The origins of the Guilty Men lie back in 2021, when guitarists and old pals Clive Gregson (Any Trouble, Richard Thompson, Christine Collister) and Neil Cossar (The Cheaters) finally got around to writing a few songs together. Which one of them then suggested forming a band is a hotly debated subject this evening, with both men absolving themselves of any responsibility, an early example of the humour that pervades the evening. Gregson then recruited bass player Craig Fletcher and keyboardist Jez Smith, both members of John Lees’ Barclay James Harvest, along with drummer Paul Burgess from 10cc to complete the line up.

Their debut album, ‘Invisible Confetti’, released in 2024, provides the majority of tonight’s 20 song, two-hour show. It is the first four songs of that album that open proceedings tonight, in the shape of ‘Cloud Cuckoo Land’, ‘Hollywood’, ‘Dangerous Girl’ and ‘Angeltown’ giving each of the front line the chance to exercise their vocal cords and add a distinctly personal touch to each number. That sharing of lead vocals continues throughout the night and, when they all chip in together, the vocal harmonies are outstanding.

Style wise, well, given the pedigree of those on stage it’s an unsurprising mixture of folk, country and 60s rooted pop with occasional appearances by that rarest of beasts these days, the electric 12 string guitar providing that wonderful, Byrdsian jingle jangle. All told it is music to put a smile on your face, from the quirky ‘Meccano’, through the sad tale told in ‘Susan’s Back Drinking’ to the cautionary words of ‘Weed’ and the pop rock of ‘Lightening on The Water’ and Any Trouble’s ‘Open Fire’.

A smattering of equally strong new material, destined for album number two, is aired across the two sets and the three song encore. Smith’s ‘Graduation Day’ reflecting his concerns for future generations and Fletcher’s critical take on his home town of Oldham, ‘Look What They’ve Done To This Town’ stand out both musically and lyrically for me. Great, also, to hear the old Cheaters number, ‘The Main Attraction’. Ultimately, what we get is a great evening’s entertainment, much appreciated by all of us in the small, but perfectly formed, enthusiastic audience.

What comes across more than anything else tonight is that this is five blokes having great fun, playing brilliantly and then, between songs, having a chuckle as they remember the stories from their collective pasts.

They are back out on the road later this year, try to catch them if you can, you won’t regret it.

Review and photos by 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

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 22 March 2026.

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 24 March 2026

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Power Plays w/c 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

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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