With Just A Hint Of Mayhem

Music reviews, gig reviews, fun trivia and extra added random stuff!

Joe Solo – The Artful Dodger Sunday 12th April 2026 May 24, 2026

Filed under: Review — justwilliam1959 @ 7:21 pm
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When you get to a “certain age” the prospect of a matinee or afternoon gig is incredibly appealing. Even more so if it is a show from the mightily talented and passionately aware performer that is Joe Solo. The original plan was for Joe to be supported by one of York’s finest troubadors, Boss Caine (a.k.a. Dan Lucas). However Dan was unfortunately unwell and couldn’t make it. Instead Boss Caine’s replacement was in fact Joe Solo, he played two sets. This show was a part of his promotional tour for his exceptionally good album, ‘Punk Rock Prepared Us for This’. There were not many people in the room who weren’t familiar with Joe, his music, his political passion and deep compassion. Upstairs at the Artful Dodger is a delightful space and perfectly suited to Joe’s music.

He played a lot of songs from the new album which seemed to fit into the set like a comfortable old shoe, and I mean that in a positive way. The venue added a wonderful level of intimacy and it times it felt like Joe was speaking directly to us as individuals rather than as a group, that is the kind of skill that is difficult to master. The chats between songs were humorous, entertaining, compassionate, passionate and deep in equal measure. The audience participation on “Rise Up! Rise Up!” was highly emotional and extremely powerful. Both sets were towering successes and I hope we see Joe in York again very soon!

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Ian Hunter and the Rant Band – Sheffield City Hall Ballroom – Thursday 2nd October 2014 October 5, 2014

Filed under: Review — justwilliam1959 @ 1:51 pm
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On Thursday I went to see the magnificent Ian Hunter and the superb Rant Band play in Sheffield. This was my second Hunter show in two years, I previously saw him in Harrogate in 2012. The support band was the stunning blues rock outfit Federal Charm from Manchester. They are a very tight unit musically and their lead singer Nick Bowden has shades of a young Paul Rodgers in his singing. I bought their album at the gig and it is a great set for listening to when driving or probably many other activities too. You should check them out. Click here for their Facebook page.

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On to the main man though. Mr Hunter was on top form as expected and the Rant Band are just bloody good as always. It looked like Ian and the band were really enjoying themselves on stage too. It was an excellent set with the highlights for me being the old Mott songs “All The Way From Memphis” and “All The Young Dudes” both of which probably had everyone in the crowd singing along. I certainly was. But my favourite two songs of the evening were “When I’m President” which works better live than it does in it’s recorded form, probably because it is such a great song. The other was the poignant “Michael Picasso” which was originally released as a part of Hunter’s ‘Artful Dodger’ album in 1996. It is a heartfelt tribute to the late, great Mick Ronson. I must admit that the lyrics often bring tears to my eyes, as they did on Thursday.

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Sadly the UK part of the tour is over now, but I urge you to go and see Ian and the band the next time they tour. You will not be disappointed. There are still plenty of dates left rolling into January. These are in Scandinavia, Japan and the USA. His merchandise stand was selling a ‘Live In The UK 2010′ CD which showcases just how good the band are in live performance. So while you’re waiting for that next tour get your hands on a copy of that CD. I have one final question how can Mr Hunter look so fit and young into his 70s? I need that secret! For another great review of Ian Hunter on this tour go to the backseatmafia blog who was at the Holmfirth show. I should add that none of the videos or pictures or videos on this post were taken by me and in fact none are from the Sheffield gig.