The Floral Pavilion, New Brighton – 14/03/23
I’ve seen King King three times in the space of twelve months this year so I knew exactly what to expect as I arrived at the Floral in New Brighton. It’s an almost religious, spiritual experience when Alan Nimmo let’s loose on the guitar and to say I was excited was an understatement. This is the first time that I’ve seen the band in an entirely seated venue, does this represent a step up for the band? And how will I receive the music sitting down? Will the experience be the same? All these questions will be addressed and answered at the end!
Following the bands intro music (AC/DC’s Highway to Hell) the band enter to a cheer from the expectant crowd. Speaking to a few familiar faces before the show, the king King army were all in attendance, two of them driving across the country from Boston in Lincolnshire – a six hour drive, but we were all there for the same reason, to see these masters at work.
Alan Nimmo and his brother Stevie need absolutely no introduction as they launch into a much bluesier set this time round, Stevie’s influence was very apparent, think back to the ‘Nimmo Brothers’ material. ‘Dance Together’ kicked proceedings off and I was instantly transported to that special place that only a King King gig can take you to.#
‘Long Time Running’ followed by ‘Heed the Warning’ – both from King King’s 2017 album are next, both tracks making a very rare live appearance. Such a treat to see them play these songs live! These songs both have lashings of Bad Company with a bit of Free and seeing Alan let rip on ‘Heed the Warning’ even took me to Rival Sons territory, both musically and vocally too!
‘By Your Side’ follows and is certainly a fan favourite, this glorious music washing across the seated audience as they sit back watching in awe. What a sound!
We are mid way through the show now and it’s very apparent that the security at the venue are policing the show with an iron fist. I appreciate it’s a theatre and they are used to theatrical shows, but this is a rock gig.
People at rock gigs like to take photos and videos as keepsakes to remember their night but at the floral tonight the over zealous security seemed intent on simply not allowing that to happen, every time a phone came out the audience members were pounced upon and told to put their phones away. It must’ve annoyed Alan, because towards the end of the night, he even said to the audience ’You can film me if you like’, which got a cheer and a shout of appreciation from this particular reviewer. The two photos in this review were taken after that point and still after Alan said that, the over zealous security stopped me taking any more!
Lack of photos aside, this was an incredible night of music. The songs kept coming. My favourite song Whatever it takes to survive was this time dedicated to Danny Bowes of Thunder and again the hairs on the back of my neck were stood on end! Magical. Alan dedicates the next song ‘You Stopped the Rain’ to his brother Stevie and watching the chemistry between the Nimmo brothers as they both duel with their guitars is wonderful.
We were getting towards the end of the night and as good as it was, something was missing. It just didn’t feel right to be sitting down, so I took myself down to the side and watched the last half hour stood up! I felt much better!! ‘Rush Hour’ and ‘I will Not Fall’ follow with yet more mind blowing guitar from both Alan and Stevie and then ‘Stranger to Love’, which is the regular King King main set closer!
It’s in ‘Stranger to Love’ that Alan and the band go from full on electronic to Alan Playing his strat acoustically on his own, before bring the volume right back up to 11! This amazes me every time I see it, and no matter where I am, in a theatre, rock club or festival, when he does this you can hear a pin drop. It amazes the audience and tonight was no different!
A quick departure and then the guys were back onstage for their finale, ‘Old Love’ – another epic song with more great soloing from the two Nimmo brothers. The crowd were loving it. I was in heaven and the band were on fire!
King King just get better every time I see them, like I said, this show was much bluesier. The band continue their tour, they’re at KKs Steelmill tonight, 17th March and then have a few more dates next week, check the King King website for dates. Personally I found it strange watching them sitting down, but at least I had the option of standing up, but it was amazing to see them on a big stage, truly where they belong.
Simply put, King King are one of the best live bands out there and if you have never seen them, you’re missing a treat!
