Masters of Reality April 6th, 2025, Live at the 1865 Southampton

Review and Images by Paul James

Ah a good old Sunday evening concert right before work the next day. This was not going to stop the fans of Masters of Reality or the support acts coming out tonight. I had wanted to document and capture Master of Reality as I had heard great things about this group. I wanted to hear the songs first in a live setting, hearing how the group interacted with them and then go back and listen to their albums. I also had zero clue about any of these members that are currently in the band at this present time. So, 7pm arrived and the fans was lining up for their evening of enjoyment.

When the doors were meant to open at 7pm but opened a little later because soundcheck ran a little behind, everyone in the line outside seemed excited and on top form to see tonight’s groups. And the crowd was a great bunch of younger fans and die-hard older supporters of the groups here tonight.

Now let’s talk about the venue. Been there now a few times. Located in Southampton. The 1865 is hidden down a back road. You would not even know it was there if you had never booked a concert at the 1865. Each concert that I have been to here always has had a great atmosphere and sound. In some venues the sounds can get lost if the band volume is to loud. But again, the vocals were clean across all three artists tonight. A good thing when you have never heard some of the content from any of the groups here tonight.

So, who was the support artists for the Masters of Reality. First to hit the stage was from singer Pete Skipper who provided a chilled set. He just appeared and started his set, and the crowd started to settle in. Great vocals and excellent guitar skills. A solo artist who kept the crowd interested and no one seemed bored. Each song he delivered, and with the crowd on top form, this was shaping up to be a good evening.

From Scotland we have the Earl of Hell. From a wonderful sounding band name, this five-piece group was energetic and fun. Warmed the crowd up even further. Offering a combination from stoner, garage and punk. Eric Brook on vocals sounded awesome, the band backed him up with a real heavy but clean sound. They kind of reminded me of Biffy Clyro with a taste of Rob zombie. If this is your kind of music, this will be right up there in your play list. A fresh sounding group that deserves your attention. Will be checking this band out a lot more in the future.

Now the group that the crowd was there for. The Masters of Reality.

Formed in the early 80’s, hailing from America. A mix of hard rock, stoner rock and blues rock. A style for all. Over six studio albums to their name and may fans around the world, this tour for the Uk decided to kick off here in Southampton, before heading over to Manchester and Edinburgh on later dates.

The frontman, Chris Goss who has remained the only consistent band member, started of nice and slow. Building up and working the crowd. Different members throughout the years have joined this group and they have had a great fair share of excellent talent. From Ginger baker (Cream Drummer), Josh Homme (Queens of the stone age), Mark Lanegan (Screaming Trees) amongst many others. The band that appeared for tonight’s show, showcased the current line up and each was in a great fine form.

So after a chilled start to the evening, then after a few songs in, the crowd really got going during John Brown. A heavy bluesy tune. Showing songs from the new album, The Archer. The crowd was wowed with several new tunes. Songs like Tap n Go. Sugar. Back to you, amongst other old hits. Each one different in styles and sounds. Showing off the vocal talents of Chris and the instrument talent from the rest of the group.

I must admit I was in awe of Chris Goss. A man of his age and talent behind the Guitar looked so at ease being up there on stage. A fine guitar player and his vocals was on point. Sat down throughout the evening, age and health has not stopped Chris giving his all. Mentioning his back troubles tonight has not stopped him doing what he clearly wants to do. Even the crowd begged him to never stop. There were several times the crowd and Chris interacted with each other and Chris definitely was in fine form tonight and as I said, it showed throughout his stage presence, vocals and guitar skills.

The other 2025 band and tour members of John Leamy, Paul Powell and Alain Johannes also really made the evening a great place to be tonight. The stage setup had a warm feeling and chilled. I don’t think anyone cared that they may have had to be up for work the next day. Me included. Everyone was lost and mesmerised in the sounds that was coming from that stage, including me. A new fan of this band, of these bands that was on tonight.

But I do feel regret that I have not heard of them before now. But I am now glad I have watched this band live. Coming away from the gig has made me want to research past albums and get to know this group better. I also hopefully, will get to a new show by the Masters of Reality next time they appear in the UK for a new tour.