Mick Birchall Reviews

Some days just feel special, and I can confidently say that music festivals are those days. This past weekend, I went to the Slam Dunk Festival in Hatfield. Now, I usually go to the North version of the event in Leeds. However, for this year, I made my way across the country to this day out. When the line-up was first announced, I was immediately excited. Some names that I’ve never seen before, and some that I’ve seen all too often, but excited to see again. I was pretty sceptical about the headliner, Good Charlotte . The last time I saw them perform live, they were not great, but I was willing to give them another chance. Some of the big names that I’d never seen were acts like Sublime , Goldfinger , A , Madina Lake and Motion City Soundtrack . I'd like to see as much as possible. I will admit that for a 20th anniversary, the line-up felt like it was missing something. I couldn’t put my finger on it. Anyway, I was determined to have a good time no matter what. Like at any fest...

Friday night in Manchester. There’s nothing better than getting the train and going into the city and getting to a gig. I love having some good rock music to see live, and they don’t come much better than this! Two legends, two titans of the rock world. Adrian Smith , most notable for his work in the legendary Iron Maiden . Richie Kotzen is a guitar virtuoso known for his unique approach to rock music. He’s also the frontman of progressive rock collective, The Winery Dogs. A few years ago, when they announced their collaboration, I think it turned some heads. They certainly had my attention, and I have been interested in checking them out live for a little bit of time now. Well, this night was the night. The O2 Ritz is always such a fantastic venue for a rock show; the acoustics in the room create this amazing surrounding effect. The venue filled up slowly, and the atmosphere built. Everyone in the room was ready for a night of rock and roll. I always get a special feeling bracing for...

Photo Credit: Mark Powell Man, it’s been a while since I’ve walked the cold, wet streets of Manchester for a gig. I had a feeling that this one was going to be good as well! Last year, I came across the Canadian rock band, The Commoners . Their 2024 album, Restless , was one of my absolute favourites of last year, and I’ve been meaning to catch them live for a while now, as they do frequent the UK quite a bit. So, this night was my opportunity to see what all the buzz is about. Rebellion is such a good venue for shows like these. Located next to Deansgate train station, Rebellion is tucked away and hosts some of the best nights for rock and metal in Manchester—the dark room, illuminated by the stage lights, has just the right atmosphere for rock shows. You’ve got to appreciate the stamina of some bands. This show was in Glasgow the night before, and after a long journey, they made it to Manchester. Also, they didn’t come alone. They brought the incredibly talented Candar out on the roa...

This was such a special day for me. When I first saw the lineup on the poster, my teenage nostalgic brain went into overdrive. An entire day of Welsh rock and metal music in the confines of a medieval castle in one of the biggest cities in the UK. Sign me the feck up! I was immediately drawn in by the name of The Blackout and Funeral For A Friend . Two bands that I’ve spent a little too many hours with in my life. Between the years of 2010 and 2016, I must have seen both of them over 10 times live in concert. Both have always been super consistent over the years. I think it would be difficult for them to put on a bad show. Then, if we look down the rest of the poster, we have names that have certainly stuck their claim in the cultural zeitgeist. I think what makes this even more special is the sheer fact that all of the bands on the poster come from Wales. The Welsh rock and metal scene has always been one to stand in awe at. I think, over the years, Wales has produced some of the mos...

Photo Credit: David Pickles   If you had told me as an eager teenager learning to play the guitar that one day, not only would I be going to see this show live, but get to go as a member of the press, and people would want to read my gig report from the show, I would have thought you were a crazy person. Like most kids who pick up the guitar, I started to idolise many musicians. However, I think it’s fair to say not many captured my imagination quite like the master of modern blues rock, Joe Bonamassa . I think what captured my attention the most about him was how slick and effortless he made the guitar look. Every note is hit with pinpoint precision, every melody performed with such conviction, and his records never fail to enthral me. So, just getting the opportunity to watch someone who has spent over 10000 hours mastering their craft play is one I could never pass up. Getting into Liverpool, there was just that feeling of excitement in the air. I usually go to Manchester for sh...

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 M...

It’s been a long time since I set foot in the iconic Deaf Institute in Manchester, it’s also been a long time since I got to see the dynamic talent of Wille and The Bandits . So tonight was a night to make things right and experience both. It’s getting to that time of year, it’s getting a little warmer and the evenings are a little better for going out into the city centre. So I was in brighter spirits and getting out to a gig felt like the best way to celebrate. Any time you get to listen to live music is always a good night. Wille and The Bandits, hot off the heels of opening for Beth Hart in Europe, have embarked on their headline UK tour and this Manchester date was night number two of the whole thing. So a fresh sounding band and you could tell they were ready to hit the road and perform for the fine people of Manchester. The venue felt like a small theatre, located upstairs, the room was wonderfully open with seating and a viewing balcony. So like a compact amphitheatre. Which s...

Well, it’s been over two months since I’ve been to a gig, so I felt it was about time I got back to my spiritual home of Manchester. I think I’ve been to the Manchester Academy so much in my years, I should be paying for rent. I feel like I’ve spent more time here than in most jobs I’ve had. This evening took me to the downstairs Club Academy . A great small club venue that gives artists space to breathe and the crowd more than enough room to sprawl out. I would usually describe the atmosphere as loose and carefree. Though this night there was an element of anticipation in the air for what was to come. Three great bands were about to take to the stage and you could tell that the crowd were more than ready. Headlining this evening were returning titans of the rock world, coming from the great nation of Sweden, H.E.A.T . It’s been a long time coming and Manchester was ready for their return to the city. That’s not all, you got a real bang for your money this evening, with two great suppo...