There’s something about Band on the Wall that sits right in that sweet spot, large enough to carry atmosphere, but intimate enough to feel personal. And on this particular night in Manchester, Sari Schorr turned that intimacy into something even more special. While some artists try to turn venues of this size into miniature arenas, Schorr does the exact opposite she makes it feel like you’ve just been welcomed into her living room.
Before all that, though, came a reminder of just how strong the UK blues rock scene is right now.
Opening the evening was Manchester’s own Ashley Sherlock, fronting a tight, confident three-piece that immediately locked into a groove. For those already familiar with his work, it was confirmation of what they already knew; for everyone else, it was an introduction that left you wanting far more than the short set allowed.
With a couple of albums already under his belt, Ashley Sherlock blends technical finesse with a voice that has a real individuality. Whether it’s the fluid, expressive guitar lines or that unmistakable vocal tone, there’s a clear sense of an artist still building momentum.
Looking sharper than a “smart” Joe Bonamassa, Ashley later revealed his attire wasn’t entirely by design he’d hot-footed it straight from a funeral. Even so, the performance never dipped. If anything, it added a certain edge, a sense of urgency to a set that delivered both familiar favourites and hints of what’s still to come.
A short set, yes but one that firmly reinforced his reputation as one of the most exciting young players on the circuit with that incredible unique voice he has.
Setlist: Intro, Down, Would It Be, Time, Dear Elizabeth, Trouble, Fine
Ashley Sherlock Gallery
From the moment Sari Schorr takes the stage, there’s a shift. Not just in volume or intensity, but in atmosphere. She doesn’t dominate the room in the traditional sense she inhabits it, connecting with the audience in a way that feels genuine, warm, and completely unforced. Often described as a powerhouse of modern blues-rock, Schorr lives up to that billing but that only tells half the story. What really stands out is her ability to move between raw power and emotional depth without losing the thread of the performance.
Her forthcoming album Running Wild (due September 2026) was heavily featured, and if these live renditions are anything to go by, it could well be her most ambitious and complete work yet. The themes freedom, self-determination, lived experience aren’t just lyrical ideas; they’re delivered with conviction, backed by a band that knows exactly when to push and when to pull back.
There were standout moments throughout: “Running Wild”– a new track and already sounding huge, delivered with a vocal that genuinely “screamed” in all the right places, “Monday Morning”– lifted by a funky piano groove that added a different texture to the set, “They Call It Freedom”– introduced with a deeply personal story about her grandfather Benjamin who came to New York from Ukraine; the emotion translated into a soaring, Gilmour-esque guitar tone and a Hammond-rich backdrop, “Man on Fire”– a heartfelt dedication to her father Richard who never gave up, with a Knopfler-style guitar feel from Jamie that gave it both weight and warmth, simply breath-taking, “Ordinary Life”– beginning delicately on piano before building into something quietly powerful.
And throughout it all, Schorr remains remarkably present smiling, engaging, and clearly loving every second. It’s that connection that elevates the performance beyond just another gig. Sari Schorr isn’t just another blues-rock performer she’s a commanding live presence with the rare ability to make a sizeable venue feel deeply personal. Backed by a strong band and armed with new material that already feels road-tested and ready, she delivered a set that balanced power, storytelling, and connection.
Add in a standout opening performance from Ashley Sherlock, and this was one of those nights where everything simply worked. If Running Wild captures even half of what was on display here, it won’t just be another album release it’ll be a statement of intent, Sari Schorr moment is here and a major deal in the bag she is about to explode.
Setlist: Mister in the Middle, Ain’t Got No Money, Running Wild, Monday Morning, Better Day, Cool Hand Rider, They Call It Freedom, Man on Fire, King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Ordinary Life, Finding My Way, Elevate (with Luke Paget joining on drums), Valentino, Afterglow, Love the One You’re With (cover)
With thanks to Andy Reed from Midnight Mango & Mark Everitt for the media access. Photos by David Pickles.
Sari Schorr Gallery
