LIVE REVIEW: The Struts @ O2 Institute, Birmingham

Picture this, it’s 2022 and after a few chaotic years (thank you COVID), THE STRUTS pay a visit to the UK to perform their first string of headline shows on home soil in three years. Having kicked things off in Nottingham, tonight is the night for Birmingham based Strutters to let their hair down as the band prepare to perform at the city’s finest O2 Institute.

Joining the band on their Homecoming Tour are Welsh rockers, CARDINAL BLACK. Taking to the stage a mere hour after doors, fans began to trickle into the venue for the mid-week rock show and are greeted by the warmth and soulful tones of vocalist Tom Hollister. Fusing folk and blues with extraordinary guitar playing from the band’s very own Chris Buck, meant that CARDINAL BLACK are a recipe for success. As their generous forty five minute set was underway, the room began to fill and it wasn’t long before a cascade of swaying arms flooded the air. Playing through tracks from their self-titled 2021 release, Hollister has the crowd firmly within his palm. As their set begins to come to a blissful end, the band make their departure from the stage whilst being showered with applause. It’s safe to say that CARDINAL BLACK more than achieved what they set out to do.

Rating: 7/10

As a team of crew emerge onto the stage for change over, it’s nearly time for THE STRUTS to make an appearance and you can feel the excitement in the air. A Union Jack flag is draped behind a bedazzled drum kit, covering the entirety of the stage. It’s clear to see the band are as excited to be here, as fans are to have them.

Just after nine, the lights go down and the band take to the stage accompanied by the chilling sounds of war sirens. Frontman Luke Spiller, unsurprisingly makes a grand entrance sporting a satin ensemble which was closely followed by the drum roll from the band’s own Gethin Davies. Kicking things off, the band jump straight in (literally) with 2018 hit Primadonna Like Me, closely followed by Body Talks both from their sophomore album Young & Dangerous. And just like that the bar for our evening with THE STRUTS is not only met – but exceeded massively.

Hit single Kiss This follows suit, delighting fans old and new. For the duration of the evening, the energy doesn’t dip once. The crowd are captivated by Spiller’s enthusiasm for his role as a frontman, not to mention his band mates: Adam, Jed and Gethwho each play their part at ensuring THE STRUTS are always on top form.

In no time at all, the night fades away with the band only having a handful of tracks left. You become so submerged into the show, that you don’t notice it slipping away. That is just how good of a show THE STRUTS put on. We sincerely hope we don’t have to wait another three years to catch them at a show again.

Rating: 10/10

Check out our photo gallery of the night’s action in Birmingham from Claire Hodgkins Photography here: 

Like THE STRUTS on Facebook.