Live Music Reviews

Theres never a dull moment at The rock and roll circus: extravagant circus performers to bands who soundtracked early 2000s Britain there is always something going on!

Ever since this well executed event took place on Norwich soil last year, I had eagerly been waiting to see what bands will be performing this year and as with previous years, the line up most certainly hasn’t disappointed. There is something for everyone over the next four days, but day one is what today is all about and it’s as good an excuse as any to close the working week off on a Thursday lunchtime to be able to get into the city and take in the artists on show.

Fiesta returned to the North Norfolk village of Suffield over the weekend, with another three day PRB takeover at the famous Suffield Arms

My Saturday night fix of live music from three of Norwich’s most exciting, and original, bands.

‘Clapton Is God’ may still hold true for some, but it is the guitar gospel according to Eric Johnson that I shall henceforth be following.

“This is not an experiment – you will bounce, you will laugh, you will experience joy”. And we did.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Latitude Festival has carved out a unique place on Britain’s festival circuit, placing major musical names alongside literature, comedy and the arts. 

The sound and the energy of these former Boston-based boys is truly awesome.

The first of two nights at the Waterfront may just have turned this non-fan into a Numanoid.

It is time for my annual pilgrimage to see STIFF LITTLE FINGERS

By the time we get to new single 'Anymore', anyone who wasn't already a fan has surely been converted.

Can a new festival fill the void left by V Festival? State Fayre makes a compelling case.

A fabulous all-dayer, in the beautiful setting of Earlham Park

A magical treat, in incredible heat.

Norman, you outdid yourself! Outline Loves You!

At a time of growing division, Tamikrest proved that music can still unite across borders, cultures and languages.

The band were tight, the sound was perfect, and the songs were great.

I am emotioned-out by the whole set, and I am now The Virginmarys biggest brand new fan.

Mark Chadwick is looking a bit more rounded these days but is still in impeccable voice ably supported on vocal duties by the boiler suited Dan Donnelly.

This Welsh indie duo made a welcome return to the Norwich Arts Centre hot on the back of their latest album Every Single Muscle.

He spoke lovingly about Yellow Submarine, Pinky and Perky and the moon landings before his teenage years led to Oxfam for clothes.

Whilst the band no longer consists of its original line-up, what remains is their expert energy curation. The Maytals brought their unmistakable feelgood atmosphere to Norwich’s Waterfront on Thursday night.

It’s been yet another anthemic night, with one classic DMA song after another

Seeing young jazz musicians under Gary Crosby’s quietly paternal leadership - with a strong presence of women throughout the ensemble - they played with real authority and assurance.