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