the corrs

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Review & photos - John McEvoy

The summer series of gigs at The Piece Hall is now well underway and tonight it was the turn of The Corrs made up of 3 sisters (Andrea, Sharon & Caroline) as well as their brother Jim to headline. 

First up though it was Natalie Imbruglia, and those of a certain, ahem, vintage, may recall that she first came to the attention of the Great British public in the early 90’s when she appeared on Neighbours, which if you don’t know was a hugely popular Aussie soap opera which unless I’m mistaken is still actually running. 

Taking to the stage as the sun shone, she went straight into her 10 song set, and showed that whilst she was/is regarded as a god actress, she is also a great singer. I don’t pretend to have an in-depth knowledge of her material, but what I did hear was quality faultlessly delivered throughout. Of course the highlight of her set and what the crowd were waiting for was ‘Torn’ which really propelled her musical career forward, and whilst this may be almost 30 years old, it still sounded as good as ever. 

Next up it was headliners The Corrs who kick started their career in the early 90’s with the release of their first album ‘Forgiven Not Forgotten’. 

Not you may ask yourself had people actually forgotten about The Corrs, but I can safely say that The Piece hall clearly hadn’t forgotten about them, and it was absolutely rammed to catch this band deliver the goods. 

Opening their set with ‘Only When I Sleep’ the band sounded as good as ever and as always Andreas vocals sounded as good as ever. Ably supported by her sisters Caroline, drums, Sharon, violin and brother Jim on guitar, they took the crowd on a journey through their back catalogue covering material from their 7 albums. 

Of course it was tracks like ‘What Can I Do’, ‘Runaway’ and ‘Breathless’ which raised the roof (metaphorically speaking of course!).

But personally, I enjoyed their set as a whole and have to admit that I had actually forgotten just how good The Corrs were and indeed still are, as far as I’m concerned. 

Musically this is a band who still have a lot to offer and whilst it’s been almost 8 years since their last album release, although they have just recently released a new 6 track EP ‘Summer Sunshine’ which also includes a remix of ‘What Can I Do’ and is well worth checking out.  

Set list:

·  Only When I Sleep

·  Give Me A Reason

·  Lough Erin Shore

·  Forgiven, Not Forgotten

·  Summer Sunshine

·  What Can I Do

·  White Light

·  Old Town

·  My Lagan Love

·  Joy Of Love

·  Ellis Island

·  Haste To The Wedding

·  Radio

·  Queen Of Hollywood

·  Dreams

·  I Never Loved You Anyway

·  So Young

·  Runaway

·  Breathless

·  Toss The Feathers

Rhodes Media

Review & photos - John McEvoy

The Piece Hall continued their truly eclectic run of gigs this summer with the Australian band Pendulum whose clever fusion of drum and bass and rock has proved passively popular, and rightly so. 

However, before they took to the stage, it was Normandie first up, who I must confess were a new name to me. Hailing from Sweden this personable 3 piece seemed genuinely delighted to be playing in front of such a large crowd, and their unique brand of hardcore/rock style was well received, and if there’s any justice in this world, they certainly deserve to do well. 

Moving onto the main course, and bang on 9:00pm, Pendulum took to the stage and went straight into ‘Napalm’ with a chest rattling bass that was so deep, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were having some sort of physical ‘episode’! 

With no time to recover from the sonic onslaught of the opening track, it was straight into ‘Save The Cat’ which raised the temperature higher, and then much to my surprise, next up it was ‘Propane Nightmares’ which for me has one of THE best drops in music and perfectly captured what Pendulum are all about. 

I must confess that they played this track so early on in their set, but there was no need to worry, such is the vastness of their back catalogue they had no problems with delivering and maintaining their high octane set. 

Their version of ‘Blood Sugar/Voodoo People’ was simply sublime and I thought how good it would have been to have Keith Flint front and centre for this one. 

From there on, Pendulum took the crowd through a 19 track journey of their music and of course set closer just had to be ‘Tarantula’ from their 2007 album ‘Hold Your Colour’. Which was for me at least a truly spectacular set closer, and the Pendulum/Prodigy/Skrillex fusion tune brought the house down. 

If you get ever get the chance to catch a live set from Pendulum, make sure you take it. I assure you, you will not regret it!!

Set List:

·  Napalm

·  Save The Cat

·  Propane Nightmares

·  Come Alive

·  Crush

·  Blood Sugar/Voodoo People

·  Cannibal

·  Granite

·  Colourfast

·  Nothing For Free

·  The Island

·  Silent Spinner

·  Halo

·  Archangel

·  Witchcraft

·  Self vs Self

·  Watercolour

·  Tarantula

Rhodes Media

Review & photos - Liam McEvoy

Thunder, Triumph, and the Spirit of Rock at Donington Park

Download Festival 2025 delivered an unforgettable weekend, firmly re-establishing Donington Park as the epicentre of rock and metal celebration. This year’s event attracted fans from across the globe, all eager to revel in a line-up that blended legendary headliners with rising stars, framed by an atmosphere of camaraderie and sun-drenched joy. Against the rare backdrop of hot, sunny weather, attendees were treated not only to musical greatness but also to the collective spirit that has long defined the festival.

In striking contrast to last year’s deluge and infamous Donington mud, 2025’s festival basked in radiant sunshine. Where ponchos and mud-caked boots once dominated, this year saw sun hats and sunglasses shimmering across the iconic grounds—spirits noticeably lighter, laughter rising above the music. The dry weather kept energy high and revelry uninterrupted from the first chord, adding an extra layer of joy to the communal experience and making the transformation of Donington Park a talking point nearly as remarkable as the music itself.

The 2025 line-up was a triumphant showcase of the festival’s variety and energy. Green Day electrified the main stage with their signature anthems, from “Basket Case” to “American Idiot,” infusing every note with infectious energy and stagecraft. At the heart of their performance was a moment destined for Download legend: as Billie Joe Armstrong sang the line “here comes the rain again” during “Wake Me Up When September Ends,” the sky obliged, sending a sudden downpour over the crowd. The serendipitous shower was embraced with cheers, a perfect union of music and moment.

Saturday night’s headliner, Sleep Token, followed with a set imbued with mystery and emotional depth, their unique fusion of metal, electronica, and haunting vocals casting a spell over the crowd. The immersive lighting and masked choreography transformed the main stage into an almost spiritual space, and fans left visibly moved by powerful performances of new material. Tracks from their latest album, “Even In Arcadia,” including “Caramel” and “Damocles,” resonated deeply with the audience and highlighted the band’s evolving artistry. For anyone who had questioned whether Sleep Token were ready to headline, the performance was a resounding answer—the band not only met the moment, but shattered all doubt, earning their place at the pinnacle of the festival with a show that will be talked about for years to come.

Korn’s return to Donington brought with it the thunderous energy that has made them icons of the nu-metal genre. Though the band have graced Download’s stages multiple times in the past, 2025 marked their first time headlining the main stage—a long-awaited moment for both the group and their fans. Their classics “Freak on a Leash” and “Blind” sent waves through the audience, and the band’s commanding stage presence created a powerful and memorable highlight of the weekend.

While the main stage drew the biggest crowds, the second stage was where some of the weekend’s most electrifying performances unfolded. Frank Carter and the Sex Pistols ignited the crowd with a punk-fuelled set brimming with wild mosh pits, embodying Download’s rebellious spirit. AWOLNATION’s genre-blending sound took the audience on a dynamic voyage from melodic hooks to explosive electronic rock, while Northlane delivered their trademark progressive metalcore with relentless energy and emotional depth. The Darkness brought a dose of flamboyance and fun to the second stage, prompting massive singalongs and air-guitar theatrics, especially during their hit “I Believe in a Thing Called Love.”

Download’s smaller stages, including the ever-popular Avalanche stage, provided even more opportunities for discovery. Dead Pony brought fierce punk energy, Elliot Minor’s melodic nostalgia charmed longtime fans, Smash Into Pieces delivered soaring alt-rock anthems, and McFly’s charismatic show drew a refreshingly diverse crowd. These performances, often more intimate and raw, became the talk of festival-goers seeking something new beyond the main arena.

The festival’s atmosphere extended well beyond the stages. Merch stalls overflowed with exclusive tees and memorabilia, food trucks catered to every taste, and spaces like the “Doghouse” comedy tent and the fairground rides provided moments of levity and rest between sets. The community spirit was palpable—old friends reunited, newcomers were welcomed, and the traditions of tent-city life flourished under the bright summer sun.

Looking back, Download Festival 2025 was a testament to the enduring power and unity of rock and metal’s global community. In a world of shifting musical trends, the festival proved again that nothing replaces the thrill of live performance and the joy of sharing those moments with thousands of like-minded fans. Whether drawn by the towering headliners, the promise of discovering new favourites, or simply the vibrant atmosphere, attendees left with memories certain to last until the next summer.

Green Day’s rain-soaked lyric, Sleep Token’s enchanting performance, Korn’s unrelenting energy, and the infectious spirit found on every stage reaffirmed why Download remains the ultimate destination for rock and metal lovers. For those who made the journey in 2025, it was more than a festival—it was a celebration of unity, rebellion, and the sheer joy of music, setting a new benchmark for years to come.

Review & photos - Mo Longfellow

On Tuesday, June 17th, The Waterboys brought their signature blend of folk, rock, and Celtic melodies to the vibrant atmosphere of Leeds O2 Academy. The evening was a testament to their enduring appeal and musical prowess, evident through a setlist that balanced timeless classics with some newer material from their new album, Life, Death & Dennis Hopper. 

From the moment they took to the stage, the band radiated energy and cohesion. Lead singer Mike Scott's passionate vocals and charismatic presence set the tone, cutting through the music perfectly while the band's tight musicianship kept the audience captivated throughout.  It really was a superb show, best of the year so far for me. 

With keyboard guitar solos, duelling keys and musicians on and off the stage, this was a moving feast, keeping you engaged from start to finish. 

The sound quality was impressive, standing at the balcony the music filled the venue with rich, layered textures that showcased the band's dynamic range. Visuals projected behind the band and cool lighting complemented the music perfectly, especially through a mid section where they played a host of numbers from their new album enhancing the overall experience without overwhelming it.

Everyone left the O2 Academy buzzing with enthusiasm, having been treated to a great show including an encore of The Whole Of The Moon and Fisherman’s Blues.  The Waterboys proved once again why they remain a vital force in contemporary folk-rock, delivering a memorable concert that balanced nostalgia with the thrill of live music innovation.

MBCPR

Review & photos - Asa Medforth

UB40’s recent tour stop at the historic Piece Hall in Halifax was a triumphant showcase of their enduring appeal and signature reggae rhythms. The iconic venue, with its grand architecture and open-air charm, provided the perfect backdrop for an evening steeped in nostalgia and musical mastery.

From the moment the band took the stage, the crowd was enveloped in a wave of smooth, rhythmic beats and infectious energy. UB40 launched into their set with classics that have defined their career, including the ever-popular "Red Red Wine," which had the audience swaying and singing along in unison. "Can't Help Falling in Love" brought an emotive, soulful touch, showcasing the band's ability to blend reggae with heartfelt melodies seamlessly.

The setlist was a well-curated journey through their extensive catalogue, featuring fan favourites like "Kingston Town" and "Cherry Oh Baby." Each song was delivered with the polished ease of seasoned performers, yet retained the fresh vibrancy that has kept UB40 relevant for decades. The brass section was particularly noteworthy, adding rich, vibrant layers to the reggae grooves, while the vocals were warm and resonant, capturing the essence of UB40’s unique sound.

UB40’s style, a fusion of reggae with pop sensibilities and socio-political undertones, resonated strongly with the diverse crowd. Their laid-back yet compelling stage presence encouraged a communal atmosphere, transforming Piece Hall into a sea of dancing, smiling faces.

Support Acts Bitty McLean and Reggae Roast:

Reggae Roast delivered an effervescent display as the opening act, setting the perfect tone for the evening. Their signature blend of roots reggae, dub, and dancehall beats resonated effortlessly with the crowd, sparking an undeniable energy throughout the venue.

The collective’s tight rhythms and vibrant basslines were complemented by charismatic vocal performances, engaging the audience from start to finish. Tracks were infused with authentic reggae vibes, yet carried a fresh, contemporary edge that showcased their versatility.

Bitty McLean delivered an electrifying performance. His smooth vocals and charismatic stage presence captivated the audience from the get-go. Performing a selection of his reggae hits, Bitty truly shone when he launched into his greatest hit, "It Keeps Raining (Tears from My Eyes)." The crowd swayed and sang along, clearly enjoying the nostalgic vibes infused with his soulful energy. His seamless blend of lovers rock with traditional reggae rhythms made for an enchanting start to the night, leaving the crowd eagerly anticipating UB40’s headline. 

Rhodes Media