Edinburgh, Liquid Room – September 6, 2025
Review and photos by Scott Anderson
Some bands are simply built for the long run. FM, the melodic rock giants formed in 1984 by the Overland brothers, proved once again why they remain one of the UK’s most enduring acts as their “Brotherhood” UK tour rolled into Edinburgh’s Liquid Room. Celebrating more than 40 years together, FM delivered a masterclass in polished, hook-filled rock that had the packed Scottish crowd singing, clapping, and roaring along from start to finish.
The Liquid Room, with its electric atmosphere, provided the perfect backdrop for the night. The venue’s low ceilings and historic walls shook with the weight of anticipation as fans—many of whom had followed the band since their glory days of the mid-80s—crammed in shoulder to shoulder. Special guests Brave Rival had already warmed the crowd with their soulful blues-rock, but when the lights dimmed and FM took the stage, the night shifted into another gear.
Opening with “Synchronized”, the band wasted no time in reminding everyone of their impeccable musicianship and Steve Overland’s instantly recognizable voice. Smooth, powerful, and drenched in emotion, his vocals cut through the mix with ease, sounding as strong as they did four decades ago.
From there, it was a ride through FM’s vast back catalogue. “I Belong to the Night” and “Turn This Car Around” lit the fire early on, before the crowd erupted for “Someday (You’ll Come Running)”—one of those songs that feels timeless, bridging the band’s early years with their still-vibrant present.
By the time “Living on the Run” and “Let Love Be the Leader” hit, the audience were fully engaged, fists raised and voices soaring. The Liquid Room pulsed with energy, proving that FM’s brand of melodic rock still connects across generations.
What makes FM so captivating live is the undeniable chemistry between the band members. Overland commands the stage with a warm, engaging presence, but every member has their moment to shine. Merv Goldsworthy’s bass lines anchored the groove, Pete Jupp’s drumming was tight and precise, and Jem Davis’ keyboards added lush layers to the sound, painting that signature FM gloss.
Then there’s Jim Kirkpatrick, whose guitar work lit up the venue. His solos—particularly during “Black Water” and “Burning My Heart Down”—were a reminder of why he’s considered one of the UK’s most underrated guitarists. The interplay between guitar and keyboards during “Dangerous” was pure magic, pulling the crowd deep into FM’s melodic world.
As the night rolled on, FM balanced newer material with old fan favourites. “Does It Feel Like Love” and “Incredible” showcased their ability to write fresh, arena-worthy anthems even this deep into their career. The crowd responded with equal enthusiasm to the classics, though—“That Girl”, “Bad Luck”, and “Tough It Out” had the Liquid Room bouncing like it was 1989 all over again.
One of the most poignant moments came with “Killed by Love”, where Overland’s voice carried the emotion of every lyric, holding the room spellbound. It was proof of FM’s ability not just to rock, but to truly connect.
After leaving the stage to rapturous applause, FM returned for a two-song encore. “Just Walk Away” provided a soaring, emotional punch, before the band closed with “Heart of the Matter”. It was a perfect choice—anthemic, heartfelt, and the kind of track that lingers long after the lights come up.
The cheers that followed were deafening, a genuine outpouring of love and respect for a band that has stayed true to their craft for over four decades
The theme of this tour—Brotherhood—couldn’t have been more fitting. From the bond between the band members to the sense of community among the fans, the night felt like more than just a concert. It was a celebration of resilience, longevity, and the unbreakable spirit of rock music.
FM’s journey from a chance meeting in a Notting Hill pub in 1984 to the present day has been nothing short of remarkable. Their one-off comeback at Firefest in 2007 could have been the end, but instead it sparked a second life that has seen them release acclaimed albums, tour the world, and now, enter their fifth decade stronger than ever
In a world where trends come and go, FM remain steadfast—champions of melodic rock with a catalogue as strong as their live performances. Edinburgh’s Liquid Room bore witness to that on September 6th, as FM delivered a set filled with passion, precision, and pure joy.
For the fans in attendance, it wasn’t just a gig—it was a reminder of why they fell in love with rock music in the first place. And for FM, it was proof that even after 40 years, the fire still burns bright.
FM are not just survivors. They are masters. And on this night in Edinburgh, they proved it once again.
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