins. And it was on that day two years ago that Josh Freese opened the drumming of main set. Therefore, out of all the guest artists, it was no surprise when it was announced who the new full-time drummer would be.

Foo Fighters — Villa Park — 27 June 2024

First off, get the negatives out of the way. Negatives! How can any Foo Fighters gig have a negative? Well, Villa Park for a start. I must have drawn the short straw out of the three stands of seating because the Doug Ellis Stand was poor. No food, warm drinks, 50+ queues for the each of the female toilets, most cramped seats in an arena ever, and a rear concourse where several thousand had to navigate and was about the width of my living room. People were getting crushed and having panic attacks, but I was suitably informed by a local, “You think this is bad, you should see it on match days.” The other downside was the sound being a bit iffy. A heck of a lot of feedback to the point I could barely understand a word Dave Grohl said all night. And we all want to hear the Grohl.

Foo Fighters — Villa Park — 27 June 2024 © Antony N Britt 2024

Kicking off with All My Life, we then entered more recent territory and songs which were not available or played at the tribute. No Son of Mine and Rescued tell us what every long-lasting fan would want to hear, that new material is as good as anything before. The staples then continued with The Pretender, broken by an interlude of Stairway to Heaven which Grohl threatened to play in full unless a little crowd disturbance ceased. Thankfully, the ploy worked, and we got a mix of hits and new material: Walk, Times Like These, Breakout and My Hero interspersed with La Dee Da, Nothing at All and Under You from the 2023 album, But Here We Are. Also, from that album we had The Teacher. 10-minutes’ long and a tribute to Dave Grohl’s mother who died shortly after Taylor.

Foo Fighters — Villa Park — 27 June 2024 © Antony N Britt 2024

Now, the Foos are known for having A-List guest stars at their gigs and this time it was local lad Geezer Butler of Black Sabbath fame (who used to live three streets away). Joining on bass, the crowd were treated to a full-blooded beast of a rendition of Paranoid. There was also another (and more poignant) guest in the form of Taylor Hawkins’ son, Shane Hawkins, last seen at his dad’s tribute in 2022. One month short of turning 18, the energy of his father was there for all to see during This Is a Call, and he looked and sounded as if he would be at home in any top band.

Foo Fighters — Villa Park — 27 June 2024 © Antony N Britt 2024

Monkey Wrench, Best of You, These Days and Learn to Fly were there, as was one of my favourites, The Sky is a Neighbourhood. One other song to note is Aurora, Taylor’s most loved Foo Fighters song which is played at all gigs now in tribute.

Foo Fighters — Villa Park — 27 June 2024 © Antony N Britt 2024

Rounding off the night was, as always, Everlong, and the crowd went wild. Sound issues and shitty stadium aside, it was a great night and Dave Grohl promised to be back. “As long as you guys keep turning up, we’ll keep playing.” I’ll settle for that. The world is not done with the Foo Fighters yet. Not by a long way.

Foo Fighters — Villa Park — 27 June 2024 © Antony N Britt 2024

Cheers.

Antony N Britt

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Sweet — Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton — 2 December 2023

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December 16, 2023

Everybody wants a piece of the action. 
Everybody needs a main attraction. 
I’ve done what everybody needs. 
Satisfaction guarantees.

From an early age, I was always into rock and one of the first bands to register as I began to take music seriously was The Sweet. Now, 50 years later, and with only one member remaining from the classic lineup, I tasted something Sweet for the second time.

Sweet — Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton — 2 December 2023 © Antony N Britt 2023

It’s a credit to Andy Scott that he doesn’t just roll out the old favourites. Sure, a lot were on view but also more recent and even new tracks from their forthcoming album. Yes, we all remember the Glam Rock images but there was always much more to Sweet than the commercial image promoted in the 70s with the (still marvellous) tunes from Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman. Having moved away from their writers in the mid 70s, a bold direction after so much success, we saw the harder rock which is still being produced today.

Sweet — Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton — 2 December 2023 © Antony N Britt 2023

Although Scott is the only remaining (and living) member of the most commercially successful lineup, this is still Sweet. The spirit is the same, the energy is the same, and the sound is the same. On vocals and guitar was Paul Manzi who after standing in for Tony O’Hora on tour in 2014, became a full-time member four years ago and boy can this guy front a band. Then, on bass, and outed by Scott as a West Bromwich Albion fan to the enemy in Wolverhampton, we had the excellent Lee Small. Completing the five-piece is Tom Cory (Keys and Guitar) and Adam Booth (Drums). Phenomenal.

The Action began with that very same-named banging tune and that action did not stop all night. New York Groove (from the acclaimed 2020 album, Isolation Boulevard) followed this before Hell Raiser, Burn on the Flame and The Six Teens. The latter two from the 1974 outing, Desolation Boulevard.

Sweet — Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton — 2 December 2023 © Antony N Britt 2023

Mid set, Scott took a break, leaving the rest of the band to a trio of early hits in Co-Co, Funny Funny and Poppa Joe. After saying to the audience that when he heard them in rehearsals, they sounded so good he didn’t want to interfere, I did question the explanation as the last time I saw Sweet in 2005, I am sure these tunes were treated with derision. However, they went down a storm with the crowd, as did the run in to the end with Teenage Rampage, Wig Wam Bam, Little Willy, Love is Like Oxygen and Fox on the Run. Rounding off, Sweet gave the crowd what they were waiting for with a Blockbuster finale then a Ballroom Blitz of explosive proportions.

A new album is promised for 2024 with hopefully more shows on the road. Catch them while you can, Sweet still deliver.

Sweet — Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton — 2 December 2023

Cheers.

Antony N Britt

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Sparks — The Halls, Wolverhampton — 22 June 2023 

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July 13, 2023

** Apologies for the delay with this review. Personal issues have put me behind ** 

“Throughout all the years I’ve been making music, if you get on a tour bus with a bunch of musicians, eventually the conversation will go to Sparks.” ~ Beck (The Sparks Brothers — 2021).

Sparks — The Halls, Wolverhampton — 22 June 2023

A major one from the tick list, and far overdue as it’s 50 years since Sparks first entered my radar. I mean, I have 26 albums and listen to them all, so this one was special.

Sparks — The Halls, Wolverhampton — 22 June 2023 © Antony N Britt 2023

Sparks have always been ahead of their time, influencing many bands, probably without those bands realising it. And never ones to play safe either, as was shown at The Halls in Wolverhampton. Yes, it would be easy to rely on more commercially successful numbers, but when you have a career with a duration as Sparks, averaging an album every two years, it’s an insult to Ron and Russell Mael to expect them to only stick to songs popular between 1973 and 1979.

Sparks — The Halls, Wolverhampton — 22 June 2023 © Antony N Britt 2023

What you get from Sparks is a full spread of repertoire. Only This Town Ain’t Big Enough for Both of Us is represented from their biggest album, Kimono My House. But that doesn’t matter, because those present are diehard fans who for them the most recent is as important as the first. This was shown by the atmosphere as even the ageing legs amid a sea of grey hair eventually got up on mass, dancing in the seats and aisles. And nice to see the audience allowed to do this without stewards asking them to sit down as some venues do. Although I suspect this was probably due to the fact there were very few stewards. I certainly couldn’t find one to direct me to my seat when I first arrived at the recently revamped Wolverhampton Civic Hall.

Sparks — The Halls, Wolverhampton — 22 June 2023 © Antony N Britt 2023

Entering the stage, Russell began with the question So May We Start, from the motion picture, Annette before launching into the title track from the amazing latest album, The Girl is Crying in Her Latte. Also from this were five others, proving the outstanding quality and originality is still there. Nothing is as Good as They Say it Is makes my top ten Sparks tunes already, and We Go Dancing is classic Sparks. The final track of the album also ended the main set, appropriately titled, Gee, That Was Fun. I cannot stress how good this latest album is. It’s been on loop in my car for weeks now. Go and buy/download it, you will not be disappointed.

Sparks — The Halls, Wolverhampton — 22 June 2023

Russell stays energetic as ever at 74 years old while Ron is still deadpan (almost throughout) at 77. I only hope I’m still behaving that way when I reach the same age.

Sparks — The Halls, Wolverhampton — 22 June 2023 © Antony N Britt 2023

Music That You Can Dance To, All That, Angst in My Pants, Balls and When I’m With You are all top tunes. Then there is When Do I Get to Sing My Way from 1994s Gratuitous Sax & Senseless Violence. Awesome track. The Number One Song in Heaven brought the house down and My Baby’s Taking Me Home was just phenomenal.

Sparks — The Halls, Wolverhampton — 22 June 2023 © Antony N Britt 2023

An incredible, feel-good show. I’m so glad to have finally seen this amazing duo (albeit with fantastic backing band) and wonder will I ever get the chance again? I truly hope so.

Sparks — The Halls, Wolverhampton — 22 June 2023 © Antony N Britt 2023

Cheers.

Antony N Britt

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Duran Duran — Utilita Arena — 5 May 2023 

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July 5, 2023

The proof of longevity with pop and rock bands is when they can still sell out arena tours after decades of doing so. Over 40 years in this case as Duran Duran blasted off in 1981 with Planet Earth and have been in orbit ever since.

Duran Duran — Utilita Arena — 5 May 2023

I am fortunate to have seen them four times now, each at various stages and incarnations during their existence and with 15 studio albums behind them, the quality shows no sign of declining.

Duran Duran — Utilita Arena — 5 May 2023

Billed as the Future Past Tour, only three songs (Invisible, Give it All Up and Anniversary) from the 2021 album of the same name were performed. The rest of the set, in contrast, drew heavily on the early 1980s and nothing else post 1995. But I guess it’s what many of the fans want and even some classics from the height of fame didn’t get a run including Union of the Snake. It goes to show, when you have such an enormous popular catalogue, you can’t fit it all in, even in two hours.

Duran Duran — Utilita Arena — 5 May 2023

The 80s were additionally represented with banging tunes such as The Reflex, View to a Kill, Wild Boys, Notorious and Is There Something I Should Know? In contrast, the handful of 90s tunes were the amazing Ordinary World, Come Undone and one of the best cover versions ever — White Lines (Don’t Do It).

Duran Duran — Utilita Arena — 5 May 2023 © Antony N Britt 2023

So, focusing on the origins, what was good for the ageing fans who were there at the very start was the inclusion of non-album classics from the first two albums, some of which may not have been played live for a long time. Opening with Night Boat from the debut 1981 Duran Duran (Which I bought at the time and still have on vinyl) before Friends of Mine in addition to the singles Planet Earth, Girls on Film and Careless Memories. Then from Rio, we had Lonely in Your Nightmare and Last Chance on the Stairway as well as hits, Hungry Like the Wolf, Save a Prayer, and of course, Rio itself.

Duran Duran — Utilita Arena — 5 May 2023 © Antony N Britt 2023

42 years after first hearing it, Simon Le Bon’s voice is as good as ever and more controlled as well. The rest of the main lineup still retain charisma, despite advancing years. Roger Taylor has an abundance of energy; John Taylor is still the heartthrob and even Nick Rhodes has a certain … Je ne sais quoi. Also on stage was Dominic Brown on lead guitar, plus saxophonist, Andy Hamilton with backing singers, Anna Ross and Rachael O’Conner.

Duran Duran — Utilita Arena — 5 May 2023 © Antony N Britt 2023

Duran Duran were supported by Lia Lia, who was excellent and Jake Shears … who wasn’t (Worst cover version in the history of music with Comfortably Numb). All in all, though, a great night, even if a faulty spotlight did blind the audience stage right for much of the evening and all through Jake (bloody) Shears. Despite that blip, there is still mileage in Duran Duran and they are well worth the money when they tour again.

Duran Duran — Utilita Arena — 5 May 2023 © Antony N Britt 2023

Cheers.

Antony N Britt

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The Pretty Reckless — O2 Academy Birmingham — 30 October 2022

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November 5, 2022

But on my tombstone when I go, just put “Death by Rock and Roll.” 

I have followed this band since the start over a decade ago but until now had never seen The Pretty Reckless live. Thankfully rectified at the O2 Academy, Birmingham.

The Pretty Reckless — O2 Academy Birmingham — 30 October 2022

The Pretty Reckless perform Hard Rock/Post Grunge with a decent amount of Country thrown into some numbers for good measure. Fronted by the powerful vocals of Gossip Girl actor, Taylor Momsen, The Pretty Reckless also feature Ben Phillips (Lead Guitar), Mark Damon (Bass) and Jamie Perkins (Drums). And boy, do they rock.

The Pretty Reckless — O2 Academy Birmingham — 30 October 2022
Death by Rock and Roll

Launching straight into the title track of the most recent album, Death by Rock and Roll, The Pretty Reckless had the audience in their hands from the go. Since You’re Gone came next followed by Only Love Can Save Me Now, then, And So it Went. If it wasn’t already, the Academy erupted even further with the arrival of the band’s debut hit, Make Me Wanna Die with everyone joining in the chorus. The energetic Miss Nothing followed before Halloween had its celebration with my personal favourite, Sweet Things and Witches Burn with Broomsticks outro. The awesomeness continued with My Medicine, My Bones, Going to Hell and Heaven Knows. The latter featured a guitar solo, something I am never keen on, but I admit, Phillips was amazing. The main set ended with the sole offering from 2016’s Who You Selling For in Take Me Out. It could be that this album has a softer, country mood, and the show I experienced was, rock, rock, rock. Momsen herself interacted well with the audience showing a genuine pleasure at playing in Birmingham.

The Pretty Reckless — O2 Academy Birmingham — 30 October 2022

The band returned for one more number — Fucked Up World at a massive nine minutes long with another solo, this time drums from Perkins. I don’t like drum solos either, but I’ll excuse it. I would have loved a couple of more songs instead but seeing as the evening was so awesome, I certainly had value for money. At just over £30 a ticket, it was a bargain considering The Damned are charging double that a week later.

The Pretty Reckless — O2 Academy Birmingham — 30 October 2022

The Pretty Reckless get nowhere near the recognition they deserve and are outstanding, owning every hall played. Perhaps Momsen’s Gossip Girl past puts some people off and the fact that aged-7, she was Cindy Lou Who in How the Grinch Stole Christmas. People … Momsen is not Miley Cyrus or Zac Efron, playing to Disney fans. Here we have a rock goddess. Treat her like one. If you follow the band, I need say no more. If you don’t know much about them, check out the albums and go see them live. You will not be disappointed.

The Pretty Reckless — O2 Academy Birmingham — 30 October 2022

Cheers.

Antony N Britt 

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