Support – Copperhead
Where – Trillions, Newcastle
When – 31st October 2025
Review by Linda McDermott
Trillions is one of those great venues that consistently delivers top-notch grassroots talent on its small but perfectly formed stage. Hidden away in the heart of the city, this cellar bar has long been on the radar of touring bands making their way up and down the UK. It’s a place that feels alive every night of the week, packed with energy, great people, and music that spans every corner of the rock scene, from metal and punk to hardcore and glam. I always love coming here; there’s just something about Trillions and live music. Not only that, but a lot of the gigs have free entry, including this one!
With it being Halloween, Trillions was packed with all sorts of creatures and characters. There were the living dead, clowns and skeletons, and everything else fiendishly ghoulish, with the place being a mix of the weird and wonderful. The bar staff had gone all out too, adding to the fun and helping create a great atmosphere before the bands even hit the stage.
Copperhead got the night off to a strong start, warming up the room with a lively set of rock classics from the likes of Bon Jovi, Nirvana, Foo Fighters, AC/DC, and The Cult. Their mix of crowd-pleasers had everyone singing along and set the tone perfectly for the rest of the night. By the end of their set, the atmosphere in Trillions was alive with energy and the perfect build-up for Absolva.
Absolva took to the stage in true Halloween spirit, dressed up as a scary cholesterol inducing fried egg, a murderous pirate, a dangerous whoopee cushion and, depending on how you saw it, a nervous Newcastle United fan or a haunted Beetlejuice!
Absolva are:
Chris Appleton – Lead Vocals/guitar
Luke Appleton – Bass guitar/vocals
Tom Atkinson – Guitar/vocals
Martin McNee – Drums
They delivered power and precision from the off, with plenty of standout moments across a set built on melodic harmonies and massive riffs. Kicking off with Freedom & Glory and Thrill Of The Chase, from the new album. They were quickly followed by
the songs Atlas and Find My Destiny giving those new to the band an insight into what they are made of.
Then there was Side by Side that came with its message of unity with Chris telling everyone to “ignore all the shit outside and be friends with everyone next to them,” it was a message received with a big cheer. The title track from their latest album, Justice, kicked in hard, with Fire in the Sky (Title track from the 2022 album) hit just as strongly. Against the Odds of Time began at a slower pace before building into that same punch the band are known for. Never Back Down carried their trademark attitude, driving home the idea of living life on your own terms, something we should all be doing in these times.
The “hey, hey, hey” chants came and went throughout the set, with the band urging everyone to move closer, cross that invisible line at the front, and get properly involved. A brilliant moment came when Tony, a long-time supporter who’d asked the band to play Trillions, was invited on stage so the crowd could sing “Happy Birthday” to him, a small but fitting thank-you for his support.
With original guitarist Tom Atkinson back in the fold, he, and Chris put on a guitar masterclass, trading and collaborating on riffs and showing off their chemistry centre stage. It wasn’t just the frontmen stealing the spotlight though, every member of Absolva played their part in making the night what it was. Luke delivered on bass, including a fantastic solo that showed just how vital that rhythm is to their sound, while Martin was a powerhouse behind the drums, driving every song forward. Together, they kept that tight, relentless energy from start to finish.
All in all, it was a night that showcased everything great about live rock and metal, a packed venue, a lively Halloween atmosphere, a great support set, and a headline band firing on all cylinders. Trillions proved once again why it’s a favourite stop for touring acts, and Absolva reminded everyone why they’ve earned their reputation as one of the hardest-working and most entertaining bands on the UK scene.
Remaining Tour Dates
11th Dec – B2, Norwich
12th Dec – Queens Hall, Nuneaton
13th Dec – The Croft, Bristol
14th Dec – Cart & Horses, London
20th Dec – Club Academy, Manchester
Videos
Atlas https://youtu.be/ps7sTLdoAwI?si=dCwta3e4cMFw0XYW
Find My Identity https://youtu.be/N2xjiEb41cQ?si=itOzRRtl4ufWQpnn
Socials
Webpage www.absolva.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/absolva
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/absolva
Check out who’s playing at Trillions: https://trilliansnewcastle.co.uk
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