Live Review: Royal Blood - Wolverhampton
26th October 2023
Support: HotWax
Words: Cat Finch
Photos: Tim Finch
On a crisp autumn night, the newly re-opened Civic Hall in Wolverhampton witnessed a momentous event as Royal Blood rolled into town, touring off the back off their infamous Glastonbury Festival set.
Opening act HotWax set the tone for the evening with a vigorous performance that had the crowd on their feet from the get-go. The band's youthful energy was infectious, and their show, featuring tracks like ‘High Tea’, ‘A Thousand Times’ and ‘Rip It Out’, showcased their dynamic sound. Their driving riffs and charismatic stage presence primed the audience for the explosive main event.
As the Civic Hall lights dimmed and the stage came alive with a surge of anticipation, Royal Blood appeared, launching into ‘Mountains at Midnight’ with a thunderous explosion of sound. The duo, comprised of Mike Kerr and Ben Thatcher, are known for their colossal presence on stage, and they didn't disappoint. Mike's bass guitar and Ben's drums converged into a formidable force that shook the entire venue.
The band proceeded to deliver a high-octane performance that included some of their most iconic hits, like ‘Come on Over’, ‘Lights Out’ and ‘Hook, Line & Sinker’. Their magnetic stage presence and the undeniable chemistry between the two members were on full display, captivating the audience from the front row to the back of the hall and even up to the two balconies towering above.
Royal Blood's newer material, such as ‘Trouble's Coming’ and ‘Typhoons’, seamlessly blended with their earlier hits, highlighting the band's ability to evolve their sound while maintaining their signature intensity.
The encore was equally spectacular, as Royal Blood returned to the stage to play ‘Waves’, ‘Ten Tonne Skeleton’, and the anthemic ‘Figure It Out’. The explosive energy of these songs left the audience on a euphoric high, wanting more even after the final notes had faded.
Photo credits: Tim Finch Photography
