Gig review: SANANDA MAITREYA – Shepherds Bush Empire, London, 5 November 2025

Sananda Maitreya, formerly known as Terence Trent D’Arby, returned to the UK stage after a long hiatus, bringing his eclectic blend of soul, funk, rock, and psychedelia to a devoted London crowd. With a career spanning over three decades, this performance marked a rare opportunity to witness the evolution of an artist who has consistently defied genre boundaries.

The crowd was as diverse as I’ve ever seen, and it felt like a space were all were welcome regardless.

From the moment Maitreya stepped on stage, it was clear this would be no ordinary nostalgia trip. Backed by his band, the Sugar Plum Pharaohs, he delivered a dynamic set that showcased both his vocal range and his enduring stage presence. His voice, still rich and expressive, soared during classics like “Delicate” and “Sign Your Name”, drawing rapturous applause.

Where has he been? He said “I only went out for some cigarettes, but took 23 years,” drew a lot of laughter from the crowd and underscored the warmth of his return.

He seems to have a very calm and relaxed demeanour but with a lot of stage presence still emanating from an old hand at performing. You get the impression for him, its all about the art form and self expression.

The setlist was a journey through his musical evolution, blending early hits with newer, more experimental material. While some of the rock-infused tracks in the latter half didn’t resonate as strongly, the overall performance was compelling and heartfelt.

Those old faves that everyone remembers “Wishing Well” and “Dance Little Sister” had the crowd on their feet, with Maitreya’s energy infectious and his cool charm and charisma.

The band was tight and versatile, easily shifting between genres. Maitreya’s own musicianship was on display, switching between guitar and keys, reinforcing his reputation as a multifaceted artist.

The venue buzzed with appreciation. Long-time fans welcomed him like a returning hero, and the atmosphere was one of celebration and gratitude. The connection between artist and audience was palpable, making for an intimate and memorable evening.

Sananda Maitreya’s London gig was a triumphant return, reminding us of his unique place in music history. While not every moment hit the mark, the performance was a testament to his enduring talent and artistic courage. A must-see for fans and a compelling reintroduction for newcomers. At 63 years young, he has still got it!

Review & photos by Matt Curtis

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 7 December 2025.

UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). First broadcast on 25 November 2025

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com

Power Plays w/c 1 December 2025

We feature all the artists selected in this sequence in 2025.

Featured Albums w/c 1 December 2025

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)

Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings. The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.