The Struts, joined by Barns Courtney, made sure you remember the name on their Royal Oak stop of The Pretty Vicious Tour.
Barns Courtney lit up Royal Oak Music Theatre with a performance that was equal parts raw energy and soulful intensity. The English singer-songwriter, known for his gritty, blues-infused rock sound, took the stage at a packed venue and delivered a show that had the audience wondering if he was the opener or headlining act.
From the opening chords of “Fun Never Ends,” the song’s driving beat and catchy chorus set the tone for the night. Courtney’s set included fan favorites like “Glitter & Gold” and “Golden Dandelions,” both of which had the audience singing every note. We also got to hear newer songs like “National Treasure” and the titular track from Supernatural. His performance of “99,” with its infectious rhythm and rebellious spirit, was a particular highlight, showcasing his ability to blend rock, blues, and pop into a sound that’s both familiar and refreshingly unique.
Throughout the night, Courtney’s energy was relentless. He moved across the stage with the wild abandon of a rock star, leaping onto the barricade and even traversing through the crowd, who eagerly embraced him. His interactions with the audience were genuine and playful, adding a personal touch to the high-octane show. The night ended with a powerful rendition of “Kicks” and “Fire,” rounding out a concert experience that was as unforgettable as it was electrifying.
The pitch-black stage suddenly came to life when The Struts charged in with a cry of “Hey you, don’t you know who I think I am?” as they lept into “Primadonna Like Me.” Frontman Luke Spiller, with his flamboyant stage presence and powerful vocals, led the charge, channeling the spirit of rock icons like Freddie Mercury and Mick Jagger. The band’s chemistry was palpable throughout the night, with guitarist Adam Slack, bassist Jed Elliott, and drummer Gethin Davies delivering tight, energetic performances that kept the crowd on their feet.The setlist was a perfect blend of fan favorites and tracks from their latest 2023 album, Pretty Vicious. The infectious “Too Good at Raising Hell” and the bombastic “Body Talks” had the crowd singing along, with Spiller often encouraging fans to join in, creating a communal atmosphere that made the large venue feel intimate. Their sound pays homage to the glam rock of the ’70s while feeling fresh and relevant.
The band then treated us to a brand new ballad “Heaven’s Got Nothing On You” before an acoustic rendering of “Mary Go Round”- which was completely illuminated by the crowds’ phones – and “I Won’t Run.” Davies brought the energy right back up with a stellar drum solo that announced the start of “All Dressed Up (With Nowhere to Go)” and the thunderous anthem “Kiss This.” Slack delivered a blistering guitar solo that led the way into “Wild Child” and “In Love With a Camera.” The finale of the night began with Spiller starting a cheering competition with the audience, eventually entering the crowd to judge better. This started “Put Your Money on Me,” which almost turned into a jam session, showcasing the band’s talents and showmanship. With a wave, they exited the stage to thunderous applause as the lights went out.
But we all know that’s not how this ends.
Surrounded by cheers for one more song, The fearsome foursome gave the encore of a lifetime with “Pretty Vicious” and “One Night Only.” Spiller then dedicated the final song “Could Have Been Me” to one of the first rock bands he ever saw, a classic Detroit band Electric Six; some members were in fact at the show that very night. The raw emotion in Spiller’s voice combined with his keyboard and the band’s tight musicianship made this a highlight of the evening. As the band took their final bow, it was clear that they had left fans blown away and eagerly awaiting their next return. The Struts are a reminder that rock n’ roll is alive and well, and they’re carrying the torch with style and flair.
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