VENUE – Jacaranda, Liverpool
DATE – 6th July 2026
Words and Pictures – Graeme Wright
One of the marketing tools for new music that has really taken off over the last couple of years is the album release gig. The entry fee includes the CD or vinyl of a bands new release, and the show is either a full electric show, or more often than not an acoustic set. They tend to last about an hour and finish with a pretty chilled meet and greet with the band chatting and signing your merchandise. The Jacaranda sites in Liverpool are two of the countries go-to establishments for album launches, and with that in mind I was looking forward to seeing the White Skies set tonight in support of their new album, ‘Shouting At The Hurricane’. There are three band members with us tonight, all of whom have a rich tradition in the music business over a number of decades. Singer Mick White supported Iron Maiden on the ‘Somewhere In Time’ tour when he sang for Paul Samson’s Empire, and you can trust me when I tell you he still has one of the finest set of pipes in the business. The acoustic versions of these songs tonight sound excellent, and Micks’ voice is flawless throughout.
Guitarist Ray Callcutt prowls the stage area with a big grin on his face, and his playing is exemplary this evening. Drummer Daz Lamberton makes everything seem easy, and these three guys put on a heck of a show tonight. First song up is the opener from the new album ‘If This Is It (Get Ready)’ and it’s an immediate and catchy heavy AOR cut that sounds fantastic both on album and in tonight’s acoustic version. It’s probably my favourite song on the record and it’s apparent from the banter between these guys that there is a genuine camaraderie between the three members who are with us tonight. ‘Money To Burn’ is next and it’s a strident and confident rocker, while ’Midnight Rendezvous’ from the bands first album has people singing along and it’s clearly a crowd favourite.
‘I Can’t Make This Alone’ is a huge arena style slower paced anthem that goes down a treat with tonight’s audience, while ‘So Sweet’ is a sweaty Bluesy beast of a track that has people rocking and grooving with appreciation. The penultimate song this evening is ’88 Crash’ which is down and dirty, with more than a touch of prime Whitesnake about it. The set closes out with ‘What Do You Know About Love’ from the first record and it’s clear from the bands dialogue that this song means a lot to everyone involved tonight. After the show, as always, I have a relaxed chat with the band, who are all the nicest people you could possibly meet. I look forward to seeing the full band with an electric set at next years Dementia Fest in Cannock, and I hope they have every success they deserve both with the new record and the rest of the dates on this tour. Track them down if you get the chance, trust me you won’t be disappointed.
Setlist
1. If This Is It (Get Ready)
2. Money To Burn
3. Midnight Rendezvous
4. I Can’t Make This Alone
5. So Sweet
6. 88 Crash
7. What Do You Know About Love
Band Members
Mick White – Vocals
Ray Callcutt – Guitar
Daz Lamberton – Drums
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