The Wonder Stuff performing their Never Loved Elvis 31st Anniversary Tour at Rock City Nottingham on Saturday 11th June 2022



Images and Review by Kevin Cooper

Like many bands, The Wonder Stuff last toured in 2019, so it was an appreciative audience that welcomed them back to Rock City on Saturday night.

Playing two sets, the first saw them delight with their third album Never Loved Elvis, played in its entirety. Released in 1991, this album was undoubtedly one of the most influential of the decade. Featuring top ten hits, The Size Of A Cow, Welcome To The Cheap Seats, Caught In My Shadow and Sleep Alone, the fans were also reminded just how good Mission Drive and Maybe really were.

With the second set comprising nineteen songs of hits, classics, and rarities from their extensive thirty-six year catalogue, it was to rapturous applause that Miles Hunt jumped on to the stage and kicked off the set at full throttle with 30 Years In The Bathroom, the opening to the 1989 album, Hup.

Alongside front man Hunt on guitar and vocals was the only other surviving original member, Malcolm Treece on guitar, the wonderful violinist, Erica Nockalls, guitarist Mark Thwaite, bass player Tim Sewell and finishing this very talented line up was drummer Pete Howard.

With Nockalls shining on Red Berry Joy Town, Ruby Horse sounded immense with excellent drumming from Howard. There was an urgent version of fans favourite On The Ropes and Golden Green was given a country feel.

The band powered through the likes of Don’t Anyone Dare Give A Damn, Circlesquare and Cartoon Boyfriend, whilst Piece Of Sky and Don’t Let Me Down Gently both sounded as fresh and bouncy as they did when the fans first heard them. Ten Trenches Deep finished the set before the welcomed encore included Unbearable and Good Night Though which brought the whole evening to a thunderous conclusion, showing that The Wonder Stuff really are an awesome band live.