Review by Alastair and Kirsty Middlemist
As the first support act for the evening, James Bruner and his band delivered a surprisingly polished and energetic performance that set the tone for the night. Playing a concise six-song set, they showcased a confident grasp of modern rock with strong melodies, crisp musicianship, and a sense of stagecraft that belied their slot as openers. Each track felt thoughtfully constructed, blending classic rock influences with a contemporary edge that held the audience’s attention throughout.
The band’s frontman was particularly hard to ignore. With a flamboyant stage presence and an easy charisma, he commanded the space with flair and confidence. Visually and stylistically, he seemed to channel a blend of Justin Hawkins and Mick Jagger — somewhere between Hawkins’ flamboyant showmanship and Jagger’s iconic swagger. There were flashes of Hawkins’ guitar dexterity in his playing, and moments of Jagger-like movement as he strutted and staggered across the stage, keeping the crowd engaged.
While he doesn’t yet fully embody the complete persona of either of those legendary figures — lacking perhaps the polish and effortless control that comes with years of front-line experience — there’s no question that Bruner has something special. His natural enthusiasm and willingness to throw himself into the performance gave the set an infectious energy.
Overall, James Bruner’s set was a strong and memorable opening act. The band’s tight musicianship, coupled with their frontman’s confident showmanship, left the audience both entertained and curious to hear more. With a little refinement and continued stage time, they could easily evolve from a solid support act into headliners in their own right.
There’s often an unspoken rule at gigs: the second support act tends to be stylistically worlds apart from the main attraction. That pattern certainly held true at Shepherd’s Bush Empire, where Autumn Kings took to the stage ahead of Those Damn Crows. Hailing from the United States, the band delivered a sound rooted firmly in heavy rock and rap-metal — a sharp contrast to the soulful, melodic hard rock of the headliners.
From the moment they launched into their set, Autumn Kings made it clear that subtlety wasn’t part of their vocabulary. Their performance was loud, fast, and relentlessly high-energy, filled with driving riffs, pounding drums, and rapid-fire vocal exchanges that blended aggression with groove. Technically, they were tight and professional, and it was easy to appreciate their enthusiasm and commitment to their craft. The lead vocalist worked hard to engage the crowd, pacing the stage with confidence and rallying the front rows with repeated calls to participation.
However, stylistically, their sound didn’t quite resonate with much of the audience. The mix of rap and metal — though clearly executed with passion — felt out of step with the mood of the evening. While some fans closer to the stage seemed to enjoy the change of pace, others appeared less convinced, with a noticeable drift toward the bar during the set.
That said, Autumn Kings left a strong impression through their sheer energy and conviction. They may not have been everyone’s cup of tea, but their performance showed professionalism and a clear belief in what they do. For fans of the rap-metal genre, their set would have been a highlight; for others, it was an interesting, if somewhat jarring, detour before the main event.
On a packed Friday night at London’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire, Welsh rockers Those Damn Crows proved once again why they’re one of the UK’s most exciting live bands. Touring in support of their latest album God Shaped Hole, the Bridgend five-piece delivered a 90-minute masterclass in modern hard rock, blending powerhouse musicianship, heartfelt emotion, and genuine connection with their fans.
After a brief false start — lead singer Shane Greenhall laughingly explaining that drummer Ronnie Huxford was “just too f***ing good” — the band roared into life with the electrifying opener “Dancing with the Enemy.” The lighting and visuals immediately set the tone for the evening: dramatic strobes and swirling beams that perfectly matched the energy of the music. From the first riff, it was clear that this was going to be something special.
The Crows were as tight as Lloyd Wood’s trademark leather trousers, each member locked in with precision and passion. Ian “Shiner” Thomas’s lead guitar work was blistering, while David Winchurch’s rhythm parts added both grit and melody. Wood’s bass thundered through the venue, underpinning everything with a deep, satisfying rumble, and Ronnie’s drumming – energetic, relentless, and razor-sharp – drove every track forward with ferocious intensity.
The setlist perfectly balanced fan favourites with fresh material from God Shaped Hole. Classics like “Man on Fire,” “Who Did It,” “In the Blink of an Eye,” and “Sin on Skin” sent the crowd into raptures, while new songs such as “Dancing with the Enemy,” “Glass Heart,” and “Dreaming” showed just how far the band has come in both songwriting and ambition. Each track felt huge, anthemic, and crafted for the big stage.
Frontman Shane Greenhall remains the beating heart of the band. Charismatic, passionate, and utterly engaging, he has that rare ability to hold an audience in the palm of his hand. Whether belting out soaring choruses, hammering the piano keys, or strumming an acoustic guitar, his performance was full of raw emotion and authenticity. His voice – powerful yet nuanced – carried effortlessly across the venue, drawing in both diehard fans and newcomers alike.
The show’s production was another highlight. The lighting and sound design were among the best seen this year – dramatic without being overblown, enhancing the music rather than overshadowing it. Every crash, riff, and vocal soared through the mix, filling the iconic venue with pure rock energy.
What made the night truly memorable, though, was the band’s connection with their fans. Among the crowd were plenty of long-time followers, but also a surprising number of young faces – a testament to the Crows’ growing appeal. At one quiet moment between songs, two young fans on the balcony shouted their love for Shane. The frontman was visibly moved, momentarily struggling to compose himself before returning the gesture in spectacular fashion later in the set – by appearing on the balcony beside them mid-song. The look on their faces said it all; moments like that can make a fan for life.
As the final notes rang out and the lights dimmed, it was clear that Those Damn Crows had once again outdone themselves. Their blend of heartfelt lyrics, powerhouse vocals, and unrelenting energy turned Shepherd’s Bush Empire into a celebration of everything great about British rock music.
For a band that continues to rise with every album and tour, this performance felt like another giant leap forward. Those Damn Crows didn’t just play a gig – they created an experience, one that left the crowd buzzing long after the final chord faded.
In short: an unforgettable night of passion, power, and pure rock ‘n’ roll.
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