Review By Paul McWilliams
Gullivers, Manchester – May 27, 2025
Some nights you walk into a venue and know you’re in for something a little different—something electric, intimate, and joyfully unexpected. That’s exactly what happened on May 27th at Gullivers in Manchester, when Jenny Don’t and The Spurs took the stage and delivered a barn-burning set that reminded everyone in attendance why live music will never die.
Set within the character-soaked walls of Gullivers—one of the city’s most beloved grassroots venues—this was a gig that didn’t just deliver, it galvanised. Jenny Don’t and The Spurs aren’t your typical country band. Sure, they wear their Western roots proudly on their sleeves, but their sound is spiked with raw punk energy, twang-drenched cowpunk attitude, and an unshakable sense of fun. Think Patsy Cline raised on The Cramps and you’d be somewhere in the ballpark.
From the moment the band struck the first chord, the room belonged to them.
A Riotous Introduction: When Country Went Wild
Jenny Don’t wasted no time. With her sharp vocals, slick stage presence, and effortless charisma, she commanded the room from the first note. Her voice has that rare quality—a blend of heartache and horsepower—that can transport you straight into a desert dive bar, even while you’re stood on a Manchester high street in the rain. The opener hit like a galloping stallion, and from that moment, the energy never let up.
The band’s set drew heavily from their latest album (a must-listen for anyone craving twang with teeth), and it was clear the audience was already familiar. Every track was met with cheers, head-nodding, and enthusiastic two-stepping at the front. But they also dipped into older cuts, delivering fan favourites that had the crowd howling and hollering with delight.
Cowboys of Craft: The Spurs in Full Flight
Behind Jenny, The Spurs were a well-oiled machine that brought style, substance, and swagger.
Christopher’s guitar work was nothing short of sublime. His fingers danced along the fretboard with the kind of fluid grace that comes from equal parts practice and passion. Whether he was dropping surfy riffs, sizzling solos, or classic country licks, he made every note count. He’s not a show-off—he’s a craftsman, and his tone filled the room with warmth and wildfire.
Kelly Halliburton on bass had the look of a rock star, and his playing matched it perfectly. His presence on stage was calm yet commanding, locking in tight with Buddy Weeks on drums to create a rhythm section that never missed a beat. The groove was undeniable—solid, punchy, and the perfect foundation for Jenny’s vocals and Christopher’s guitar. Watching Kelly and Buddy work in tandem was like watching two old friends finishing each other’s sentences in perfect musical rhythm.
And then there’s Buddy. A powerhouse behind the kit, he drove the set forward with energy and precision. His drumming was dynamic—able to shuffle and swing one moment and lay down a driving, punk-influenced beat the next. He’s not just a drummer; he’s the engine of the Spurs, and the engine was firing on all cylinders.
Gullivers: The Perfect Hideout for a Wild Ride
Let’s take a moment to talk about the venue. Gullivers in Manchester is one of those places that oozes charm. With its worn wood, dim lighting, and no-nonsense bar staff, it’s a venue made for real music lovers. There’s nowhere to hide here, and that’s what makes gigs like this so thrilling. You’re right there with the band, inches away, sweating and singing along. There’s no stage barrier—just the music and the moment.
The intimacy of Gullivers amplified everything. Jenny Don’t and The Spurs weren’t performing at the crowd—they were with them. The atmosphere was infectious, like a private party that you were lucky enough to be invited to.
Standout Moments and Crowd Connection
Midway through the set, the band slowed things down for a song that showcased Jenny’s more tender, storytelling side. The crowd fell silent—a pin-drop moment where the lyrics cut through the noise and the emotion hung heavy in the air. That’s the magic of a band like this: they can go from high-octane boot-stomper to heartstring-puller in the blink of an eye and still sound utterly authentic.
But this wasn’t a night for too many tears. Jenny brought the sass right back with the next track, and soon everyone was dancing again. Even those too shy to cut loose couldn’t resist the toe-tapping pulse that filled the room. As the night wore on, the band only seemed to get tighter, louder, and more confident. Each song was met with louder applause, bigger smiles, and more movement in the crowd.
A Final Fling and a Night to Remember
The set ended, naturally, with a bang. A high-energy number that tied all their influences together—rockabilly riffs, country twang, and that unmistakable punk edge. The crowd cheered for more, and the band didn’t disappoint, returning for a short encore that sealed the night with a smile and a stomp.
Jenny thanked the crowd with genuine warmth, making it clear how much it meant to be touring again in the UK. And judging by the buzz in the room, Manchester loved every second of it.
Final Thoughts: More Than a Gig—An Experience
Jenny Don’t and The Spurs aren’t just fun. They’re seriously good. They’ve taken a genre that can sometimes feel niche or nostalgic and made it feel fresh, urgent, and completely alive. Their blend of traditional country roots with punk grit and rock & roll flair isn’t just a gimmick—it’s a sound they’ve honed, owned, and made thrillingly their own.
And Gullivers was the perfect backdrop for this wild ride. A gig like this reminds you why small venues matter—why sweating shoulder to shoulder with strangers, watching a band play their hearts out a few feet away, is still one of the best experiences you can have.
If you missed Jenny Don’t and The Spurs this time, make it your mission to catch them next time they hit the UK. You’ll laugh, you’ll dance, you might even cry—but you definitely won’t forget it.
Hats off, Spurs. Manchester loves you. Come back soon.
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