By Terry Marland, Rock At Night Manchester
Live Review: Robert Jon & the Wreck – Live Rooms – Chester, UK
Rock at Night covered Californian Southern Rockers Robert Jon and the Wreck for the first time in 2021. It was the band’s debut tour in the UK and the venue was the same as tonight’s, the wonderfully intimate Live Rooms in the Roman city of Chester. On that occasion there were about 100 people in the audience who lapped up the authentic Southern vibe generated by Robert Jon Burrison and his band. Fast forward four years and tonight’s sold-out show is rammed with Thursday night gig-goers who have come out to start the weekend early, and “get wrecked”. Robert Jon recalls that earlier gig this evening and beams with satisfaction as he observes the overflowing balcony area that was empty on their first visit. Confirmation, if confirmation were required, that Robert Jon and the Wreck is a band whose star is in the ascendency.
With no support act tonight the band take to the stage at 8:30 sharp and launch straight into “Hold On” and “Boss Man” from the critically acclaimed Red Moon Rising album. From the off, the crowd is whooping and applauding the consummate musicianship.
The setlist on this tour has been different for each show, keeping the delivery crisp and fresh. A constant feature though has been the inclusion of pre-released tracks from their forthcoming album, the Dave Cobb produced Heartaches and Lost Goodbyes. Tonight we get to hear four new tracks that exude quality. “Ashes in the Snow” is a poignant ballad that chronicles the desperate attempt to keep a relationship alive and features mesmerising slide guitar from the incomparable Henry James overlaid with Robert Jon’s emotionally charged vocals. “Sittin’ Pretty” is a powerhouse rocker that showcases the drumming expertise of Andrew Espantman.
“Highway”’ and “Better of Me” further confirm that the new album will be something to savour and are enthusiastically received by the audience. A mention here for the crisp bass lines from the excellent Warren Murrel.
Returning to the back catalogue “Don’t let Me Go” and “Gold” get the audience in good voice ahead of perennial sing-along “ Oh, Miss Carolina” that is so enthusiastically embraced by the crowd that the band get the chance for a breather.
The main set closes in fine style with the Allmanesque “Cold Night”. The song, that featured on the band’s 2015 Glory Bound album, initially had a run time of around four minutes but has since taken on a life of it own and always gets an extended airing. Henry James again takes centre stage and has a memorable duelling exchange with the excellent Jake Abernathie on keyboards. After a brief interlude, with the crowd continually baying for more, the band returns for an encore of “Rager” before finishing off with a dazzling version of “Do You Remember ?”
The Live Rooms audience has been in sparkling form all night and their ovation at the end of the set is prolonged and deafening. Earlier in the set Robert Jon had commented, “you guys have got something special going on tonight” and it’s hard to argue with him. The crowd has been on top form all evening to show their appreciation for a towering performance.
This was a stand-out concert from a stand out band who continue to grow in stature.
The UK leg of the tour is over now but the band continue to tour from June onwards across Europe and the U.S. into 2026.
New album Heartbreaks & Last Goodbyes is released on 22 August. Selected tracks available on streaming platforms now.
New album Heartbreaks and Last Goodbyes is released on 22 August. Selected tracks available on streaming platforms now.
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