Reef – Replenish 30th Anniversary Tour Kicks Off at Rock City, Nottingham

Review and Images by Mark and Mathew Pitfield

On Thursday, 16th October 2025, Reef launched their highly anticipated 30th Anniversary Tour at the legendary Rock City in Nottingham, celebrating the release of their debut studio album, Replenish. It’s hard to believe that three and a half decades have passed since this record first hit the shelves, but as soon as the band stepped onto that stage, time seemed to fold in on itself.

I still remember the first time I heard Replenish back in the day on CD, the opening riff that demanded your attention and that unmistakable blend of raw energy and melodic grit. It’s an album I’ve returned to time and time again, a timeless masterpiece that refuses to age. Even now, it finds its way into my yearly rotation, with at least a dozen spins from start to finish, with no skipping or shuffling.

There’s something truly special about anniversary tours. They’re not just concerts; they’re celebrations of art and memory. Hearing an album performed in its entirety, exactly as the artist intended, is a rare treat in an age where playlists and algorithms dictate our listening habits. In a world dominated by TikTok trends and quick hits on Spotify, nights like this are a powerful reminder that albums were crafted experiences, not just collections of songs. Artists spent days, sometimes weeks, agonising over track order, mood, and flow. Replenish is a shining example of that artistry.

As the house lights dimmed and Reef took the stage to an almost sold-out Rock City, the energy in the room was electric. The band members exchanged knowing smiles, the crowd erupted, and the unmistakable opening notes of “Feed Me” filled the air. What followed was pure musical nostalgia. One by one, Reef delivered every track from Replenish with tight precision and joyful ferocity. For 45 glorious minutes, the audience was transported straight back to 1995, every riff, every chorus, every drumbeat landing with the weight of memory and meaning.

Rock City, as always, provided the perfect backdrop. The lighting was vibrant yet atmospheric, the sound punchy but crystal clear. For anyone unfamiliar with Replenish, it’s a perfect mix of alternative rock energy and soulful grooves that showcases a young band’s remarkable maturity in songwriting.

As the final notes of the album faded, the band took a brief pause — the end of Part One — before returning for a second set that spanned their entire career. I won’t spoil the surprises (you’ll need to catch a show to experience it yourself), but yes, “Place Your Hands” made its triumphant appearance, and it was every bit as euphoric as you’d hope. Beyond that, Reef dug deep into their catalogue, reminding everyone just how many gems they’ve given us over the years.

Frontman Gary Stringer’s voice remains a force of nature, soulful, powerful, and brimming with that unmistakable tone that helped define a decade of British rock. His connection with the audience was genuine and warm, and by the end of the night, Rock City felt less like a venue and more like a reunion of old friends.

This was just the first of thirteen dates on the tour, and if opening night is anything to go by, fans are in for something truly special. So, if Replenish ever soundtracked a moment in your youth (it did mine) or if you simply love live music played with passion and purpose, grab yourself a ticket. Go sing, dance, smile, and wave your hands in the air as Reef reminds us all why great albums and great bands stand the test of time.