The Aussie hard rock invasion continues as compatriates Massive and Tequila Mockingbyrd hit the road across the UK once more.

An expectant crowd is present this evening at Trillians Rock Bar in Newcastle to witness the return of this group of rising stars.

Tyneside is close to the heart of headliners Massive; the band played their first ever UK show here back in 2014 when they performed at Think Tank in Newcastle, a mere stone’s throw from tonight’s venue. Many of the fans gathered at Trillians were also present the first time around and have the band’s original first tour t-shirt to prove it.

Australian powerhouse trio Tequila Mockingbyrd open the show this evening. The group has undergone some lineup changes in recent times, with both new bass player Jacinta Jaye and lead vocalist/guitarist Louise Baker joining long standing drummer Josie O’ Toole.

The T-Byrds as they have become affectionately known by the Massive guys, belt through a frantic set largely taken from their debut album Fight and Flight. The band have become somewhat of a favourite on Planet Rock Radio and it’s easy to understand why. The group’s distinctive brand of infectious, straight up rock and roll lifts you up and sweeps you away. 

Tracks like “Never Go Home” and “I Smell Rock and Roll” have choruses which you find yourself singing along to for days to come. The latter of which also now has it’s own fragrance thanks to the band’s new perfume in their merchandise line, which wafts through the room all night long.

Tequila Mockingbyrd also takes the opportunity to showcase new song “Tell Me”, and clearly win over the Geordie rock fraternity in attendance, leaving them wanting more, to which they are duly rewarded as the night progresses, but more about that later.

Melbourne based quartet Massive is getting ready to release their third album this year. The band also welcome back to the fold their uber talented original lead guitarist Ben Laguda.

Tonight Massive goes way back to the beginning of their career. Songs from the band’s debut album like “Best of Both Worlds” have never performed in the UK, or in the last five years for that matter. Front man Brad Marr informs the audience he doesn’t even remember what it sounds like, but they pull it off and it sounds incredible. Louise Baker from Tequila Mockingbyrd joins the group onstage mid way through the song and adds some phenomenal vocals to the equation.

Further tracks from Full Throttle like the frantic “Burn The Sun” and the very lively bass heavy number “Dancefloor” truly stand out in the set. On the other hand, Massive also show off the versatility of their songbook with the likes of old favourite “Ghost”, which slows down the proceedings, and features some sublime vocal harmonies.

Massive give their fans a taste of what is to come from their new record with the inclusion of new single “Calm Before The Storm” which was released last month. Marr quips the band have just learnt it, on the strength of tonight’s performance you would never have known.

Massive closes out their main set with “Now or Never”, before bringing back to the stage members of touring counterparts Tequila Mockingbyrd and Black Cat Bones for an all star rendition of AC/DC’s “Highway To Hell”; a mass singalong ensues.

Massive’s high energy, no messing, beer fueled set is packed full of powerful riffs, anthemic tunes and witty banter; the band truly embraces and encapsulates the spirit of rock and roll.  We look forward to more of what is to come from this exciting outfit with the release of their third record in the not too distant future.

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Massive
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Tequila Mockingbyrd
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Event Date: 18-July-2017

About The Author

Adam Kennedy is an experienced music photographer based in northeast England. He has been shooting concerts for several years, predominantly with the band Vintage Trouble. In 2013, he was one of their tour photographers, covering the UK and Ireland tour including the headline shows and as opening act for The Who. As an accomplished concert photographer, Adam's work has been featured in print such as, Classic Rock Blues Magazine, Guitarist Magazine, Blues in Britain magazine, broadcast on the MDA Telethon on ABC Television in the US, used in billboard advertising for Renaissance Hotels in the US, and featured online via music blogs such as Uber Rock and Guitar Planet. He is also the official photographer at Newcastle Rock and Blues Club.