Adam Slack and The Bangers sizzling set brings home the bacon!

December 30, 2024 rocknews

Adam Slack & Kelsy Karter Rock the Hairy Dog in Derby

Way back in 2016, Adam Slack (the exceptionally talented guitarist of local band The Struts) came up with the idea of hosting an end-of-year Green Day Night at Smithy’s Marina Bar in Shardlow. Joining him were longtime friends and former bandmates Natt Webb on drums and Roan Brandt on bass—both key figures from Adam’s teenage bands, Raw and Small Talk. Notably, Natt produced The Struts’ first UK singles and even stepped in on drums for the band’s 2017 Reading Festival performance. Reflecting on his bassist, Adam simply states, “There has never been a time in my life when I haven’t known Roan!”

Completing the quartet for that original night was guitarist and singer-songwriter Matt Peach. Together, they blasted out a Green Day set to an intimate crowd of 40 people.

Fast forward eight years, and the event—now known as Adam Slack and The Bangers—has become a much-anticipated annual spectacle. Expanding through four local venues, the event drew a packed house of 400 fans at The Hairy Dog this week. It’s become an end-of-year tradition for many, with fans even traveling from Japan, America, Germany, and Italy to experience the show. The “Bangers” nickname, which started as a joke, has stuck and is now synonymous with the event.

Kelsy Karter’s Explosive Performance

Two members of The Bangers have direct ties to the support acts. Natt Webb powered through on drums for the reggae/rock opening band Stuck In Second, while Matt Peach delivered a high-energy main support set with Kelsy Karter and her band, The Heroines.

Known for her unapologetic punk-inspired rock, Kelsy Karter proved to be a show-stealer. With piercing guitar solos from Matt Peach complementing her electrifying vocals, the performance was an all-out rock extravaganza. Karter’s talent as both a performer and songwriter was on full display, with personal, insightful lyrics and unforgettable choruses. Her charismatic stage presence cemented her status as a rising rock icon. Fans were also treated to songs from her upcoming album Love Made Me Do It, which releases on January 30, 2025.

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Adam Slack Takes Center Stage

The main event kicked off with Adam Slack leading a thumping rendition of Slade’s “Cum On Feel The Noize.” While the set is no longer exclusively Green Day songs, their tracks remain a core part of the show. Highlights included “Welcome to Paradise,” “Holiday,” and an unedited, crowd-pleasing 10-minute version of “Jesus of Suburbia.”

In addition to the covers, Adam showcased his original song “Don’t Wanna Talk About It,” which he completed during lockdown and hinted he might release in the future. Another standout moment for Struts fans was the inclusion of “Matter of Time,” a 2014 B-side that’s a rare treat in live performances.

The show’s energy culminated with a heartwarming family moment when Matt Peach invited his dad to join him for a spot-on Jarvis Cocker rendition of “Common People.” The main set ended with a festive bang as “Rock ’n’ Roll Christmas” brought snow machines and confetti cannons to the stage, showering the crowd in fake snow and holiday cheer.

Encore Brilliance

The encore opened with Adam Slack’s acoustic rendition of Bruce Springsteen’s “Dancing in the Dark,” which gradually built into a full-band crescendo. This transitioned seamlessly into Green Day’s “Minority,” before the finale stole the show.

“Could Have Been Me,” The Struts’ most-streamed hit with over 225 million Spotify plays, closed the night in spectacular fashion. Kelsy Karter joined Adam on vocals, backed by an ensemble of Bangers and Heroines. Confetti cannons, snow machines, and a spirited mosh pit brought the event to a glorious close, leaving the crowd grinning and covered in white snow and colorful paper.

A Testament to Musicianship

It’s astounding that such a tight and dynamic 21-song, 105-minute set was pulled off with just one full rehearsal. Speaking to Rock News after the show, Adam Slack shared:

“Doing the annual gig is always amazing. It just started out as getting my old band back together to play songs of our favorite band, but it’s evolved and gets bigger every year. Sold out at The Hairy Dog this time, and it was amazing. I think the venue is perfect for it, and it’s great to keep Derby’s music scene alive. Like I say every year—we’ll be back next year again, and with more of my own personal material!”

The buzz has already begun for next year’s show, and fans can’t wait to see what’s next.