Rival Sons, The Sheepdogs 

O2 Academy Birmingham  5/2/2019

Review by; Danny Price

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We have been fans of the Rival Sons for quite a few years now and tonight, they as usual, didn’t disappoint. In fact tonight they were on fire.

These are their first headline tour dates since finishing a thirteen month tour supporting and being personally picked by Birmingham’s very own Black Sabbath.

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After an great opening set from the Canadian band The Sheepdog’s, Rival Sons took to the stage with ‘Back in the Woods.’ The blackened stage grew to life with the sound of wildlife echoing around the room, taking us straight to the woods, a huge drum roll and a lightning bolt of sound broke the long intro. The smooth voice of Jay Buchanan and massive guitar sound of Scott Holiday and his trusty Gibson Firebird created the perfect way to start the gig.

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The band then ripped through ‘Sugar On The Bone’ and ‘Pressure And Time’ like seasoned pros.  Soon came everyones softer favourite ‘Jordan’ in which Buchanan was amazing, playing the crowd brilliantly.  With the congregation of the O2 singing their heads off, for most bands it would be a great place to end, but Rival Sons are no ordinary band, they then blasted out the new album track ‘Feral Roots’ which lead nicely into a smooth as silk ‘Stood By Me’.

 

Older favourites then came such as ‘Open My Eyes’ but show was really stole by the bands new material.  A really soulful encore unfolded with ‘Shooting Stars’ and ‘Keep On Swinging’.

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The Rival Sons owned the O2 Academy stage tonight. Their new release Feral Roots is packed with absolute powerhouses, cascading over the room with pure rock energy when played live.  Wowing fans with their massive energy and huge sound, Rival Sons delivered an unforgettable night.

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Jay Buchanan (vocals)

Scott Holiday (guitar)

Michael Miley (drums)

Dave Beste (bass)

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