O2 Academy Oxford | 8 October 2026
Opening for Robert Jon & The Wreck
Review & photos By Ali Burman
Opening for an established American rock outfit like Robert Jon & The Wreck is no small undertaking, but Derbyshire’s These Wicked Rivers proved more than capable of rising to the occasion. Taking to the stage at Oxford’s O2 Academy on 8 October, the five-piece delivered a six-song set packed with blues-rock grit, exceptional musicianship and commanding performances that left a lasting impression.
With their sound rooted in blues but carrying a heavier, contemporary edge, These Wicked Rivers combine classic rock influences with a distinctive identity of their own. Their music has weight, character and authenticity, making them a natural fit for a night headlined by California’s celebrated Southern rockers.
Opening with ‘Black Gold’, the band immediately established their credentials. Powerful riffs and a driving rhythm set the tone for a performance that showcased everything appealing about their blues-infused rock. There was no unnecessary fuss, just a band confident in its material and ready to make its mark.
‘Ain’t No Smoke’ maintained the momentum, demonstrating the band’s ability to combine groove, grit and melody. These Wicked Rivers understand that great blues rock requires more than volume; it needs dynamics, feel and musicianship. Their five-piece lineup delivered all three, creating a full-bodied sound that suited the venue perfectly.
One band member who particularly stood out was guitarist Arron Day, whose playing was nothing short of exceptional. Combining technical precision with genuine blues feeling, he delivered solos that were among the evening’s highlights. His playing had both fire and finesse, demonstrating that the best guitar work is not simply about speed or complexity, but about expression, timing and knowing exactly when to let the music breathe.
Day’s solos were delivered with confidence and flair, adding colour and intensity to the songs without ever feeling excessive. Each contribution served the music while showcasing his considerable ability. For guitar enthusiasts, his performance was a real treat, and his playing left a lasting impression long after the final notes faded.
Frontman John Hartwell was equally impressive, proving himself a commanding presence throughout the set. He worked the audience perfectly, engaging the crowd with the confidence of a seasoned headliner while keeping the focus firmly on the music. His connection with the audience gave the performance an extra dimension, making the room feel involved rather than simply observing.
Hartwell’s vocals were genuinely world-class. His voice possesses the grit, power and character that blues-driven rock demands, balanced by the control and expression needed to bring emotional depth to the songs. Whether powering through heavier passages or delivering more melodic moments, he demonstrated exactly why he is such an important part of the band’s identity. Combined with his natural stage presence, it was a standout performance.
‘Love To Love’ offered another glimpse of the band’s versatility, balancing heavier rock elements with strong melodies. Hartwell’s vocals and Day’s expressive guitar work complemented each other beautifully, highlighting the combination of songwriting and individual talent at the heart of These Wicked Rivers.
With ‘Brother Oh Brother’, the band continued to showcase its distinctive blend of blues and heavier rock. Their influences are recognisable, but the result feels unmistakably their own: earthy, powerful and occasionally brooding.
‘Horse To Water’ provided another opportunity to appreciate the chemistry between the five musicians. The interplay between the instruments gave the performance depth, while Day’s guitar work added further flashes of brilliance and Hartwell maintained his grip on the audience.
Closing with the anthemic ‘Don’t Pray For Me’, the band delivered a fitting finale to a concise but convincing set. Six songs may seem brief, but the selection provided an excellent introduction to the band’s sound and left a strong impression ahead of the headline performance.
The pairing with Robert Jon & The Wreck made perfect sense. Both bands share a passion for blues-driven rock, powerful guitars and authentic songwriting, yet These Wicked Rivers bring their own darker, heavier British flavour to the genre. They were never simply filling time before the headliners; they were making a convincing case for themselves.
Ultimately, this was a performance that demonstrated just how much the British blues-rock scene has to offer. With Arron Day’s outstanding guitar playing and memorable solos, alongside John Hartwell’s world-class vocals and superb audience engagement, These Wicked Rivers delivered far more than a routine support set.
A superb performance from a band with the talent and stage presence to headline larger stages in their own right. A first-class set from a band going from strength to strength.
Final Verdict: 9.8/10
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