Rival Sons / Blues Pills / Jameson

It all started so well, but little did the packed UEA LCR in Norwich know how the evening would eventually turn out. The area's connoisseurs of fine rock music had turned out in good numbers to witness one of rocks finest new breed of classic rock bands and I'd turned up expecting to write about why a new band being labelled 'classic rock' isn't a bad thing but in fact a compliment. Sadly neither of these happens as the band we are all hear to lay witness to, Rival Sons, can only muster two songs before cancelling the show.

Now I'm not going to speculate as to the reasons for their cancellation here, instead here is what the bands official statement has to offer on the matter:-

"Rival Sons were forced to call a halt to their show in Norwich tonight, Tuesday 16th December, after singer Jay Buchanan, who had been feeling unwell all day, felt too ill to continue after the first two songs despite his best efforts.   Jay and the band are devastated that they couldn't give the good people of Norwich their full show and will do their best to reschedule as soon as possible.

They have asked fans to keep their ticket stubs which will be valid for the rescheduled show which they hope to announce by the end of this week. The band would like to thank fans for their continued support.

Guitarist Scott Holiday said "We couldn't be more disappointed with the recent shows' outcome. This is the first time we have ever had to do this..and we offer our extreme apologies to all that attended and scheduled for this cancelled show. Jay was at an extreme deficit ..just not well.. and was completely and wholly unable to continue- or he/we would have. All we can say to this point for sure is- we are already working on the reschedule date ..and promise to make it up to you, Norwich"

Norwich UEA was the last show of the current 30 date European tour, and the band today announced another 23 dates in Europe for March and April 2015"

Thankfully for those in attendance, the evening wasn't a complete waste as prior to Rival Sons entrance we had our support. American singer Jameson did a solid job in opening the show for the early attendees and will have won himself a few new admirers in the process. It was what came next however that would ultimately prove the highlight of the evening.

In opening I said that the area's rock connoisseurs had turned up expecting to witness one of the finest in the new breed of classic rock bands, alluding to the expected Rival Sons performance. Now when I say that this didn't happen I only meant the seeing Rival Sons aspect, as in our main support for the night, Blues Pills, they definitely got to see one of the finest new classic rock bands on the planet.

Hailing from Sweden this four-piece are seriously talented and demonstrated that on the night with a flawless performance that had the entire audience converted to fans within minutes. It was hard not to stand in awe as they tore through the likes of 'Bliss' and 'Devil Man'. Having strolled on stage to a select few chants and a polite applause they left conquering heroes to a thunderous ovation.

Individually and as a unit these are impressive musicians that have crafted something very special together. Separately Elin Larsson's powerful vocals or Dorian Sorriaux's masterful guitar work would be the focal point of most other bands but here they complement each over perfectly. Add to that Zack Anderson, who is one of the most exciting bass players I've ever come across, and drummer André Kvarnström, who really is no slouch either, and this is a frighteningly good band.I will certainly be keeping an eye of this band and strongly suggest you do to.

As for Rival Sons, it's a bitter pill for fans who have brought tickets and travelled long distances to see them tonight but I simply hope Jay Buchanan gets better soon because the talk is the show will be rescheduled for March and knowing from previous experience that Rival Sons are one of the best live acts on the rock circuit, I'm up for that. Perhaps a simple cancellation earlier in time may have been more dignified then what happened but if that had been the case then we may not of got to see this show saviours the fantastic Blues Pills.