Andy Knox @ Head of Steam

Reviewed by Stephen Ferrell

The Head of Steam was packed as Andy Knox and his band took the stage. It had been relatively empty for the other bands at this latest to far north event. So it was clear who the majority of the crowd had come to see. The crowd were not left disappointed either as Andy proved himself to be a highly talented and entertaining front man. Well received by the crowd with frequent calls of Knoxy! coming from his supporters. The crowd were very much into this gig with crowd surfing even taking place as the bands set was coming to an end. As anyone who has been to a gig downstairs at the Head of Steam knows this is generally a small intimate venue to play. So to inspire crowd surfing and a rowdy reaction is quite an achievement. Backing singer/songwriter Andy were the exceptionally talented Stevie on bass, Franco on drums, Dom on keyboards and luke on fiddle. Andy Knox is certainly a performer I would recommend people look out for in future, so next time you see his name on a flyer get yourself down to the gig. More immediately then that though you can check out his tracks on I-Tunes.

The Boxer Rebellion @ The Other Rooms, 30.09.09

The Boxer Rebellion gig review

Stephen Ferrell

The Boxer Rebellion have always had a loyal fan base but the packed gig at the other rooms shows they are now also building a sizeable one as well. After the collapse of the Poptones label that the band were previously signed to. They chose to go down the route of self-funding and releasing their second album United. As Todd from the band said when I spoke to him before the gig. This has been a difficult route to go down. Though it is one they are glad they have taken as it gives them full control of the music they make. It was tracks from both this album and there first the often-underrated Exits that the band played throughout a highly energetic stage performance. They interacted with the crowd very well throughout the gig. The crowd clearly loving it and singing along to every track ‘Forces’ clearly being a particular crowd favourite. As alternative rock goes The Boxer rebellion are undeniably one of the bands that make the most danceable music. A large part of the crowd also took full advantage of this fact also. Looking around the other rooms it was clear to see this band is first-rate entertainers. Although I did not go to the gig as fan of the Boxer Rebellion. I certainly left considering myself to be one. Now I and I believe everyone else that was there will be looking forward to there next appearance in Newcastle. I can only see this band going from strength to strength and believe there public profile is set to become very big in the next few months.


Boxer Rebellion Interview by Louise Morris