LIVE REVIEW: The Quireboys – SALTBOX Nottingham – 35 Years of A Bit of What You Fancy
Nottingham’s RockVibes didn’t just host a gig tonight; they hosted a full-blown, sold-out rock ’n’ roll sermon, delivered by one of the last true preachers left in the business: Spike.
On November 30, 2025, the 500-capacity venue was rammed to the rafters for the 35 Years of A Bit of What You Fancy tour. The doors flew open at 6 PM, and by the time the band hit the stage the place was a sweaty, boozy cathedral of blues-rock revival.
The Supports: Exceptionally Good
I don’t usually bang on about support acts unless they’re something special, and tonight they absolutely were. First up Matty James Cassidy with grit and gravel-throated tales. Next the brilliant Soho Dukes – raw, sleazy, Faces-meets-Stones swagger. Spike came on with them to sing “A stones throw” Both bands perfect for a Quireboys night.
The Band: A New Engine, Still the Same Soul
Tonight’s sold-out line-up:
- Spike – vocals & chaos
- Luke Morley (Thunder) – guitar
- Nigel Mogg – bass
- Harry James – drums (Thunder)
- Willie Dowling – keys
The Show: + Spike vs. the “Wembley” Stage
Spike took one look at SALTBOX’s weird, jutting-out stage and declared this is “like Wembley Arena.” He then proceeded to tell us how he fell off it no fewer than five times
He also paused halfway through to deliver the line of the night: “When you go home tonight and make mad passionate love to your partner… you’ll be thinking of me.”
Nostalgia Trip Back to the 80s
Tonight was pure time-machine stuff – taking every single one of us right back to the late 80s when hair was high, jeans were tight, and rock ’n’ roll still felt dangerous. We were all just a little younger, a little wilder, and the Quireboys were the soundtrack to it all. Thirty-five years on, they’ve still got it in spades, and Spike is steering the ship like the last true rock star from that golden era – the real deal in a world that’s forgotten how to make them.
Actual Setlist – SALTBOX, Nottingham (30 Nov 2025 – SOLD OUT)
- Long Time Comin’
- Can’t Park Here
- Misled
- Sweet Mary Ann
- Raining Whisky
- You & I
- Hey You
- Whippin’ Boy
- I Think I Got It Wrong Again
- King of New York
- Josephine
- Mayfair
- Happy
- Man on the Loose & Roses & Rings
- There She Goes Again
- 7 O’Clock
Encore 17. Sex Party 18. I Don’t Love You Anymore
Atmosphere: Nottingham Sang Its Heart Out
A sold-out SALTBOX was absolutely buzzing – voices flying from the first chorus, pints raised like Sunday service. This wasn’t just a gig. It was a family gathering of the faithful – loud, loyal, gloriously drunk, and watching their hero owning every second.
The Verdict
A masterclass in British rock ’n’ roll charm in a sold-out sweatbox. Pure rock ’n’ roll theatre. Worth every penny. Worth every hangover. And yes, Spike – we’re still thinking about you.
Remaining Tour Dates – Grab Tickets Before They’re Gone Too
- Tue 3 Dec – Newcastle, Digital
- Thu 4 Dec – Glasgow, Classic Grand Ballroom
- Fri 5 Dec – Grimsby, Yardbirds
- Sat 6 Dec – Bedford, Esquires (Quireboys’ Office Christmas Party)
Spike Solo Show Fri 12 Dec – London, Cart & Horses
Raise a glass and get yourself to one of the last shows of this run – because sold-out nights like SALTBOX don’t come around often.
RockVibes are back next summer for the second anual Mayhem Fest in Nottingham & London. Tickets are selling fast get yours here.
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LIVE REVIEW: The Quireboys – SALTBOX Nottingham – 35 Years of A Bit of What You Fancy @RockNews
