Bobbie Dazzle / Star Power Comes Alive At KK’s Steel Mill

October 22, 2026

On a brief run of dates to support the recently released second album Star Power, Tuesday saw the fabulously retro Bobbie Dazzle roll up at KK’s Steel Mill together with equally organic quartets Santú and Kasperia.

Bobbie Dazzle

KK’s Steel Mill, Wolverhampton – 20 October 2026

Words: Sophie James

Photography: John Inglis

Star Power is very much a progression on 2024’s Fandabidozi, and I was eagerly anticipating hearing the new material.

With the venue not exactly full, hardly surprising considering the legendary Alice Cooper was making a Book Tour appearance at the Civic Hall just across town, both supports had warmed those gathered quite nicely on this cold, dank evening.

Launching straight into the title track and lead single Star Power, it is immediately apparent how true to the album the live mix is. We did not have to wait long for Bobbie’s flute to make an appearance, and to hear it float ethereally over the driving rhythm was just magical. Guitarist Ash even managed a brief segment on lead vocals.

The shuffling beat of the bubbly Merry Go Round followed. The song already feels like an old friend to me. Once again, the flute worked so well, but what stood out was Leon’s attention-grabbing, driving bass.

Two songs in and it is evident just how synergised this unit is. The fluency acquired from weeks and months on the road, from tour supports and festival appearances, manifested as an effortlessly communicable effervescence.

Second single Dirty Martini was the perfect follow-up to the title track and well placed here as it would be recognisable to even the most casual fans.

Such clarity in Bobbie’s voice, and while Ash soloed, I adored her impromptu synchro pair jig with Leon, her mic stand substituting for a guitar.

Despite the false start (blame the drummer!), if one had to select a song to characterise their essence, there is none better than Revolution.

A feel-good booty shaker with its glam rock beat, “Heys!” and a Quo-like rhythm chugging away beneath, it is indeed an (Antique) Time Machine back to the ’70s. Sadly, that particular song was not featured on this occasion.

Notwithstanding its lush harmonies, there is such beauty embedded within Back To The City.

“Who’s an ABBA fan?
Everyone’s an ABBA fan, right?
It would make me happy if everyone’s an ABBA fan.
This is pure glam rock.”

Originally on the Waterloo album and also appearing as a B-side to the song of the same name, most people would not recognise the gritty, riff-heavy Watch Out as an ABBA number. They have made this their own.

“This was a collaboration with Lita Ford. Ash will have to do his best, but I don’t have another catsuit.”

The song in question was the breakneck Feel It Too. While characteristically melodic, it was the deepest excursion into the world of Metal with a solo to match.

After chronicling her ongoing struggle with Endometriosis, a condition also suffered by bandmate Rhea, who recently underwent corrective surgery, one realised it is sheer purpose and resolve that allows Bobbie to ascend a stage to perform.

Continuing to share observations on the state of the NHS, music venues closing down, and gigs being cancelled, etc, declaring, “This is about not letting billionaires get us down”, provided the introduction and rationale for Take To The Streets.

A fusion of Allman’s groove, sumptuous harmonies and glam stomp, it was brief but so effective.

For me, the standout track on the new opus is Wonder thus I was delighted it made an appearance here. Imagine Fleetwood Mac Mk II with more expressive ’70s guitar, quieting into a heavenly adagio then exploding into an exuberant Muselike jig before letting rip with another flute solo.

A triumph of composition, arrangement and execution. Air flute anybody?!

As she acknowledged niece Layla in the crowd, Ash teased the riff to the Clapton classic. Leading into a touching tribute to her late Father, “This is an Important song for me. He was a big glam fan.”

Further explaining, discovering material he had written as a teenager, then adding lyrics, became a kind of collaboration with Dad.

From set opener at The Giffard Arms last year to set closer this evening, Lightning Fantasy possesses an impelling rhythm. Its urgency enables it to fill both roles perfectly.

While I have highlighted arrangements on certain numbers, rest assured the vision stretches across both albums and transfers to stage. The Star Power album rewards repeated listens.

This concise showcase, however, was immersive, impressive and musically flawless, but as the old maxim implies, always leave ’em wanting more.

I am already eagerly anticipating a lengthened set on my next viewing.

Overall, an evening of three exceptionally talented, retro-influenced bands brimming with vitality.