Sophie James

WRITER
Sophie James is a veteran music lover and gig-goer from Shropshire. She is a frequent attendee on the thriving West Midlands Gig Scene and, prior to that, London and the Southeast.


She was raised on a diet of ELO, Queen, Lizzy, Quo and Slade when they were regular charters. Sophie lived through NWOBHM, and now revels in the more recent NWOCR. "I adore da Blues."

Her musical gold dust is Judas Priest, a Road to Damascus moment when she first heard them.

"Musical Kryptonite? Yes. Amazing musicians, but sorry, they don’t move me."

Marisa And The Moths Impress At KK’s Steel Mill

Marisa And The Moths brought their grunge-influenced sound to KK’s Steel Mill, delivering a short but powerful set that left a lasting impression on the crowd.

Star Circus / From The Wreckage – The Melodic Rock Album Of 2025?

From The Wreckage by Star Circus fuses '80s glam, AOR, and rich harmonies into a powerful contender for melodic rock album of 2025. Discover the hype.

Inglorious are Back At The Vanguard Of Contagious Pulsating Melodic Rock

With a refreshed lineup and unstoppable energy, Inglorious delivered a powerful performance in Wolverhampton—confirming their triumphant return to melodic rock’s front line.

Colossal Apostle / Debut Single The Well A Seductive Slice Of Melodic Psychedelia

Colossal Apostle make a bold entrance with their debut single The Well, a seductive slice of melodic psychedelia infused with avant-grunge textures and sonic ambition. Featuring swirling guitars, expressive vocals, and immersive production, this track sets the tone for a band unafraid to defy genre boundaries.

Tarja / Circus Life Is Nothing Short Of Spectacular

Tarja’s Circus Life – Live In Bucharest is nothing short of spectacular—a raw, one-take Symphonic Metal masterclass featuring soaring vocals, rich arrangements, and pure emotion.

The Soulful Live Blues Power Of Eddie & The Wolves

Eddie & The Wolves brought their signature soulful blues-rock energy to The Giffard Arms, captivating the crowd with rich harmonies, gritty riffs, and a powerful stage presence.Even one guitarist down, their dynamic chemistry and genre-bending sound delivered a performance that left a lasting impression.

AK & The Red Kites Soar Live At The Giffard Arms

AK & The Red Kites electrified The Giffard Arms with a powerhouse performance blending swampy blues, classic rock, and high-energy grooves.Fronted by Andrew Knightley, the trio showcased their debut EP Proverbial Storm and beyond, proving themselves as a thrilling new force on the live music scene.

Review: Kickin Valentina – Raw Trax, B-Sides and Bootlegs

Kickin Valentina roar back with Raw Trax, B-Sides and Bootlegs, a fierce mix of unreleased studio cuts, raw live recordings, and killer demos. Out May 2, 2025!

Tender Vendetta Return With Sleazy Grunge Fury At The Giffard

Tender Vendetta. An explosive return with sleazy grunge fury at The Giffard, Wolverhampton—joined by Pretty Shivers for a genre-fusing opening for Sam Millar.

Sam Millar / The Perfect Soundtrack To A Giffard Arms Summer Evening

Sam Millar. A triumphant Wolverhampton return delivers melodic '80s-inspired rock, unforgettable choruses, and a feel-good vibe at The Giffard Arms. Catch the magic live!

Sophie James

WRITER
Sophie James is a veteran music lover and gig-goer from Shropshire. She is a frequent attendee on the thriving West Midlands Gig Scene and, prior to that, London and the Southeast.


She was raised on a diet of ELO, Queen, Lizzy, Quo and Slade when they were regular charters. Sophie lived through NWOBHM, and now revels in the more recent NWOCR. "I adore da Blues."

Her musical gold dust is Judas Priest, a Road to Damascus moment when she first heard them.

"Musical Kryptonite? Yes. Amazing musicians, but sorry, they don’t move me."
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