Ugly Kid Joe Live Review: Rescue Rooms Nottingham, July 21, 2025

July 22, 2025 rocknews

Nottingham’s Rescue Rooms was sweating last night, literally. The venue felt like a sauna as Ugly Kid Joe stormed through a set that mixed their classic hits with fresh material and unexpected gems. Whitfield Crane, ever the showman, even paused mid-set to bring the security guard at the front a bottle of water—because even legends look after their crew.

The Whitfield Crane Show

Between songs, Whitfield teased us with his hilariously bad attempts at an English accent, always checking for feedback from the crowd: “How’s that sound? Pretty bad, yeah?” He also introduced guitarist Klaus with pride, sharing the fun fact that Klaus built his own guitar back in high school—a proper rock ‘n’ roll DIY legend. Crane’s banter was almost as good as the music itself. “This is my dream—to be on tour, in love with music,” he told the packed room, before launching into “Kill the Pain” from Rad Wings of Destiny. He joked about California vibes compared to the UK (“Fucking rad, dude!”) and hyped up every corner of the venue: “How are the people upstairs? How about the people down on the floor? How about the people at the back rocking out?”

Relentless Energy from Start to Finish

From the explosive “VIP” to the rowdy singalong of “God Damn Devil”, the band kept the energy on a knife edge. With a setlist spanning their legendary 1995 album Menace to Sobriety through to fresh material like “That Ain’t Livin’”, Ugly Kid Joe proved they’re more than a nostalgia act—they’re still writing riffs that kick down doors. “Neighbor” and “So Damn Cool” had fists pumping and voices hoarse by the end, while “Cloudy Skies”, introduced with love for drummer Cam’s setlist advice, hit that sweet spot between melody and grit. Whitfield’s knack for making the night feel personal was unmatched—he would lock eyes with someone in the crowd and sing directly to them, creating a magical connection.

Encore to Remember

The setlist was already stacked, but the encore was pure fire. Instead of the usual two songs, Ugly Kid Joe gave Nottingham three, as Crane shouted, “Do you want one or two? Or maybe three?!” The band launched into a blistering cover of Motörhead’s “Ace of Spades” that sent the room into chaos. Then came their brand-new track, “That Ain’t Livin’”, which sounded instantly like a future crowd favorite. Of course, they closed the night with “Everything About You”, leaving the crowd hoarse and grinning in a deafening singalong, capped by Crane’s wild shout of “BOWS AND FUCKING ARROWS” as a cheeky nod to Nottingham’s Robin Hood legacy.

Crowd Connection Like No Other

This wasn’t a band phoning it in—they were living it, feeding off the electric energy from a crowd that refused to let the night slow down. Nottingham’s Rescue Rooms shook to its foundations as Crane commanded, “Everybody in this room, get your hands straight up!” from the opening salvo of “VIP” and “Neighbor”, ensuring everyone felt part of the experience.

Spotlight on Support: Chris Catalyst and Eureka Machines

Chris Catalyst, leading his own band Eureka Machines, opened the night then setting the stage ablaze with his high-energy rock performance with Ugly Kid Joe. Known for his work with The Sisters of Mercy and The Mission, Catalyst’s dual role as support and collaborator added a thrilling layer to the evening, earning him Crane’s onstage praise.

A Night That Rocked Harder Than Expected

Ugly Kid Joe doesn’t just perform—they connect. Whether it’s making eye contact during a chorus, sharing stories, or throwing themselves into every riff, they made sure this Rescue Rooms gig was one to remember. A band that still has it, they threw a party where everyone left with a grin and a ringing in their ears.

Verdict: 10/10 – Blistering Heat, Blistering Riffs

Nottingham, you got the full force of Ugly Kid Joe. With their unique mix of humor, energy, and unshakable rock chops, last night was a reminder that they still know how to tear up a stage like few others.