LIVE REVIEW: Cassidy Paris – Live in Bradford

Tapestry Arts, Bradford, UK - 17th November 2023

So Cassidy Paris, who has recently turned 21, has left her party in the warmth and sun of Australia and is here in the UK. This is Cassidy’s second time in Bradford and this time she is playing at the lovely Tapestry Arts. There must be some draw to make her keep returning to our little rain and wind swept island in winter. I am sure it’s for nights like these that makes the trip worthwhile.

Cassidy Paris is playing eleven shows on this UK tour which includes the fantastic Winterstorm Festival on the main stage and the epic Planet Rockstock but tonight in Bradford there are three bands on; Cassidy Paris, Wicked Smile and the UK’s Fury. Cassidy Paris is on first and as the intro music begins she hits the stage with ‘Midnight Desire’ the closing song from her up and coming album ‘Walking on Fire’ which will be released on the 8th December on Frontiers Music.

Cassidy’s command of the stage is a joy to behold, she is clearly destined to be a performer and held us all captivated with her presence. Strutting around, pulling moves there is clearly no stopping this girl. Her band is made up of her Dad Steve Janevski, on guitar, Dave Graham on guitar also from Wicked Smile and new comers Tom Rogowski on bass and Alex Rogowski on drums from UK band Mad Haven. This clearly is a band that can deliver the platform for Cassidy. Next up is ‘Walking on Fire’ which is her latest single and a great catchy song this is, I could just imagine Pat Benatar singing this one, it has that feel. But Cassidy is delivering it now and what a powerhouse she is, that smoking voice is burning for you as she sings.

‘Song for the Broken Hearted’ is a song that if the internet is correct was written in 2019 when Cassidy was only 16, wow this girl has talent. The song has also made it onto the new album as well. It’s great to see a girl championing a style of music from the 80’s and this is showcased in the Joan Jet Classic ‘I Hate myself for Loving You’. Cassidy straps on her guitar for the fast tempo number ‘Like I Never Loved You’, which kicks, the grove and hook just gets you. Cassidy’s voice is so strong and powerful. ‘Here I Am’ begins with some beautiful piano before Steve comes in with some great guitar. But make no mistake Cassidy is the star on this one. This is a song of epic proportions, this would have been massive in the 80s MTV era. Cassidy’s voice is majestic and massive yet delicate. I just want to hear this on repeat over and over again.

Danny Cecati from Wicked Smile joins Cassidy on stage for the Lita Ford and Ozzy Osbourne duet ‘Close My Eyes Forever’. They do really make it their own, I saw an online clip of them performing it and really hoped the would perform it live and they did and absolutely nailed it.

‘Wannabe’ is a great song, lively and fun and certainly allows Cassidy to run a round the stage, one of her older songs so not on her debut album. ‘Danger’ brings the set to a close, this song certainly has the Vixen feel which is not a bad thing in my view. Cassidy prowling every inch of the stage as she makes the most of ever last second of her forty minute set.

What an epic night from the rising star that is Cassidy Paris, catch one of the dates on the UK tour you will not be disappointed and 8th December is the release date of her debut album, go get it, I certainly will be buying it. If we thought it was all over Cassidy reappeared in the Wicked Smile set for a duet on their song ‘Stronger’, which was an added bonus to the already great night.

Set List:

  1. Midnight Desire
  2. Walking on Fire
  3. Song for the Broken Hearted
  4. I Hate Myself for Loving You
  5. Like I Never Loved You
  6. Here I Am
  7. Close My Eyes Forever
  8. Wannabe
  9. Danger

GALLERY