ShareThe Brand New Heavies performing at Rock City Nottingham on Tuesday 31March 2026.
Images and Review by Kevin Cooper.
Rising out of the acid jazz scene of the early 90’s, The Brand New Heavies popularised the moment and on Tuesday night at Rock City they brought their signature jazz, funk, and disco fusion to a crowd that included some fans who were not even born when their defining Brother Sister album was originally released in 1994, but those in the crowd who were there the first time around were taken on a trip down memory lane.
As the band confidently came on to the stage, the place erupted with cheers and applause that saw original members, guitarist Simon Bartholomew and bassist Andrew Levy being joined by the very elegant Angela Ricci whose vocals were outstanding.
Opening with the wonderful instrumental, Wired Up, the bar was set vey high for the rest of the evening with a set list that allowed the music to speak for itself and gave the crowd a chance to witness the song writing skills of Bartholomew and Levy.
Following up with the likes of Ride In The Sky, Daybreak, and Dream Come True, the band were excellent on the disco funk of the Sister Sledge pastiche, Back To Love. Spend Some Time was followed up with Brother Sister, a mid set song, which mesmerised the crowd with its slinky and seductive grooves.
The tempo was raised on songs like Dream On Dreamer which showcased the bands knack for uplifting, ear worming melodies and sprightly choruses, whilst Midnight At The Oasis allowed Ricci to fill Rock City with her fantastic voice that had the crowd listening in awe.
Their biggest hits were all included such as B.N.H and Never Stop before they closed the set with Stay This Way. With an encore that included the melodic Forever and You Are The Universe which was infectious and invigorating, the Heavies had demonstrated that there is still plenty of life in their three decade old songs.
Bartholomew was without doubt the most mischievous in the band with his delightful storytelling and between song banter, showing that as a unit they deliver some of the tightest performances to grace a stage. Decades in the game have made this band one of the most fun and enjoyable ones still on the circuit today and the Rock City crowd definitely agreed.
