Brooklyn Steel, New York City, was the place to be on October 2nd, as the British rock duo Royal Blood rolled into town, bringing their powerful and electrifying performance to the Big Apple. With an energy that surged through the venue like a thunderstorm, it was a night to remember for fans of rock ‘n’ roll.
Opening the night, the Liverpool-based Red Rum Club set the stage on fire with their lively and energetic performance. Their blend of indie rock and a dash of flamenco vibes warmed up the audience with an impressive setlist. As the crowd absorbed their sonic wave, it was clear that this UK band had the charisma to win over even the toughest of audiences.
But the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived with thunderous applause and anticipation as Royal Blood took the stage. With a sold-out crowd that was ready to rock, the duo dived straight into the action with “Mountains at Midnight.” The intensity of the music and the raw power of the performance had the audience on their feet from the get-go.
“Boilermaker” and “Come on Over” followed in quick succession, with the pounding drums of Ben Thatcher and the mesmerizing bass riffs from Mike Kerr reverberating through Brooklyn Steel. The sound was colossal, a testament to the band’s ability to create a wall of sound with just two members on stage.
“Lights Out” and “Triggers” kept the momentum going, while “Trouble’s Coming” and “Typhoons” had the audience singing along at the top of their lungs. The lighting and visuals complemented the music perfectly, creating a visual spectacle that matched the sonic assault.
A highlight of the night was “Pull Me Through,” which showcased the band’s versatility, slowing things down and allowing Mike Kerr’s vocals to shine. Following this brief respite, “Little Monster” brought the thunder back, and Ben Thatcher’s drum solo was a spectacle in itself, leaving the crowd in awe of his prowess.
The setlist continued to impress with hits like “How Did We Get So Dark?” and “Tell Me When It’s Too Late.” “Loose Change” served as a reminder of the band’s early days, and “Out of the Black” brought the main set to a glorious close, with the audience absolutely electrified.
Returning for an encore, Royal Blood did not disappoint. “Waves” was a high point of the evening, featuring an appearance by Will Phillipson from Bad Nerves on guitar, adding another layer of excitement to the performance. “Shiner in the Dark” and “Figure It Out” concluded the night on a high note, with the crowd left begging for more.
Be sure to catch Royal Blood on tour!
Keep up with Red Rum Club: Instagram // Twitter // Facebook
Keep up with Royal Blood: Instagram // Twitter // Facebook
Photos and words by Susie McKeon.
