Steve ‘n’ Seagulls / The Bodega / Nottingham
You may not have heard of the band Steve ‘n’ Seagulls but you’ve more than likely heard Steve ‘n’ Seagulls. They became a worldwide internet sensation in 2014 when they released a cover of AC/DC’s classic track Thunderstruck. The video on YouTube has been viewed over 120 million times ! Not seen it ? Well here it is…..
Hailing from Jyväskylä in Finland, Steve 'n' Seagulls play cover versions of classic hard rock and metal songs, in a unique Country/Bluegrass style, and have now released four studio albums with Farm Machine (2015), Brothers in Farms (2016), Grainsville (2018) and their latest release 2020’s Another Miracle.
But it is live where Steve ‘n’ Seagulls excel. Finns maybe have a stereotypical image of being quiet, reserved folk, but they boys play on that persona on stage but have a theatrical side too.
Following the departure of Pukki (double bass & vocals) and Puikkonen (drums, percussion and vocals) in 2019, the remaining members Remmel (Vocals, acoustic guitar, balalaika, mandolin), Hiltunen (Accordion, kantele, mandolin, keys, flute) & Herman (Banjo, vocals, acoustic guitar) have been joined by new boys Skubu (Drums, percussions, vocals) and Jamppa (Double bass, vocals). I have to say, having seen them before back in 2018 at the Rescue Rooms, they were fantastic then, but the new additions have added yet another level to their performances, highlighted by two incredible solo performances on drums (Skubu) and Double Bass (Jamppa), including a delightful jazz vocal style skat performance complimenting the Double Bass perfectly. Jamppa is a great addition, full of character, and the perfect foil for Remmel’s quieter (but amusing style).
It would be easy to classify Steve ‘n’ Seagulls as simply a novelty band…. Oh Bluegrass metal covers eh ? How quaint…… But there is far far more to this band than that. They are all very accomplished musicians. Take for example the hefty bear hat wearing Hiltunen (I can’t help wondering if he wrestled the bear himself !) The gentle giant of the band, who alternates through the night between accordion, kantele, mandolin, keyboard and the flute ! On top of that, it breathes new life into some classic tracks, and resurrects them in a new and exciting way.
The guys played a range of their best tracks, starting with a cover of Metallica’s Master of Puppets from their latest album Another Miracle. Other highlights included Sad But True also by Metallica, My Sharona, by The Knack, and Iron Maiden’s classic track Aces High. A personal favourite was a fantastic rendition of Gimme all your Lovin’ by ZZ Top.
Curfew cut the set a little short at 10pm, but the guys played us out with a perfect rendition of their signature track Thunderstruck.
A great set, and as ever the guys hung around after, chatting to the fans, signing CDs and generally hanging. Relaxed, enjoyable and fun. What more can you ask from a night out ?
Set List
Master of Puppets
Perfect Strangers
Sad but True
Gimme all your Lovin’
Pretender
My Sharona
Moneytalks
Sweet Maria
Carry On!
Reckless Wrecking Ball
Aces High
Over the Hills and Far Away
You Shook Me All Night Long
Thunderstruck
In support, we were first entertained by Steve Bonham and the Long Road. Steve (guitar and vocals) was aided by Christopher Lydon (keyboards) and they played for us what they call Moonshine Music - taking a few simple, authentic ingredients adding a little heat and magic to try to conjure up some rare, raw spirit. Some great toe-tapping, table thumping country style tracks, a thoroughly relaxing and entertaining start to the night.
Next up, we had Nottingham home town singer / songwriter Stuart Landon (guitar and vocals) with Neil Cook (Bass). Stuart is no stranger to us at LiveWire, and we’ve followed his career closely over the last few years, reviewing his latest singles Is This Home, the excellent I Sinned and Lonely. Brought up on country music, it’s the style that’s in his blood, but he adds his own unique twist to the genre. His lyrics are incredible, thoughtful and thought provoking, and he has an outstanding voice, that carries great emotion in it’s tone and range.
Stuart and Neil ran us through a selection of his greatest tracks, Usually the highlight for me would be the incredible PS I Love You. This one is an absolute stunner folks, that really pulls at your heart strings. It’s one of my absolute favourite tracks of all time from ANY artist, up there with the likes of Richard Thompson’s Bee’s Wing and Nick Cave’s Into My Arms. But tonight we were treated to two other fantastic tracks.
Firstly, a rare treat as Stuart brought his brothers on stage for a cover of Steve Young’s Seven Bridges Road, and what an experience that was ! As if they last performed together yesterday, they complimented each other perfectly. Then this was followed by a fantastic, and enthusiastically delivered sing along version of Johnny Cash’s Ring of Fire. Nah nah nah nah nah nah nah rang out long and loud. You can’t beat a good bit of Johnny Cash and a sing a long !
Set List
How long the weight
Ps I loved you
Cocaine
Seven Bridges Road
Ring of fire
Breaking down
Can’t take it anymore
