Robert Jon & The Wreck’s relationship with the UK has been building steadily since their first tours here in 2021, and nights like this prove why. Every return visit finds the Californian five‑piece sharper, tighter, and somehow even more confident in delivering their own brand of modern Southern rock. Manchester Academy 2 was either sold out or perilously close to it, maybe you could have squeezed a couple more bodies in, but only just and the atmosphere suggested a band very much on the cusp of graduating to larger rooms.
Before the main event, Manchester was treated to a superb opening set from Sam Morrow. Completely unknown to me beforehand, Sam Morrow won over the already appreciative crowd with his personal take on modern American roots music earthy, soulful, and delivered with genuine conviction. His set struck a perfect balance between groove and grit, with songs like South Texas Woman and Paid by the Mile resonating strongly in the room.
The highlight, though, came with a storming and wonderfully unique cover of Pink Floyd’s Have a Cigar, reimagined through a roots‑rock lens rather than played straight. A visit to the merch desk afterwards revealed that Sam Morrow already has five albums under his belt something I’ll definitely be rectifying by diving into his back catalogue. On the strength of this performance alone, he’s a name well worth remembering.
Setlist: On My Way, South Texas Woman, Cigarettes, Lucretia, Paid by the Mile, Have a Cigar (Pink Floyd cover)
With the crowd well and truly warmed up, Robert Jon & The Wreck took to the stage as part of their brief six‑date tour in the UK as part of their European tour, supporting their critically acclaimed ninth album Heartbreaks & Goodbyes, produced by Grammy‑winner Dave Cobb. The album marks another step forward for the band, and tonight’s set reflected both their growing legacy and their restless creativity.
Four songs from the new record made the cut: Better Of Me, Highway, Keep Myself Clean, and Sittin’ Pretty. Better Of Me stood out immediately, driven by a funky piano line from keyboardist Jake Abernathie celebrating his birthday no less while guitarist Henry James absolutely ripped through the solo, setting the bar sky‑high from the outset.
Keep Myself Clean kept the momentum rolling, before Bring Me Back Home Again showcased Henry James fabulous slide guitar work, seamlessly complemented by Jake’s Hammond playing. It’s this interplay guitar and keys dancing around each other that has become a defining feature of the band’s live sound with those beautiful rich harmonies.
Older favourites were just as warmly received. Oh Miss Caroline drew the biggest cheer of the night and sparked a huge sing‑along, with the Manchester crowd fully engaged and loving every minute. The main set closed with Cold Night, a perfect finale built around an extended and superb guitar and keyboard duel that underlined just how tight and musical this band has become. The rhythm section of Warren Murrel and Andrew Espantman really driving the band hard.
The encore brought a real treat: a rip‑roaring version of Rager from Red Moon Rising. Always a personal favourite of mine, this was the first time I’d ever seen it performed live and it completely blew me away. If Ritchie Blackmore had ever fronted a Southern rock band, this would have been his song: classic rock swagger with just a hint of those iconic, spiralling solos. It later emerged that Henry James is a huge Blackmore and Tommy Bolin fan, influences that are clearly audible in his playing without ever tipping into imitation.
This was a night that showcased musicianship and songwriting at the very highest level. Robert Jon & The Wreck don’t just maintain their standards every time they return they raise them. On the strength of this performance alone, larger venues will soon become a necessity rather than a luxury.
The band return to the UK in June for dates including Holmfirth Picturedrome and Loverocks Festival in Dorset before coming back again in October for a six‑date run. Judging by how quickly these shows are selling out, the advice is simple: get your tickets early or risk missing out entirely.
A triumphant night of Southern‑soaked rock, powered by a crowd that knew exactly what they were witnessing.
Setlist: The Devil Is Your Only Friend, Blame It On The Whiskey, Back To The Beginning Again, Sittin; Pretty, Highway, Better Of Me, Keep Myself Clean, Bring Me Back Home Again, Rescue Train, Oh Miss Carolina, Cold Beer, Rager
Saturday April 18 – London, O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire
Sunday April 19 – Southampton, The Brook (Sold Out)
Tickets are available from – https://robertjonandthewreck.com/tour/
With thanks to Peter Noble from Noble PR for the media access.
Gallery by David Pickles
