Burning Rope at the Tuesday Night Music Club

Review and Images By Ken Jackson

Burning Rope at the The Tuesday Night Music Club.

A Triumphant Debut for Paul Longs new Band, Burning Rope . After the tragic passing of Matt Long in 2024, it was clear that Catfish couldn’t continue. Matt wasn’t just the heart of the band—he was Catfish, no one could, or would want to, step into his shoes. A couple of months ago, Paul Long announced he would be forming a new band, bringing together former members of Catfish so, it came as no surprise to hear that their debut performance was set for the Tuesday Night Music Club, a venue deeply connected to Catfish ,they having played there many times, and often showing up to support other artists so it felt like the perfect place to begin this new chapter.

Tickets sold out almost instantly—again, no suprise there. The lineup featured familiar faces: Paul Long on keyboards and guitar, Adam Pyke on bass and vocals, Mitch Weaving on drums, and the outstanding Alex Voysey on guitar. After a warm introduction from Richard Dunning, the band took to the stage for their first-ever set. The audience responded with a mix of roaring approval, encouragement, and deep respect for these talented musicians. It took a couple of songs for the band to shake off the nerves, but once they settled in, it was a privilege to witness their raw passion and chemistry, especially considering they had only rehearsed a couple of times.

A highlight of the night was Adam Pyke stepping up on vocals—always brilliant on bass, he more than proved himself as a singer too. Another surprise was seeing Paul Long swap his keyboard for a guitar, adding another layer to the performance. Of course, it was an emotional evening, the first gig without Matt. But the band did him proud. Their setlist blended old and new, featuring Catfish classics like Time to Fly and Ghost, alongside tracks from Paul’s past with the Riotous Brothers, some well-chosen covers, and brand-new material written by Paul.

By the end of the second set, the audience rose in a standing ovation, demanding more. The band obliged with an encore—met with yet another ovation. It was the perfect way to kick off their UK tour. If you get the chance to see this exciting new band in the coming months, don’t miss it—you won’t be disappointed! A huge thank you to the band, Richard Dunning for organizing the night, Mike on sound, James and Maud at the merch stand, and the wonderful bar staff for making it all happen. A wonderful evening .