Review By Mark Pitfield Images By Mathew Pitfield
On Saturday night, May 17th, the Sheffield Corporation was shaken to its core by a heavy dose of no-holds-barred American rock ‘n’ roll as Kickin Valentina brought their explosive Star Spangled Fist Fight tour to the Steel City. With a reputation for high-octane performances and a catalogue full of anthemic tracks, this gig promised volume, attitude, and a damn good time—and it delivered in spades.
Sisters Doll – Opening Fire with Aussie Flair
Kicking off the night in style were Sisters Doll, a four-piece glam-infused rock outfit hailing from Western Australia. Despite being a long way from home, the band was met with a warm welcome from the Sheffield crowd, and it was clear from the get-go that word of their reputation had preceded them. Social media had been buzzing with praise in the run-up to the show, and within minutes of their set, it was obvious why.
With their latest album Scars recently released, Sisters Doll had a fresh arsenal of tracks at their disposal. Their 30-minute set was an electrifying burst of tight musicianship, catchy choruses, and showmanship that brought to mind the classic era of arena rock—but with a fresh, youthful edge. They didn’t just warm up the crowd—they lit the fuse.
The band’s energy and stage presence made them the perfect choice to support Kickin Valentina. As they closed out their set to enthusiastic applause, it was clear they’d won over a whole new legion of UK fans. After wrapping up this leg of the tour with KV, the band is set to play more UK dates, including an appearance at Call of the Wild Festival at Lincolnshire Showground at the end of May—one not to miss.
Kickin Valentina – A Masterclass in Rock ‘n’ Roll Swagger
Then came the main event. With over 12 years under their belts, Kickin Valentina have carved out their name as purveyors of raw, unapologetic rock ‘n’ roll. Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, the band returned to the UK to reaffirm their standing as one of the most thrilling live rock acts on the circuit.
Taking to the stage like seasoned pros, the band launched into the night with Freak Show, instantly igniting the room and setting the pace for what was to be a blistering set. Lead vocalist D.K. Revelle, a powerhouse of charisma and vocal prowess, owned every inch of the stage. With every shout, growl, and swaggering movement, he pulled the crowd in and kept them locked there all night.
Flanking him were the ever-consistent and locked-in trio of Heber Pampillon (guitar), Chris Taylor (bass), and Jimmy Berdine (drums), each bringing a tight, aggressive energy that gelled into a cohesive sonic juggernaut. The chemistry between the members was electric—they weren’t just performing; they were having the time of their lives and taking the audience along for the ride.
A Setlist That Hit Like a Freight Train
The setlist was a solid showcase of the band’s evolution, combining fan favourites with new material from the Star Spangled Fist Fight album. Highlights included:
- Dirty Rhythm – a sleazy, riff-heavy beast that had heads nodding and fists pumping.
- Man on a Mission – a mission they were clearly on, judging by the crowd’s wild reaction.
- Amsterdam – a standout track, groovy and infectious.
- Turn Me Loose and Taken a Ride – both unapologetically loud and fun.
- Fire Back – igniting the venue with its furious energy.
- Ride or Die – a perfect summation of the band’s all-or-nothing attitude.
- The Gotaways – a deeper cut from Raw Trax, B-Sides & Bootlegs that brought a raw, gritty edge to the night.
Each song felt like a celebration of rock music itself—loud, proud, and drenched in attitude. The audience was with them every step of the way, singing along, throwing horns in the air, and feeding off the energy from the stage.
Encore Mayhem and A Shared Stage
Just when it seemed the night couldn’t get any better, the encore brought a brilliant surprise. The band invited all four members of Sisters Doll back on stage for one final, high-octane jam session. It was chaos in the best possible sense—guitars blazing, smiles beaming, and a sense of camaraderie that was as genuine as it was entertaining.
A Night to Remember
As Kickin Valentina took their final bows, the room was buzzing. Faces glowed with sweat and satisfaction. Smiles stretched ear to ear. And while the show may have ended, the party was far from over, with many fans heading straight to the merch area for a chance to meet the band and keep the celebration going.
This wasn’t just another gig—it was a full-throttle rock ‘n’ roll experience that reminded everyone in that room why we fell in love with this genre in the first place. Kickin Valentina proved once again they’re more than just a band—they’re a rock ‘n’ roll institution, and with shows like this, their legend will only keep growing.
Catch them while you can—this tour still has plenty of fire left in the tank.
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