Brandon Flowers performing his Thrasher Tour at Rock City Nottingham on Sunday 18th October 2026.

Review by Kevin Cooper

Brandon Flowers, front man of American indie band the Killers proved that it is possible to listen to both Johnny Cash and New Order as he let his country influences take over for a solo show at Rock City on Sunday night.

For this eagerly anticipated show with tickets at a premium, it was hard to predict how his new music would go down with the crowd. He need not have worried because they were with him from the get-go, singing the lyrics to songs from his third studio album, Thrasher, that had only been released in August of this year.

Engaging with the crowd before each song, he confessed that his whole Vegas rock star image was a smokescreen because behind it there was a small time kid pulled between his elder brother’s British indie rock records and the country music that his dad played.

Delivering a set list that contained eight of the ten album tracks, it was clear that this album is his most exposed and revealing. Opening with The Red Ground and Does It Ever Cross Your Mind? his set list was a mixed bag with some songs from the Killers back catalogue thrown in for good measure mixed with some songs from his two previous solo albums.

But this was very much not a Killers show. It was not until the closing of the main set that All These Things That I’ve Done was given an outing much to the excitement of the crowd, and encore song Read My Mind which Flowers had stripped down and countrified.

His first solo single, Crossfire, came early in the set, followed by Tiger’s Blood, a punchy canyon ballad about a childhood friend and Angel, which is a menacing tale of a brother-in-law hitting the “road to ruin”.

With each song came an explanation that had the crowd hanging on his every word. In set closer, An American Dream he introduced his band who had sounded phenomenal throughout the night.

The Ivor Novello award winning songwriter had captivated this crowd, had exuded confidence throughout the show and had a lot of energy with an animated style. He truly is an enigmatic performer.

Steve Hackett performing his Best Of Genesis & Solo Gems Tour at The Royal Concert Hall on Friday 16th October 1026.

Images and Review by Kevin Cooper

Steve Hackett and his band were at the Royal Concert Hall on Friday night and throughout their set they enamoured the crowd with catchy guitar hooks and precise playing of classic prog music from early Genesis songs along with some of Hackett’s successful solo numbers.

Hackett was supported by a fantastic band of outstanding musicians that brought an obvious reverence, respect and passion for the material that continues to mesmerise the crowd. Whilst not varying his shows very much means that the crowd knows what to expect, they still hung on every word.

Delivering a set that was split into two, the first half comprising his solo material and the second longer part being taken up by crowd pleasing Genesis classics from the Hackett era, he opened with the brilliant The Devil’s Cathedral, one of Hackett’s best solo compositions, which was followed up with the lovely Every Day showcasing its fabulous multi part vocal harmonies with Nad Sylvan taking the lead.

Other songs included a new release, The Sea Inside which went down really well as did Ace Of Wands and Camino Royale before the set climaxed with the ever present Shadow Of The Hierophant.

After the interval they only had time for six Genesis numbers beginning with Dancing With The Moonlit Knight from Selling England By The Pound album and Aisle Of Plenty from the same album. With the punchy and precise rhythms, bass and 12 string pedal duties were expertly delivered by veteran Jonas Reingold whose cool, calm demeanour seemed to set the entire crowd at ease, whilst Rob Townsend added his own edge with his sax, flute, keyboards and backing vocals.

Lalle Larsson nailed the classic keyboard lines that so many in the visibly older crowd have been clinging to for nearly 50 years, whilst Felix Lehrmann led the set with his excellent drumming. For the majority of the songs such as The Cinema Show and set closer the epic Supper’s Ready Sylvan provided vibrant vocals which accompanied the most intricate of solos and guitar work from Hackett.

Throughout everybody on stage was given their own time to shine such as Larsson’s keyboard solo and in the encore, Lehrmann’s drum solo, before Los Endos had the whole crowd on their feet in appreciation and admiration.

The Lemonheads performing their Love Chant Tour at Rock City Nottingham on Sunday 11th October 2026.

Review by Kevin Cooper

American alternative rock band The Lemonheads were at Rock City on Sunday night to showcase the release of their eleventh studio album, Love Chant and with Evan Dando remaining the sole original member of the band, it was clear that they still have the pulling power to attract a decent sized crowd.

The crowd did not know what to expect when Dando walked on to the stage, given that before their 1997 hiatus his drug problems were very well documented causing him then to be a very eccentric performer. But there was no evidence of his previous problems on Sunday night, and as opener The Great Big No started a twenty eight song set list, his instantly recognisable voice still sounded unique and unmistakable, fragile yet warm, vulnerable yet defiant showing the much loved Lemonhead sound is still solid.

They bookended new songs with a number of It’s A Shame About Ray songs such as My Drug Buddy, Hannah & Gabi and Rudderless. Classic Song Confetti drew the loudest reaction of the night, sounding every bit as affecting as it did three decades ago, transporting the crowd back to the 90’s.

Down About It from 1993’s Come On Feel The Lemonheads was full of hooks and charm and from the same album Big Gay Heart and Being Around encouraged the crowd to form a small mosh pit at the front.

There was the fuzzy rawness of new song Togetherness Is All I’m After and Deep End, the first single from Love Chant which could easily be mistaken for early Lemonheads. The band tore through Bit Part which sparked a massive sing along and exuberant dad dancing, before Smudge covers Tenderfoot and The Outdoor Type took the crowd on a trip down memory lane.

Dando is a natural performer who has always worn his heart on his sleeve. When he is engaged he is one of the most compelling front men, and along with bassist Farley Glavin and drummer John Kent the band delivered flashes of brilliance and glimmers of mayhem which will stay with the crowd for some time to come.

Amble performing their 2026 tour at Rock City Nottingham on Monday 5th October 2026 at Rock City Nottingham.

Review by Kevin Cooper

Who would have thought that when two teachers and a scientist decided to throw their lot into a career playing music that the result would be a folk band with a huge fan base bringing a little bit of Ireland to Rock City on a Monday night and that is exactly what Amble did as they continue their meteoric rise to acclaim and fame.

Robbie Cunningham, Oisin McCaffrey and Ross Mc Nerney have captured the attention of fans with their soulful melodies and poetic storytelling combined with lively instrumentation from a three piece backing band that made the fans feel like they were in a pub in the heart of Ireland.

The set up is intentionally simple, with the trio standing in line with the other three musicians standing behind them, leaving the music with their flute, keys, harmonium, drums and double bass to take centre stage.

Opening with the gentle captivating strumming of Schoolyard Days, they have seamlessly fused rustic Irish acoustic folk tradition with modern narrative song writing. Cunningham’s rich grounded vocals anchored every track with breathtaking sincerity, whilst McCaffrey’s intricate guitar work and McNerneys soaring banjo and mandolin swept around the venue, carrying an emotional weight that left the crowd spellbound.

Their set list flowed effortlessly between poignant, tear jerking ballads and high energy folk stompers. Following up with Marley Park, Sing All Day and Hand Me Downs there was an infectious sense of togetherness, with the packed crowd joining in from the off with beaming smiles across their faces.

Socrates Smiled, the anthemic lyrics of Moral Victory and the searing instrumentation on One Man’s Love proved that Amble’s discography has no weak links. The stand out song was undoubtedly Mary’s Pub which showcased Cunningham’s beautifully rich tones, prompting a moving crowd sing along as the band stepped back from their mics to let the crowd take over the singing.

Last Rites, the latest song from their forthcoming album to be released in January 2027, Love And All Its Wares offered a glimpse of what’s to come before Swan Song was a slowly stripped back folk song.

Of Land And Sea followed, with the crowd never giving up their singing duties before Mariner Boy written by McCaffrey, the first song that they had ever released and was dedicated to his grandfather, Tom, was the penultimate song of the main set.

The last song of the main set was Tonnta which brought the house down, showing that the chemistry of the band, rooted in their friendship, shone through as they delved deep into the acoustic part of the song with the crowd stomping, cheering, singing and clapping.

For the encore they returned for Lonely Island and new song Into A Dream which had dragged the crowd into the pub for a pint of Guinness in front of a log fire and with the reaction of the crowd, Amble are no longer modern folk’s best kept secret, they are a force of nature and are a band bound for legendary heights, because their songs can be intimate enough to draw a venue together, but powerful enough to imagine them filling a stadium.

Robert Jon & The Wreck with special guests These Wicked Rivers performing their Heartbreaks & Last Goodbyes Tour at Rock City Nottingham on Saturday 3rd October 2026.

Images and Review by Kevin Cooper

Robert Jon & The Wreck were at Rock City on Saturday night to celebrate the release of their latest studio album, Heartbreaks & Last Goodbyes and this American five piece blues and Southern rock band from Orange County California did not disappoint this hugely expectant crowd.

First up was the Derby based rock band These Wicked Rivers who have been making waves since they formed in 2014. Delivering music that is best known for their gritty riffs, soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics, they opened their five song set list with the powerful Shine On.

With John Hartwell’s vocals exactly on point, they followed up with Ain’t No Smoke, Testify, Horse To Water and closing a too short set with Don’t Pray For Me, they showed just why they have earnt themselves spots at major festivals as well as hometown gigs.

When the lights dimmed, the crowd gave Robert Jon & The Wreck a real Rock City welcome, as the rockers hit the stage with exuberance, confidence and a high energy level that never dropped.

Opening with Waiting For Your Man which was delivered with both power and swagger, they had set the early bench mark for the rest of the set. Hey Hey Mama and Arroyo quickly followed allowing lead guitarist Henry James Schneekluth to show off his skills whilst keyboard player Jake Abernathie kept everything together.

But it was Robert Jon’s vocals that were the star of the show. Back To The Beginning Again and Sittin’ Pretty perfectly complemented his distinctive husky vocals, much to the delight of the crowd. For Dark Angel the tempo was really slowed down before it was lifted right back up again for Keep Myself Clean.

Fans favourite Rescue Train was very well received before Oh Miss Carolina was greeted by the crowd like an old friend as they sang the words right back at Robert Jon. By the time the band launched into main set closer Cold Night, the whole evening had been monumental.

Finishing with Life Between The Lines and Do You Remember this is a band that epitomises everything a live band should be; outstanding musicianship and great entertainment. They were utterly absorbing and they should hurry back.

The band recently wrapped up a sold-out tour in Australia and New Zealand. In September, Transvision Vamp will play Portugal and Spain directly before heading to the UK.

Transvision Vamp’s iconic front woman Wendy James says:

“Words cannot express the feelings I have to be touring Transvision Vamp again! Joy! Thrill!! The band’s history, which began in 1988, has passed through many eras! And yet, here we are, belting out the very songs which captured everyone’s hearts all those years ago. It is fresh, it is redux, it is powerful” She recalls: “I am surrounded by the best musicians in the world, and when we take to the stage, it is a force to be reckoned with. We take no prisoners. The crowds are ecstatic, and we meet as partners: The Band and The Audience are equal partners in this incredible show. I cannot wait to bring it to the UK and plant our flag!”

TOUR DATES 2026

October

November

Tickets are now on sale

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The album is a record where out-and-out electro pop can sit alongside powerful Latin House and Future Disco. Telling deep romantic tales that mingle with high-concept scenarios and Greg Kane’s glittering soundscapes contain his brother Pat’s insistent, signature vocals. First single Stronger is an enticing, synth-driven introduction to the album to come, complete with its message of resilience and hope.

Hue And Cry are one of the 1980s’ most formative soul pop groups with a string of chart friendly hits, including Labour Of Love and Looking For Linda. On Everybody the duo takes a new turn in a decades-long exploration of creative possibilities. The idea for the album grew from what Pat describes as “personal archaeology”, in which he dug into the instincts and impulses that defined Hue And Cry at the very beginning. “Pat wanted to make an electronic record, referencing Bowie’s Low along with Simple Minds, Japan and The Human League” explains Greg. Immersing himself in analogue and digital synthesis, he assembled what his brother calls a “man cave of oscillating objects.”

Everybody is the result of the duo sitting with analogue/digital music tech – DeepMind arpeggiators, hydra synths, wavetables, classic drum machines – and allowing songs to emerge out of the electronic landscape around them. After two years of experimentation, the album was completed with mixing by Yoad Nevo (Pet Shop Boys, Duran Duran).

“We’re still pushing for something new in 2026, says Pat, “From a wall of arpeggiators and synths, humming and pulsing away, we’ve wrested out ten songs that have as much of our mind, body and soul in them as any of our previous music.” Those songs confront powerlessness, polarization, runaway climate change, authoritarianism and technological overreach, while also championing active love as a counterforce.

Much of the writing of Everybody dates to the pre-Covid period between 2018 and 2020, a time Pat now recognizes as emotionally turbulent. “I was in anguish and I didn’t even know it”, he says. The album was delayed by a succession of life-changing events — bereavement, illness, broken relationships, the pandemic and its aftermath — followed by the band’s 40th anniversary commitments, making now the first clear moment for the music to finally emerge.

Hue And Cry will be taking their full band on tour in October. “It’s always the most exciting thing to be playing live with the full Hue And Cry band – we can give all the hits and audience favourites – the full widescreen treatment” says Pat. “Come and see us, looking as sharp as you like, and let’s elegantly party together.” Greg adds: “We’re delighted to be taking the full band on the road again. The venues included on this run of dates are bigger and some of the best in the country, we cannot wait to play them.”

TOUR DATES 2026

October

*Co-headline with Roachford

**Special guest Roachford

***Special guests Johnny Hates Jazz

Tickets are now on sale

www.hueandcry.co.uk

“The main thing is to keep a focus on the music which drives it all, but there will be some big changes in the band,” says Hackett. “Both Craig and Roger are amazing musicians, and I know Lalle Larsson and Felix will be equally fantastic. I’ve never worked with Lalle Larsson before but he’s completely brilliant and more than qualified for the job involving recreating Genesis circa 1971 to ’77. He’s a total virtuoso. We’ve already been working with Felix Lehrmann and listening to him with Jonas Reingold on bass is like a thousand iron girders coming at you at 100mph!”

Larsson and Lehrmann will take their places in Hackett’s touring band alongside Jonas Reingold (bass, backing vocals), Nad Sylvan (vocals) and Rob Townsend (saxophone, flutes, additional keyboards). “I have some extraordinary performers in the band,” Hackett adds “and I’m very happy with this level of virtuosos. These guys are all incredible professionals.”

TOUR DATES 2026

October

Tickets are now on sale

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Kicking off at Sheffield’s Octagon on September 28th, the tour will see the band travel through Glasgow, Newcastle, Manchester, Nottingham and Cardiff before culminating with a landmark headline show at London’s O2 Academy Brixton on October 8th.

Amble’s busy schedule follows a phenomenal 2025 in which they toured US arenas with Hozier, amassed 151 million global streams, sold 130,000 headline tickets, and released their debut album Reverie – the chart-topping, number one Irish album and Spotify’s most-streamed album of the year in Ireland.

Featuring fan favourites including Lonely Island, Mary’s Pub, and Schoolyard Days – whose videos have all surpassed 1.7 million views apiece – the album picked up praise from NPR, Rolling Stone, Stereogum, and more, while igniting a dedicated and rapidly expanding global fan base.

Amble are lead vocalist and guitarist Robbie Cunningham, mandolin and bouzouki player Ross McNerney and guitarist Oisin McCaffrey. Only three years ago, Amble were playing small clubs and local pubs after leaving behind careers as school teachers and a data scientist in rural Western Ireland. Since then, their captivating live energy and heartfelt song writing have carried them from local venues to international stages, with their remarkable growth speaking to the inherent power and emotional resonance of their soul-stirring music.

TOUR DATES 2026

September

October

Tickets are now on sale

www.ambleofficial.com

Hunnu Rock pioneers The Hu have announced a run of dates across the UK for this October on their Warrior Chant tour, playing alongside special guests Skald.

The band will be joined on the road by special guests Skald. Founded in 2018, the French band leans heavily on Norse mythology, channelling the Viking spirit into their sound through language and instrumentation indebted to centuries gone by.

These dates mark The Hu’s first tour in the UK since they played at the iconic Glastonbury Festival in the summer of 2023, as part of the Rumble of Thunder tour. The band has since released a live album immortalising their Glastonbury set, which was released in 2024. Now, they’re gearing up to release their third record this year.

The HU are a fantastically unique force of nature; a musical sensation formed in 2016 in the Mongolian capital of Ulaanbaatar, the quartet are the pioneers of the genre Hunnu Rock, with almost 900 million global streams to their name – and counting. 2019’s debut album The Gereg put them on the map: not just in their home country, where they were the first group ever to be awarded the prestigious Chinggis Khaan Order, but even a galaxy far, far away, contributing an original song to the Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order soundtrack.

Since then, the band have contributed to The Metallica Blacklist record, performing a distinct, formidable cover of Through The Never at the legendary band’s personal request and played iconic stages such as Glastonbury and alongside Iron Maiden in North American arenas. Now, The HU are gearing up for the release of their highly-anticipated third album in 2026.

TOUR DATES 2026

September

October

Tickets are now on sale

www.thehuofficial.com