Sophie Lloyd takes over KK’s Steel Mill

Words and Photos by Dave Martin/Faversham Photography

The lighting started flashing and thunder sounds echoed through the PA system as the intro to Thunderstruck hit and Sophie Lloyd entered the stage. Gone was the Top Gun theme used as an intro on Sophie’s previous tour now replaced with her rendition of the iconic AC/DC masterpiece that was well received by the crowd.

At the end of the song Sophie introduced long term friend and collaborator Marisa Rodrigez to the stage. The chemistry between the two is clear from the start. Standing back-to-back the pair blazed through the verse of “Do or Die” before separating for the chorus. Sophie moved front and centre for the solo before Marisa’s vocals come back in. Marisa then left the stage and the band performed “Bulletproof Revolver” and “After Insanity” from Sophie’s 2018 EP Delusions. Throughout the songs Sophie pulled her now iconic poses and showed her wizardry with the fretboard. Sophie then welcomes Marisa back to the stage for “Hanging On”. From my position in the pit the fans could be seen singing along to every word. There were familiar faces in the crowd from previous shows showing the band’s growing fan base. For the breakdown guitarist Christian Rivers and Sophie lean on each back-to-back while playing. The song transitioned seamlessly into “Won’t you Come” emphasised with Marisa’s heavy vocals before Sophie took centre stage for the solo, played while standing over Marisa who was laying on the stage. Marisa called out “Scream for me KK” and the fans dutifully obliged.

Marisa addressed the crowd, “We are going to need your help will this next one” and support act Bex took to the stage arms full of inflatable guitars and threw them into the crowd. The audience clapped along and sang “Runaway” along with the band. Bassist Iman and Sophie stand side by side as the song comes to and end to rapturous applause. Sophie address the crowd as Marisa departs the stage and plays the iconic intro to Bon Jovi’s “You Give Love a Bad Name” adding her trademark shredding to the rock classic.  

After a quick guitar change and a pounding intro from Chirs Painter on the drums the band launched into “Let it Hurt” followed by “Avalanche” where Sophie was clearly enjoying herself mouthing the words before Christian let rip with the solo as Iman, Marisa and Sophie all lined up Iron Maiden style in the background. The track finishing with the band headbanging along. “Are you guys ready to get heavier” Marisa asks before playing “Fall of Man” originally sang by Trivium’s Matt Heafy. Iman and Christian are simultaneously seen putting their feet on the drum riser at the rear of the stage interacting with drummer Chris demonstrating the bands harmony.

Marisa again leaves the stage as the band play the vocal less   track “Zombie Dance” which Sophie explains is her mum’s favourite before saying hello to her mum who is watching the show live at home. Sophie asks everyone to say hi to her mum and many do.

Sophie explains that the next song really inspired her growing up before launching into Iron Maiden classic The Trooper, with Christian and Sophie doing a fantastic impersonation of Adrian Smith and Dave Murray underpinned by Iman’s galloping bass.

As the song climaxes Chris can be seen replicating the we are not worthy sketch from Wayne’s world to his wife, showing his adoration of her talent.

Rejoining the band, Marisa starts to sing “Pressure” as fans can be seen jumping and pumping their fists at the barrier. In a moment of admiration Marisa asks the crowd “How good is my best friend” before hugging Sophie.

After “Judge and Jury” takes centre stage for “Sophie’s Solo” as Chris waves his hands for acknowledgement for Sophie. The guitar virtuoso plays by herself for an Eruption inspired solo before segwaying into Metallica’s “Enter Sandman”. Chris’ drums shake the room before the band move into the main riff and Sophie plays a guitar version of the vocal melody. Sophie takes to the mic for the sermon as she leads the crowd through it. Next up was Delusions the first song that Sophie wrote changing the tone from thrash metal to something slower melodic. Sophie explains that when she wrote the song that she had Imposter Syndrome and that why she named her first album after the way she felt. She thanks the crowd explaining that they have helped her to overcome it and can now play in front of stadia. Marisa rejoins and addresses the crowd “Put your hands up, everybody. Are you ready? Let’s go” before starting to sing “Imposter Syndrome”.

Sophie introduces and thanks the band members as they all play small solos in acknowledgement before playing penultimate track “Battleground” before transitioning to Bon Jovi’s “Living on  a Prayer” the song Sophie played to a packed Twikenham crowd at the Women’s Rugby World Cup Final. The audience provided the vocals and Sophie provided the shredding as confetti rained down at the end of the show.

This was my sixth time seeing Sophie and the band play live and they have gone from strength to strength. The difference from her first solo show at the Camden Underworld is evident with confidence oozing from the band members. The group are destined for stardom, and I can’t wait for the next tour.

Setlist:

1. Thunderstruck, 2. Do Or Die, 3. Bulletproof Revolver, 4. After Insanity, 5. Hanging On, 6. Won’t You Come, 7. Runaway, 8. You Give Love a Bad Name, 9. Let it Hurt, 10. Avalanche, 11. Fall of Man, 12. Zombie Dance, 13. The Trooper, 14. Pressure, 15. Judge and Jury, 16. Sophie Solo, 17. Enter Sandman, 18. Delusions, 19. Imposter Syndrome, 20. Battle Ground, 21. Living on a Prayer