ROACHFORD REVIEW
Roachford is still sizzling after all these years, and they played at the Manning Bar last night to a sold out audience.
Jack Bratt kicked off the show last night and delivered a buzzing set that really got the place rocking. From the moment he launched into his first riffs, it was clear we were in for a treat. He blended classic rock licks with a raw edge, and made each note count, and you could get lost in the music, and that passion was infectious. By the end of his set, the crowd was dancing, and tapping their feet and he delivered a truly electrifying performance that proved you don't need a stadium to deliver a killer rock show.
The evening kicked off with a buzz, and the fans packed in, and they were eager to witness the charismatic frontman in action. As Andrew Roachford, kicked off his set with "The Doctor, High on Love and The Way I Feel", his velvet voice filled the venue as he performed his soul-pop hits, and his musical flame burned more brightly than ever.
Roachford continued his performance with "Love Remedy, Ain't No Sunshine (Bill Withers cover) and All the Love" as he took us on a nostalgic trip down memory lane, and he played a vibrant showcase filled with grooves that were impossibly smooth and infectiously energetic.
The set continued with "Ride the Storm, Carry You (Tetsky Brothers cover)," and Roachford's vocals remained sharp, as his remarkable voice, soulful rasp, and soaring power, filled the venue, and he carried every note with effortless precision.
The undeniable highlights, continued with "Papa Was A Rolling Stone (cover), This Generation and Cry for Me", and it prompted a mass sing-along that brought pure joy to the venue. The intricate harmonies showcased the band's exceptional musicianship and raw power.
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Roachford impressed us as the hits continued with "Dancing In The Dark (Bruce Springsteen cover) and Over My Shoulder (Mike + The Mechanics cover), and the setlist delivered a seamless blend of old and new and continued exploration of soul, funk, and R&B that felt both contemporary and timeless.
The set continued with "Free Fallin' (Tom Petty cover) and Get Ready" the Soulful groovy basslines, intricate drum patterns, and keyboard arrangements played, and the well-crafted melody brought an undeniable fun atmosphere to the venue.
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Roachford announced a special guest, Jimmy Barnes, and together they performed some epic songs, "I Put A Spell On You and Attention", and the upbeat guitar hooks, smooth bass lines and funky drumming highlighted the strong and smooth skills brought by the band and Jimmy Barnes and Roachford brought their raw, soulful and versatile voices to the venue.