Blues Firepower: The Zac Schulze Gang Ignite Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh Review by Darren McIntyre

There’s a growing buzz surrounding The Zac Schulze Gang, and after witnessing their explosive performance at The Queen’s Hall, it’s easy to understand why. The blues-rock trio from Gillingham in Southeast England has spent the last few years building a reputation as one of the UK’s hardest-working live acts. Formed in 2020, the band blend classic blues with rock attitude and threads of punk, funk, jazz, country, soul, and even metal. That melting pot of influences has helped shape a powerful and distinctive sound, one that has seen them share stages with artists such as Samantha Fish, Jesse Dayton, Eddie 9V, Nine Below Zero, Aynsley Lister, and The Cinelli Brothers.

With their 2023 EP Made Of Three and the blistering 2025 album Straight To It already turning heads, the band rolled into Edinburgh ready to prove that their reputation as a formidable live unit is more than justified. Judging by the electric atmosphere inside the venue as the lights dimmed, the packed crowd already sensed they were in for something special.

The trio — Zac Schulze (vocals/guitar), Anthony Greenwell (bass/backing vocals), and Ben Schulze (drums) — bounced onto the stage and wasted no time launching into “High Roller.” From the opening riff it was clear the night would be fast, loud, and utterly exhilarating. Zac stalked the stage with confidence, twisting into wild shapes while unleashing razor-sharp guitar lines. Behind him, Greenwell and Ben Schulze laid down a thunderous groove, the bass rumbling with deep funk while the drums cracked with sharp snare hits and explosive cymbal crashes. It was an immediate shot of adrenaline that had the audience locked in from the very first bars.

The energy barely dipped as the band tore into “Woman.” Driven by a pounding rhythm section, the track allowed Zac’s gravelly vocals to shine as he leaned into the microphone with gritty conviction. His guitar work was equally impressive—slick, expressive, and effortlessly fluid. Mid-song breaks saw him step to the edge of the stage to unleash searing licks, while Greenwell countered with thick, funky bass runs that gave the track its irresistible groove.

Next came a spirited take on Walking the Dog, originally recorded by Rufus Thomas. The band’s interpretation leaned heavily into the groove, the bassline providing a mellow but infectious pulse while Zac’s guitar sizzled above it. The trio looked completely at ease, clearly relishing the chance to stretch out and let the music breathe. The crowd responded warmly, drawn into the rhythm as the band locked into their stride.

The tempo ramped up again with She Does It Right by Dr. Feelgood, delivered with all the punch and swagger the song demands. Ben Schulze’s drumming drove the track forward with relentless snare strikes while Greenwell’s bass rumbled underneath. Zac commanded center stage, tearing through sharp riffs and spitting out the lyrics with raw energy. The crowd responded with raised fists and cheers as the trio delivered a cover that honored the original while stamping it firmly with their own personality.

One of the night’s most entertaining moments came with “Hole In My Pocket.” Introducing the track with a cheeky dedication to Greenwell and his fondness for “the green stuff,” Zac set the tone for a gritty, blues-drenched groove. The bassline prowled confidently beneath layers of swaggering guitar riffs while the drums pushed the tempo forward. It was loose, playful, and packed with attitude—exactly the kind of song that shows off the chemistry between the three musicians.

That chemistry remained front and center during “Ballyshannon Blues.” Opening with a sharp guitar pick before the rhythm section burst into life, the song galloped forward with a fast-paced blues-rock swagger. Zac’s vocals cut clearly through the room while his guitar playing darted between slick licks and full-bodied riffs. The energy built steadily as the track gathered momentum, with the crowd clearly feeding off the band’s enthusiasm.

The mood darkened slightly with Hellhound on My Trail, the haunting blues classic by Robert Johnson. Zac introduced it with a grin, hoping the crowd would enjoy their take, before easing into the song’s brooding atmosphere. His vocals carried a mellow, soulful edge while the band built a slow-burning groove behind him. Greenwell’s bass pulsed with a deep, almost ominous tone, and the track swelled into a dramatic, electrified blues storm that sent shivers through the room.

To close the set, the trio launched into a ferocious rendition of Oh Well by Fleetwood Mac. It was a perfect finale. The band threw themselves into the performance with unrestrained enthusiasm, the rhythm section pounding away while Zac unleashed a flurry of wild guitar runs. The song exploded into a frenzy of riffs and rhythmic swagger, bringing the set to a thunderous conclusion.

By the time the final notes rang out across Queen’s Hall, the audience knew they had witnessed something special. The Zac Schulze Gang didn’t just warm up the crowd—they ignited it. Tight, energetic, and brimming with personality, the trio proved that blues rock is alive and thriving in the hands of musicians who play it with passion and fearless energy.