Gig review: BRAVE RIVAL – The Stables, Milton Keynes, 14 March 2026

March 22nd, 2026 by GRTR! HQ

As double headers go this promises to be a quite a night. Two great bands at the top of their game, covering all aspects of the Blues Rock genre, at a sold out Stables, who could ask for more?

Will Wilde and his band open the evening with an hour long set. Wilde is a force to be reckoned with – a phenomenal harmonica player with a voice to match. He’s backed by a band of seasoned professionals, with Bobby Harrison on guitars, Steve Rushton on drums, Russell Carr on bass and the youthful looking but mightily impressive Ben Maxwell on keys.

Wilde’s set, unsurprisingly, leans more towards the blues but, his is a unique take on that genre. He is an imposing figure on stage, with the look of a gunslinger, a bandolier slung over his shoulder packed, not with bullets but harmonicas. His style of playing, with riffs and lead breaks akin to the finest guitarist are something to behold.

The ten song set rests heavily on his 2025 album, ‘Blues Is Still Alive’, with opening number ‘Wild Man’ and the title track particular standouts while we are treated to a couple of cracking new numbers as well. An outstanding cover of the Memphis Slim track ‘Steppin’ Out’ is another highlight, played in recognition of the Bluesbreakers cover as Wilde will be opening for Eric Clapton in the summer. The set closes out with another cover, a blistering run through Koko Taylor’s classic, ‘Voodoo Woman’ which gives everyone on the band a chance to shine individually and, shine they do.

Halfway through the night then, the smiles and chat among the audience tell you that part one has gone exceedingly well and, after a short break it is time for Brave Rival to take quietly to the stage.

Just kidding! It’s a blistering start as guitarist Ed Clarke launches into the thunderous opening riff of out and out rocker, ‘Let Me Rock ‘n’ Roll’ and with her first note, Lindsey Bonnick’s incredible voice blows the roof straight off the building. That opener is one of three tracks tonight from last years ‘5 to 4’ EP, a statement release with the clear message being, we’re here to stay, we’re here to rock. ‘Bad Choices’ follows with the usual enthusiastic call back from the crowd, then it’s ‘Poison’, with its Classic Rock riff, and Clarke, Bonnick and bass maestro Billy Dedman throwing shapes on the edge of the stage, great stuff!

‘Stars Upon My Scars’ was one of the highlights of the Fight or Flight album and, live, it’s a stunner. The slow bluesy start threatens to build to an early crescendo but keeps pulling back before, finally, allowing Ed Clarke to let rip with a trademark solo. ‘Fairytale’, follows, taking us down the rabbit hole where you’ll find Donna Peters giving it everything on the drums – what a player by the way and, it’s not just on the kit she excels as she picks out the intro to ‘Try Again’ on acoustic guitar before picking up the sticks again as Clarke’s slide guitar kicks in.

‘Run And Hide’, another live favourite, is freshened up by a variation on the intro, amazing guitar tone on this one and a quick jog up and down the stairs in the auditorium, by Clarke and Bonnick, leads to some out of breath banter on returning to the stage, while Peter’s admits that she hadn’t realised they’d gone!

The set is closed out by the immense, epic, ‘Heavy’. Lyrically focusing on how life can try to drag you down and, conversely, the healing power of music. And the music here is sensational, Lindsey’s emotion laden vocals really hit me tonight, cliched as it may be, the hairs on the back of my neck really do stand up. And that’s before we get to Clarke’s iconic solo to bringing their set to an end.

With the crowd roaring for more there is always going to be an encore…or two. What we actually get is ‘Wilde Rival’ as the Harmonica wizard joins the band on stage to reprise his Fight or Flight album guest slot on ‘Stand Up’.

This is followed by a cover of the Gary Moore song, ‘Cold Day In Hell’ which features a glorious, extended, face off between Clarke and Wilde before the night finally comes to an end with a cover of Etta James’ ‘Damn Your Eyes’ with Wilde’s key board man, Ben Maxwell, adding Leslified organ.

What a fantastic night. I was blown away by the virtuosity of Will Wilde and as for Brave Rival, they continue to rise towards whatever destiny awaits them. It’s hard to argue with the overheard comment on the way out, ‘they never let you down do they but, man, that is the best show I’ve seen from them.’ There’s no doubt, either, that the band’s collective determination to keep pushing the boundaries means that there’s more, much more, to come. I for one cannot wait!

Review by Neil Pudney
Photos by Louise & Neil Pudney

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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

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Upcoming sessions:

April 12

Josh Taerk - Sunday Session - 12 April 2026

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 1 March 2026.

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Power Plays w/c 16 March 2026

THE DEVIL WEARS NADA Brat With A Baseball Bat (Eonian Records)
ARANDA You Don’t Wanna Know (indie)
MYRATH Breathing Near The Roar (earMUSIC)
DELBHOY KENNEDY Sky’s The Limit (Flip Flop Records)
ALL THEM WITCHES Starting Line (BMG)
HER FURY Use And Abuse (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 2026

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)

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