Live Review: Spear of Destiny at The Craufurd Arms, Milton Keynes – Still Fierce, Still Vital, After 40 Years

Review and Images by Gary Osbourne

The Craufurd Arms in Milton Keynes was bursting at the seams as Spear of Destiny rolled into town on their Janus tour. With close to 300 tightly packed fans crammed into the venue, the atmosphere was electric from the moment the band took the stage—no photo pit, no elbow room, just pure, unfiltered anticipation. And when the lights went down and the band launched straight into their set, the roar from the crowd confirmed one thing: this night was going to be special.

Frontman Kirk Brandon, now 68, showed no signs of slowing down. His vocals were crisp, impassioned, and pitch-perfect, leading the charge with the same fire that’s carried the band across four decades. Backed by a powerhouse four-piece band—three guitars, keys, and drums—the sound was as tight as it comes. Every track, whether new or old, was delivered with a level of confidence and class that only years of experience can bring.

The set was a blend of classic material and fresh tracks from the new album Janus, which the tour was named after. Brandon took a moment mid-set to address the crowd, explaining the mix of old and new, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. While crowd-favourite “Never Take Me Alive” surprisingly didn’t make the setlist, the very mention of it drew a massive cheer, underlining its iconic place in the band’s legacy.

What stood out most was the energy—both onstage and off. The band played non-stop for over an hour, barely pausing for breath, and the audience matched them step for step. The musicianship was stellar, with each member locking in perfectly, delivering song after song with precision and passion. The chemistry was undeniable, and the performance polished yet raw in all the right ways.

After a short break—during which chants for “more!” rang out across the venue—Spear of Destiny returned for an encore packed with classics. By this point, the room was bouncing. Fans were singing, dancing, and soaking in every note. Kirk returned to the mic one final time for a heartfelt thank you, reminding everyone just how important their support is for keeping music alive. It was a sincere, touching moment in a night full of high points.

And the verdict? This wasn’t just a nostalgia gig—it was a band still very much in their prime, still creating, still pushing forward. Kirk Brandon is one of British rock’s true stalwarts, and Janus proves that his creative fire is far from burnt out. The fact that many, myself included, headed to the merch stand afterwards to pick up the new double vinyl says it all.

Verdict: A triumphant, tight, and emotional performance from a band that continues to prove their relevance and brilliance, 40 years on.