SMOKIE REVIEW 2025
Smokie played All their Greatest Hits at the Enmore Theatre last night, and it wasn't just a concert; it was a joyous, trip down memory lane that showcased the band’s skills and musicianship. Smokie played their hits that defined the sound of 1970s soft-rock, and it is a testament to the quality of their songwriting skills and their unique sound.
Last night’s show was a thunderous display of raw talent and energy as solo rock and roll guitarist Jack Bratt commanded the stage at the Enmore, with his fiery riffs, soulful bends, and a gritty tones and it shook the room. Each song was a journey with tender melodies that showed true musicianship. No backing band, just one guitar, and pure rock and roll spirit. Jack brought a powerful, unforgettable performance that proved real rock doesn’t need anything more than heart and six strings. If you haven't seen him live make sure you check him out.
From the moment the lights dropped, the atmosphere was electric, and the excitement spread through the crowd. Smokie immediately established their credentials by launching into their melodic hooks of their hit "I'll Meet You at Midnight," and the opening track set the tone perfectly, with polished musicianship, and the famous harmonies were front and centre.
As Smokie continued with "Something's Been Making Me Blue, Lay Back in the Arms of Someone and Baby It's You" " Pete Lincoln's vocals blended perfectly with the backing harmonies, and the songs were performed flawlessly with the iconic, gritty texture that defines Smokie's sound.
Pete's voice possessed the perfect amount of smoky rasp as the set continued with " "Wild Horses, It's Your Life / Take Good Care of My Baby / Mexican Girl / For a Few Dollars More, Wild Wild Angels and If You Think You Know How to Love Me" and the hits were both powerful and refreshing, and they resonated with the Enmore crowd.
As the firework melodies continued with " "I Don't Want to Talk About It, Boulevard of Broken Dreams and (I Just) Died in Your Arms" " the instrumental delivery was remarkably tight and the rhythm sections provided a solid foundation . Luke's bass skills brought clean, melodic lines, while Steve's drums maintained the signature, driving soft-rock beat with crisp and powerful beats. Mick's guitar skills were noteworthy, as he effortlessly played harmonies and delivered sharp electric riffs.
The setlist took us on a journey through their chart successes as the show kicked into " "Rose-a-Lee, Have You Ever Seen the Rain?, Oh Carol and Needles and Pins " and the crowd sang along to every word of early classics, which sounded just as crisp and radio-ready as the original recordings. There was no filler; the evening was structured as one hit after another, demonstrating the sheer depth of their catalogue.
The energy never dipped, with the band members visibly enjoying the interaction and sharing anecdotes between songs.
The emotional peak of the night, arrived during the encore as Smokie played "Don't Play Your Rock 'n' Roll to Me and Living Next Door to Alice " which was a global phenomenon and the attendees roared the infamous "Alice? Who the f*** is Alice?" callback with enthusiastic unity.
It wasn't just singing; it was a communal, collective burst of pure nostalgia, and the band played along with genuine warmth.
Smokie proved that even after 50 years, there is still plenty of fire in their live show. It was a brilliantly executed evening of classic rock that was a lot of fun.