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Street Voice UK

Tag: music

  • Bowling For Soup – Wolverhampton Halls – Live Review – 9th Feb 25

    Street Voice UK


    Towards the end of last year I thought going to gigs and photographing was over as Ia had a pretty serious heart attack. On top of that depression set in and I was in a dark. The one band that helped pull me out that dark place was Bowling For Soup so it was great to be that band that got me out again!

    Train services are always a pain but tonight they managed to run on time and I was in Wolverhampton in no time at all! On arriving at The Halls I soon bumped into a few old friends I hadn’t seen in donkies. I also bumped into the lovely Jodie who photographs for the venue.

    First up were Magnolia Park who tore the house apart with their catchy HC set which fused elements of Screamo, Metal and Hip-Hop. This Florida based band totally won me over with their highly energetic set. In fact I was shattered trying to keep up with everything! certainly a band to go and see! They have an album out on Epitaph in April so check it out!


    After having a chat with fellow photographers it was time for Wheatus who I hadn’t seen live in years. Wheatus didn’t disappoint either! From the moment they hit the stage they had the crowd in their hands from start to finish! What a set they played too finishing up with Teenage Dirtbag which had the crowd go in to a frenzy. Bang on set! Bang on Band!


    9pm it was time for Bowling For Soup to hit the stage and they hit it in style with the crowd in a frenzy. Sadly down to a 3-piece as Chris recently retired due to health issues – I wish him well!

    Tonight Bowling For Soup were celebrating twenty years of their classic A Hangover You Don’t Deserve in its entirety! An album I still enjoy to this day and hearing played live was an amazing experience!

    Kicking off with Almost the band steamed through other songs such as 1985, Get Happy, Ohio (Come Back To Texas), Shut Up And Smile, A-Hole, Smoothie King and Friends O Mine.

    Amongst all the great songs Jaret and Co delivered some wicked comedy moments and some exploding confetti!


    If that wasn’t enough Jaret stopped the show to sup some whisky as well as play the paper, rock, scissors game with the audience! The humour was second to none as Jaret and Rob bounced off each other throughout the night as well as interacting with the crowd!

    Sadly the night had to end but Bowling For Soup delivered the goods and somewhat more!

    The entire night was a totally happy affair with all three bands and the crowd loving the experience from start to finish. What a way to spend a Sunday night watching great bands!


    I loved the experience!

    Make sure you check out the bands when they come to your town!

    Thanks to Jamie Giberti of Rage PR for sorting this show out for me.

    Photos / Words: Kathleen Riot

  • CJ Wildheart – Slots – Album Review – Xmas Day 2024

    Street Voice UK



    Its Christmas Day 2024 and a special day but for one time only I sit here writing a review of a man’s music who’s been with me since the days of The Wildhearts. This album is the best thing to come out of the UK this year and these past couple of weeks has got me through some dark times.

    Slots is a brilliant album from start to finish and I haven’t stopped playing it since CJ sent it through for review. The man is a rock n roll genius for sure!

    This starts with the high tempo Another Big Mistake and then the high octane Punk n Roll continues with songs like the superb The Baddest Girl In The World which I think is the best track on the album! If that isn’t enough then you’ve got The Kids and the superb cover of The Jam’s In The City. And the tunes continue with You’ve Got The Best Part Of Me and closing this album is I Don’t Know What It Is!

    CJ’s such a lovely humble guy and he lets the music do the talking! This is now out for general release and not only the best UK album of 2024 but the production and passion of this album is beyond words!

    Buy It – Enjoy It!

    The Gallagher brothers who I love say Oasis are the last Rock n Roll band but they obviously haven’t heard of CJ Wildheart! 10/10

    Self Released

  • Paul Weller – Live The Halls – Wolverhampton – 20th Oct 24

    Street Voice UK


    A few days after having a heart attack and a minor operation I must have been off my head to even attempt photographing a show let alone a huge one! However this was photographing Paul Weller and nothing was going to stop me!



    On arrival at the venue I set up the camera and it was time to capture the supporting act Liam Bailey who quickly won me over with his cool sound which infuses reggae, blues, rock and soul. For thirty minutes this guy won over the majority of the audience with his personality and wicked band! One artist to look out for!


    After queuing for almost twenty minutes I gave up and headed back to the photo pit to see the Modfather Paul Weller!

    From the moment Paul Weller and his band hit the stage I and everyone else knew this was going to be a great show and they didn’t disappoint!

    Paul Weller not only looked the part he also delivered his songs in style and from the opening number Paul had most of the audience like putty in his hands!

    The last time I saw Mr Weller play was in the noughties but like a fine wine he had just gotten better with age!

    Despite my chest playing up a tad I didn’t want to leave. One audience member thought I was joking when I said to him I had a heart attack four days earlier!


    Song after song being delivered by Paul Weller left me feeling a tad emotional as I just wanted to sing my head off and dance my ass off but I knew for health reasons I couldn’t!

    Paul Weller maybe sixty six years of age but there was no stopping this man from delivering one of the best live sets I’ve seen this year!

    Lets not forget Paul’s backing band who were sheer brilliant and complimented Mr Weller. Two drum kits of stage too!

    Soon it was time to leave and what I experienced live on the night was a brilliant artist still at the top of his game!

    Paul Weller is currently on a UK tour. Check various sites dates as this is one show you don’t want to miss!

    Thank you to Warren Higgins at Chuff Media for arranging Tuesday night.

    Words / Photos: Kathleen Riot


  • Grey Daze + Support – Live KK Steel Mill – Wolverhampton – 17th May 24 – Review

    Street Voice UK



    After getting crushed by TAKE That fans, interviewing three bands and having a diabetic hypo it was time for High Regard. Having never heard this band before I couldn’t wait to see their set after watching their sound check! High Regard didn’t disappoint with 30 minutes of pop-punk / rock tunes. Imagine Paramore with a harder edge to them and you get High Regard. Certainly a decent live band that you need to check out for sure!



    After having an ice cold drink at the bar it was time for North Atlas a metal band hailing from Scotland! I’d first heard them over the chrimbo period through a friend’s daughter.

    As son as North Atlas hit the stage they tore KK’s away with their catchy metal / rock sound. There were few in the audience but that didn’t put this Scottish outfit off and they well and truly delivered.

    At times the vocalist was like a man possessed throwing himself around the stage. The bassist and guitarist weren’t far behind and the drummer hit that kit like his life defended on it!

    One of the best metal acts I’ve seen in 2024!



    Grey Daze were the band I’d been waiting to see for years. Once fronted by the late Chester Bennington of Linkin Park fame I was looking forward to seeing how Cris Hodges would deliver those songs written by Mr Bennington!

    I didn’t have to wait long!

    As soon as Grey Daze hit the stage they went straight into it and with it in style. Cris was amazing on vocals and put his own stamp on the songs. The drummer was killing his kit and the guitarist was playing his heart out strolling around the stage with Cris being given the room to go mental!

    Their brand of rock is pretty unique and the fans were loving it! Sadly not many in but those who were there witnessed a top rock outfit in action last night!

    Chester Bennington was given a mention – A front man still missed by many!

    The bassist wasn’t on stage due to an injury but that didn’t prevent the band tearing Wolverhampton a new one!

    I for one can’t wait for these guys to come back to the UK to play us their new album. If this live show was anything to go by then the new album is is going to be a killer!


    Thanks to Simon at Medium Rare Music for arranging everything.

    Words / Photos     – Kat Riot

  • Conflict – Live Dublin 2024 – Album Review – 17th May 24

    Street Voice UK

     



    This is the first live album from Conflict in years and features a brand new track – The first in over twenty two years.!

    You can either purchase this as download or as a double album on vinyl.

    Don’t do what I did and listen to this through a computer as it sounds a bit rinkity dink dink but pair your computer to some decent speakers and you get a Conflict album that puts any previous Conflict live album to shame!

    In fact it puts the majority of live albums to shame!

    Yes! It’s that good!

    For your money you get a live Conflict album that covers the bands musical history. From the opening moment of Let The Battle Commence you get Conflict on top form!

    Some would say Conflict were finished. Wrong! This live album puts Conflict well and truly back at the top of the chain!

    I’m not joking either!

    Listen to tracks such as A Message To You, There Is No Power Without Control, Increase The Pressure, No More Excuses, The Ungovernable Force, Tough Shit Mickey, Mighty And Superior and The Serenade Is Dead.

    This album shows just how meaningful and powerful Anarcho Punk still is!

    Make this the soundtrack to reclaiming our communities, towns, cities and our nation! How much longer are we going to sit back and take government shit?

    Yep! This is superb and one of the best and most sincere punk albums of 2024! Make sure you don’t miss out! 10/10

    Advance / No Romance


  • The Quireboys + Support – KK Steel Mill – Wolverhampton – 11th May 24 – Review

    Street Voice UK


    Medically I should have given this show a miss as my cilitis had kicked in big time but my brain went into failure mode and I staggered to the train station where I found there were more delays. I eventually make it to KK’s after a painful stagger to the venue. Sadly I missed most of Matty James but what I heard was some pretty good hard rock being delivered!


    After a quick ice cold drink and pain killers it was time to hit the stage to see main support Willie Downing. I hadn’t see this guy play since his Honeycrack days and from the moment Willie hit the stage I was enjoying what was on offer. Willie played a keyboard and sung while complimented by a cool bass guitarist!

    For 30 minutes Willie Downing not only played a tidy set but it was something original and I wasn’t the only one enjoying the moment. Aside from a great set Willie also showed a humorous side by making anti-tory / anti-brexit statements.

    What a man!

    This is one guy I want to see again very soon!


    With two Quireboys bands doing the rounds I decided to see Spike’s version. After all he is the voice of The Quireboys and the guy I wanted to see singing the songs he wrote!

    To be honest I wasn’t sure what to expect as I hadn’t seen these guys since the early days. Don’t know why but I put it down to the amount of gigs back in the hey day and having to pick and choose.

    Entering the photo pit I was blown away from the very moment Spike and Co hit the stage. They didn’t disappoint either! In fact I was loving the opening song Jeeze Louise that much I momentarily forgot I was there to take photos. It made it harder when Spike pointed to me with a smile!

    Once I’d gotten the photos out the way it was another 50 minutes of Spike’s Quireboys and despite being overcome with my colitis issues I was refusing to budge as I didn’t want to miss anything.


    The band were fantastic and I was loving every minute of the show as were The Quireboys and the audience.

    The entire band were up for it including Willie who had already played a thirty minute main support slot. This I can safely say were one of the vest bands I’ve seen so far in 2024 and I’ve seen a lot!

    With songs like Sweet Mary Ann, Raining Whisky, Trams And Thieves and Hey You the band couldn’t go wrong especially with Spike at the helm leading his good ship.

    Spike paid a lovely tribute to Guy Bailey the guitarist and co founder of The Quireboys who past away in April 2023. I’m sure Hey You was the song but at that pointed I needed to sit down for a few minutes.

    The hour just passed and what a rock n roll experience to be in crowd seeing a legendary band play your local venue. I was in awe and I don’t say that lightly! Spike and Co were the ultimate pleasure to see!

    If you get an opportunity to see Thee Quireboys make sure it’s Spike’s version and look out for their new album in September 2024.


    Thanks to James Sherry at Division PR. for making this show happen for me!

    Words / Pictures: Kat Riot

  • Kira Mac + Support – KK Steel Mill – Wolverhampton – 4th May 24 – Review

    Street Voice UK



    With the train being delayed I had to literally leg it from Wolverhampton train station to KK Steel Mill. Luckily I had 5 minutes to set my camera settings and before I knew it Jayler had hit the stage. I’d never heard the band before but they were a pleasant surprise. For 30 minutes Jayler delivered a cool hard rock n roll sound that was so infectious I purchased some stuff on line as soon as I got home! If you’ve not heard this band before then I suggest you check them out as you wont be left disappointed. The vocalist was all over the stage – What a voice! What a character! The rest of the band were totally solid from start to finish! I was tired for them! I’m fully converted!


    Kira Mac is a group that I was told about and I made it one of my new years resolutions to check them out! Damn diabetes hypo almost put a stop to me seeing this band but I pulled it together to see watch them! From the moment Rhiannon opened her mouth she had everyone in her hands and this amazing woman sung like her life depended on it! An amazing vocalist with a superb band who gel really well. If you love late 70’s / early 80’s rock with a modern touch then Kira Mac is the act for you! For 90 minutes this group delivered and you really need to see them live! They are still on tour – Check the dates out HERE. And if the truth be known I’m still buzzing from seeing Kira Mac in action!

    Thanks to Peter at Noble PR for arranging the press pass.

    Words/Photos – Kat Riot

  • The Nightingales + Support – Firefly – Oakengates – 3rd May 24 – Review

    Street Voice UK




    Arriving at the venue I set up my camera and watched as the audience grew larger by the minute. Opening up the night was Ted Chippington who did his stuff! I hadn’t seen him in action for 40 years and didn’t know what to expect! His material went down well with many and lost on others. For 30 minutes Ted Chippington gave a good show and I’ll make sure I get to see him again!




    Come 9.30pm the firefly was packed and beers were flowing. The bar staff did well to keep up as a few in the audience were happy they didn’t have that long to wait for drinks. The anticipation was building and like me many of the audience hadn’t seen the iconic The Nightingales in action for years!

    When the Nightingales hit the stage the audience were captivated and while the band warmed up waiting for a member it wasn’t too long before they kicked off the proceedings with Something Nice. Everyone was in awe in the band they hadn’t seen in years.

    Number by number the band delivered with songs like CCTV, Seconds, Fire And Brimstone, Lambs, British Luck and Top Shelf! The audience were loving what they heard and many were singing along!

    For a hour this post-punk/alternative rock act were adored by everyone in the crowd. Sadly the show had to end but the smiles on people’s faces as they left the venue said it all for me!

    A top night for Telford as we tend not get these cult bands to our town and anyone who’s seeing them on this tour will have a blast!

    As well as a great gig it was awesome to see many old faces in the audience – Some I hadn’t seen since the late 80’s.

    Thanks to Gemma for sorting this out for me!

    Words / Photos – Kat Riot




  • CJ Wildheart + Face Up + The Scumbags – Live KK Steel Mill – 20th April 24 – Review

    Street Voice UK



    Opening up for CJ Wildheart was a localish band The Scumbags. On first impressions they looked like a metal outfit so wasn’t sure about watching them or stand in the lengthy queue for a drink! I’m glad I watched them as they played some pretty catchy punk rock.

    From the moment they hit the stage they were on fire and a great opening act for sure. The guitarist and vocalist really moved about without compromising anything. The drummer bashed his kit like it was his worst enemy and kept everything in time. The bassist impressed me with his bass lines and being fierce with his instrument.

    A band I certainly want to see again!


    Next up were Face Up a band that has completely missed my radar and I’m gutted I’ve never seen them before! I need to catch up on missing time as I was left stunned with their intensity. Fast and hard driven punk rock with a HC edge is best to describe Face Up! And there was me thinking these were going to be a Ska-Core band going on the Operation Ivy t-shirt!

    These guys are on a totally different level and at times I was thinking how is CJ Wildheart going to follow this band! Face Up are one of the best bands I’ve seen this century and I don’t say that lightly!

    The vocalist was like a demon possessed – She was all over the stage and owning it! I felt tired watching her, haha! Seriously this woman is the business and her vocal range incredible.

    The band are top notch musicians who really deliver the goods. Their drummer is one fit dude to hit those skins like he did! I’d have been having a heart attack for sure!

    If you’ve not heard of Face Up you need to rectify that.

    Top Band!


    Having met CJ earlier for an interview I eagerly awaited his solo band as this was the first time I had seen them despite seeing CJ’s past bands a few times over the years.

    Come 9.15pm and it was time for CJ Wildheart to hit the stage and they certainly hit it in style. Imagine a harder edged Ramones with a bit of rock thrown in the mix is the best way to describe CJ and his band!

    For a hour they took no prisoners and the audience were lapping it up!

    There’s plenty of communication with the audience with CJ telling us a funny story to why Honeycrack will never reform and his first experience of eating fish and chips!

    It was great to see CJ play a couple of numbers back from his days in Honeycrack as well as songs CJ had written from his Wildhearts days.

    I loved CJ’s dig at the likes of Andrew Tate and other angry men on X that used to be known as Twitter. S.D.E. from the Split album was based on Greta Thunberg’s response to Andrew Tate who insulted her. It was awesome to see CJ take a stand against toxic masculinity.

    For a hour it was like being in a special place where nothing can harm you!


    CJ’s band are so in tune with his you’d have thought they had been playing together for years. They were bang on with their performances.

    Tune after tune was delivered in style and I like the rest of the audience didn’t want this show to end! However it had to and CJ and his band ended it in style!

    If you get a chance to see CJ Wildheart you really do need to go as not only is he a great musician but a wonderful human being too!

    Thank to CJ Wildheart for arranging everything for me on the night


    Words / Photos – Kathleen Riot

  • The Rumours + Boom Boom Womb – Live Alberts Shed – 28 March 24 – Review

    Street Voice UK


    On arrival at Alberts Shed there didn’t seem to be anyone there and I came very close to leaving to catch a coach back home but I’m glad I stayed!

    With things running late I didn’t have to wait that much longer for local band Boom Boom Womb to hit the stage. I’d never heard of them before so was intrigued to see what the Alberts Shed team had conjured up to support a high octane rock n roll and from the USA.

    As soon as Boom Boom Womb hit the stage they grabbed my attention straight away. Their highly charged riot grrrl sound is infectious. Imagine The Muffs meets Bikini Kill with L7 and The Runaways thrown in the mix and you get Boom Boom Womb!

    Totally superb set and the only change I’d have made is the number where they really go for it is one they should finish the set on! It’s the kinda song that leaves people wanting more!

    How this band have not hit my radar before is a mystery.

    If you want to see a cool as fuck band then Boom Boom Womb are one to see. I myself will pop along to more gigs, Fantastic band!


    Soon it was time for American band The Rumours to hit the stage! I’d never seen this outfit before and not heard much by them either!

    From the moment this female fronted band hit the stage I realised just what an amazing live band they are. They just tore into numbers such as U Suck, Its Not Me and Cuntrol and to be honest I was so gutted when I had to leave as I just want to hear more!

    The Rumours are a great band to watch visually as the bassist and guitarist find it impossible to stand still! They all over the stage and that’s how a great rock n roll band should be!

    If rock n roll is your poison you really need to see The Rumours and don’t think as a three-piece they’re some soft pop punk band. This is a fully on and powerful as fuck band – Lemmy from Motorhead would be proud!

    What’re more they’re lovely people too! Its a shame they have to go back to the USA as the UK is missing out on high octane rock n roll bands at the moment!

    Do the sensible thing and go and see The Rumours play!


    Thanks to Steve Iles of IndigoBravo promotions for putting these shows on. Thanks also and big love to Boom Boom Womb and The Rumours for excellent sets.

    Words / Photos: Kathleen Riot – Queer-Core Press.