DATE – 28th May 2026
Writer – Graeme Wright
I was genuinely gutted when Dan Byrne left Revival Black back in 2022. For me they had the chops to go all the way, but it wasn’t to be and Dan set off on his solo career. He’s a local lad, and this venue was packed to the rafters for an electric album release show. Dan is renowned for the soulful sensitivity he puts into his songs, but this is wrapped up with Liverpool steel as his vocal prowess is second to none, and if you add into this the fact that Dan is genuinely one of the nicest people you could ever wish to meet, as far as I am concerned he is the complete package. His new album ‘Where The Show Begins’ will undoubtably be in my top five of the year and to say I was looking forward to this show was an understatement.
The crowd was amped up for the gig right from the opening bars of ‘Saviour’, the heavy Blues/Rock foot-stomper that opens the new album. It’s immediately clear that Dan has surrounded himself with consummate musicians of the highest quality because the sound and musicianship is immense this evening. Byrne prowls the stage, accompanied by a back line that reverberates in your chest while the guitars attack your eardrums with aggression and gusto. We are straight into ‘She’s The Devil’ which has the crowd swaying and dancing. The guy in front of me is pointing at his partner and singing the words to her, and while I’m not sure what this says about their relationship they are having the time of their lives.
‘Praise Hell’ is my favourite song on the album, and it’s immaculate tonight. The heaviest of heavy Blues beat is combined with a chorus to die for and it’s an instant classic. Dan is a talker and the interactions with his audience are genuinely heartwarming, and there is a real connection here this evening. ‘Sober’ slows things down for an eighties style arena song, while ‘Pulling Me Under’ is performed with no small amount of swagger. ‘Temple’ is a beautiful Pop/Rock monster of a song and the band are operating on all cylinders at this stage of the proceedings. ‘Hate Me’ is another thunderous effort with a buzzing tempo and a bass heavy support, while ‘Cherry & Leather’ is another full blown banger that has the whole venue rocking to the rafters.
‘Home’ is an intricate and affecting anthem, and before you know it we are at the last song of the night, ‘Death Of Me’ which is another pitch perfect heavy Blues/Rock banger, which is absolutely a perfect end to proceedings. This was an amazing show in front of an appreciative audience, and it’s been great to see the reception the new album has received across the board from both the music press and the fans who have heard it. Buy the album, see the band live when you get the chance (they are supporting John 5 on his UK tour in a few months time). My highest recommendation.
Setlist
1. Saviour
2. She’s The Devil
3. Praise Hell
4. Sober
5. Pulling Me Under
6. Temple
7. Hate Me
8. Cherry & Leather
9. Home
10. Death Of Me
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