Live Review: Robert Jon and The Wreck: A Midweek Rock ‘n’ Roll Extravaganza at The Rescue Rooms in Nottingham

September 15, 2023 rocknews

It’s Thursday night and I have the pleasure of attending a Robert Jon and The Wreck concert at The Rescue Rooms in Nottingham, and it was a rock ‘n’ roll revelation. A decent crowd have turned out to see the Californians play their fantastic collection of southern inspired rock.

The opening song “Do You Remember” with its Allman Brothers inspired opening bars burst from the speakers and was met with instant approval from the crowd. Robert Jon’s soulful voice filled the room with a raw energy that instantly captured the audience’s attention. The band’s chemistry was undeniable as they effortlessly moved through their setlist, a mix of old favorites and tracks from their latest album.

There’s not much talking between the songs between the band and the floor so when Robert Jon Introduces “Don’t Look Down” explaining it was a song about making the best of what you have, moving forward and keeping your head up has the crowd responding with cheering as the band launch into the song.

A favourite on the set list is “Oh Miss Carolina’’ with the audience dancing and singing along. Partway through the song the band paused leaving the crowd in hanging in suspense for the next line. At the end of the song Robert Jon thanks the crowd for sounding great and joining in.

“Cold Night” ended the regular set. During the song the band took turns to showcase their abilities with an extended jam session full of guitars, keyboards and drum instrumentals. I didn’t time this epically lengthen song but it must have lasted a quarter of the set time and had the crowd in a trance as the music flowed like a river, carrying everyone on a journey of pure rock ‘n’ roll bliss making it impossible not to get lost in the music.

Keeping traditions alive Robert Jon & The Wreck left the stage allowing the crowd to clap and cheer for an encore from the band. A short break and the rockers were back on the stage. A particularly vocal member of the crowd shouted out for “Last Light On The Highway parts 1 & 2” to be played which raised a dry chuckle from Robert Jon. Mixing the setlist up tonight the band didn’t play their usual encore of the fans request, instead they played their massive tune “Shine A Light On Me Brother” closing the show with a Rescue Room audience energetically singing and dancing along to the final song.

Robert Jon and The Wreck proved that rock ‘n’ roll is very much alive and kicking, even on a school night. They delivered a performance that was not just a show but an experience, a journey into the heart and soul of music. If you ever have the chance to see them live, do not hesitate as it’s a night you won’t soon forget!