Date: 5 April 2025Venue: The Sugar mill, Stoke-on-Trent
Review and Images By Paul McWilliams
There are gigs that deliver what you expect—and then there are gigs that exceed every expectation, grab you by the collar, and remind you why you fell in love with live music in the first place. Wayward Sons at The Sugarmill on 5 April was very much the latter. A night of thunderous rock, electric energy, and pure connection, it was the kind of performance that reaffirms the magic of being shoulder to shoulder with fellow fans, watching a band at the top of their game.
The Sugarmill itself made a serious impression. Tucked into the heart of Stoke-on-Trent, it’s one of those venues that still captures the raw charm of grassroots rock and roll. There’s a gritty intimacy about the place—just the right amount of sweat, beer, and anticipation in the air. It’s the kind of venue where you can get lost in the music, feel every note in your chest, and lock eyes with the performers just a few feet away.
From the moment the band walked on stage, it was clear that Wayward Sons weren’t here to simply play a show—they were here to tear the place apart, brick by brick, with a rock and roll performance worthy of legends. Kicking things off with the explosive “Alive,” the crowd was immediately swept into a frenzied roar. Frontman Toby Jepson, a veteran of the scene, proved once again why he’s such a commanding presence. His charisma radiates off the stage, drawing the crowd into every lyric, every movement. Whether he’s belting out a chorus or engaging the audience between songs, Jepson knows how to lead a room.
The energy in the room was feverish, and the crowd’s response was electric. You could feel the anticipation between each track, and the band never let up. “I Don’t Wanna Go” and “Big Day” followed with punchy precision, keeping the tempo high and the audience firmly in the palm of their hand.
Sam Wood’s guitar work deserves its own spotlight. His playing was a masterclass in rock brilliance—shifting seamlessly between punchy, anthemic riffs and searing, jaw-dropping solos. The sound he created filled every corner of The Sugarmill and left no doubt that he’s one of the finest guitarists on the circuit right now.
Tracks like “Ghost,” “Fake,” and “Radio Denial” were delivered with a fierce sense of urgency. There’s something special about hearing these songs live—each one takes on a new dimension, elevated by the electricity of the performance and the passion of the fans singing every word back at them. “Ghost” in particular was a highlight; the crowd’s energy surged, hands in the air, voices unified.
Wayward Sons also know how to slow it down and hit you right in the feels. “Crush” offered a powerful emotional moment, Jepson’s vocals rich with sincerity, while “Faith in Fools” and “Any Other Way” added balance to the otherwise relentless rock assault. These weren’t just songs—they were shared moments. The band has a way of making you feel like they’re playing for you, not just at you.
Nic Wastell (bass) and Phil Martini (drums) are the band’s secret weapons. Holding down the rhythm section with tight, thunderous grooves, they created the kind of solid foundation that allowed everything else to soar. Whether it was the stomping drive of “Downfall” or the slick, melodic groove of “Land of the Blind,” the band’s cohesion was undeniable.
Closing the main set with the riff-heavy “Feel Good Hit” and the epic “Until The End,” the band left nothing on the stage. The encore was pure fire—“Small Talk/Young Gods” and “Joke’s On You” were delivered with such intensity, you’d think it was the start of the show, not the finale.
The whole night felt like a celebration—not just of Wayward Sons, but of the enduring spirit of rock and roll. From the band’s chemistry to the crowd’s relentless energy, everything clicked into place. It’s rare to find a band that makes a room full of people feel like they’re part of something bigger, but Wayward Sons did exactly that.
As the lights came up and the final notes echoed out into the night, there was a collective sense of satisfaction. This was more than a gig—it was a reminder that live rock music is alive and thriving, and that bands like Wayward Sons are its beating heart.
Thoughts:
Wayward Sons are a band who live and breathe their music, and it shows in every note they play. Their performance at The Sugarmill was unforgettable—a night of sonic firepower, emotional connection, and sheer joy. If you haven’t seen them live yet, make it a priority. You’re not just going to a show—you’re becoming part of something.
Set List:
Alive
I Don’t Wanna Go
Big Day
Bloody Typical
Land of the Blind
Radio Denial
Ghost
Fake
Even Up The Score
Downfall
Faith in Fools
Any Other Way
Something’s Wrong
Crush
Small Talk / Young Gods
Joke’s On You
Feel Good Hit
Until The End
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