Gig Report: The Zac Schulze Gang w/ Mavis @ Gullivers, Manchester 06/04/2025

At the start of this year I was acquainted with the blues rock stylings of The Zac Schulze Gang. Their music sent shivers down my spine when I first listened to them. The technical abilities of the three members blew my socks off. To the point where I was genuinely impressed to find that there are only three members. I took a listen to songs like “Woman” and their new single “I Won’t Do This Anymore” and, whoa, that was something else. So when I got the opportunity to check out the band on their UK tour, you bet I was going to get my butt out to the show. As an added little bit of specialness to this event, this was going to be their first time in Manchester. For this gig, I ventured into the Northern Quarter and made my way to Gullivers. Tucked away the bar and gig venue has been home to some amazing shows over the years. I have had the pleasure of seeing some iconic rock bands here and this was going to be another one for the ages.

As the room filled, the lights hit the stage and Manchester’s own, Mavis, prepared to show the crowd exactly what they were made of. You wouldn’t think from their nonchalant attitude that they put on such a rock ‘n’ roll clinic. I was quite impressed with the rip-roaring sound of the alt-rock trio. Their sound was simplistic but so effective. The clean and crisp riffs, the intricate drumwork, the effective bass grooves and the gut-busting solos. It all felt so tidy and clean. Even as the warm-up act they were getting cheers and applause. You could tell that they were just having a blast, tearing up the stage. Their sound and personalities resonated with the Manchester fans. Their banter was so funny as they played off the early evening crowd. I think they won me over fully when they were promoting their social media platforms and said “There are a few other Mavis’s on there, but they’re all c*nts”. There’s just something so raw about that level of sarcasm, it sometimes just completely knocks me off guard when I hear things like that. They didn’t seem to slow down for a single point throughout their stage time. Every song just seemed to get better and as they built on the momentum from the last. They closed off their set on a ballad, which felt huge in scope. Seeing younger talent like Mavis gives me hope for the future of rock. There are so many younger bands picking up instruments and putting on absolute belters like this. It was such a proficient set, rouch around the edges but the pieces are all there.

CHECK OUT MAVIS: FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM

 

After a brief break, the full crowd started to pile into the small venue. Awaiting for the enigmatic blues man to take the stage. The Zac Schulze Gang exploded right from the get-go. Once that spark was lit there was no damping out the spirit of this band. The eponymous Zac Schulze was an absolute delight to watch. I was out of breath just watching him dart around the small stage and go absolutely crazy on the guitar. Hell, even in the slower songs he still couldn't stand still for more than a fleeting moment. He was as energetic as a kid at Christmas who’s just been told he can play with his toys and eat chocolate all day and that energy was just infectious. The crowd grooved, the band jammed and everyone in the room was having a great, giddy time. That’s what a Zac Schulze Gang show is, pure enthusiasm and filled with life. 

The band clearly wore their influences on their sleeves as the set was filled with classic cover after classic cover. Songs from the likes of Dr Feelgood, Rory Galagher and Rufus Thomas were a deight to hear as a lover of classic blues rock. They even managed to sneak in the Jerry Reed jam “Framed”, which made this reviewer very happy. In between they filled in the gaps with original material, including new songs from their upcoming album later this year. All those new songs made me very excited for the new record. I liked the Vegas inspired song “Hi-Roller” and throw-back tune “The Rocker”. Anytime they switched to their original material the band found another gear to switch into and you can clearly hear their originality in their love for the classics. You could feel that love in the song “Hole In My Pocket” from their Made Of Three EP, which is a good old fashioned blues jam that allowed bassman Ant Greenwell to holler and allowed Zac and Ben Schulze to just jam out. 

This was such a fun night to just experience. I am so happy that I have become acquainted with this band this year. Their love of the blues is just infectious and when you see them play you feel that love in your soul. I would highly recommend them to anyone. Their charisma is just something that has to be felt. From the way Ben smacks the drums, or how Ant injects each song with a foundational groove and how Zac acts like Marty McFly after drinking 50 Red Bulls. Everything about this set made me love them more and has made me excited to see where they will progress to from here.

Photo Credit: Mark Powell

CHECK OUT THE ZAC SCHULZE GANG: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE

 

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