It is not often your most beloved British rock stars announce they are playing in your favourite local venue. So we at MT HQ were very excited when we heard that Steve Overland and Jim Kirkpatrick from FM announced they were performing at The Weir. In fact, there was a resounding shout of joy amongst all of us music journalists.
FM – Steve Overland and Jim Kirkpatrick
The Weir, Brentford – 10 December 2025
Words: Sara Harding
Photography: Steve Barker
The Weir is a multi-award-winning historic waterside pub in the heart of Brentford run by the truly brilliant hostess with the mostess, Joanne Scully. It attracts so many people through its doors, from Iron Maiden’s Janick Gers to Dion Dublin, Rusty Egan and even royalty. I once had a boogie with England rugby legend Mike Tindall there.
We Brentfordians love this local in the heart of TW8. As the catchphrase goes, ‘Brentford Is Brilliant’, and for one night only, we rocked courtesy of Steve and Jim. And as a lot of us here tonight are proud Brentford FC fans, it means even more that we are just a stone’s throw from our buzzing stadium.
Tonight was special as the FM duo were swapping stadium gigs for this stunning local location. This exclusive and intimate gig was all to raise money for a charity that is so important for our community, The Hammersmith Renal and Kidney Trust.
As we all headed to the wondrous Weir to hear FM’s finest anthems with some deep cuts and knowing these dudes, we were looking forward to some great banter. This was the only London show for Steve Overland and Jim Kirkpatrick, and we all felt so privileged.
We entered this sparkly venue early to enjoy the happy hour cocktails, and it was truly magical to enjoy a lovely glass of something fizzy under the twinkling lights by the waterside, anticipating an evening of the finest of British rock.
The melodic rock giants FM, formed in 1984 by the Overland brothers, prove once again why they remain one of the UK’s most enduring acts. Celebrating more than 40 years together, FM delivered a masterclass in polished, hook-filled rock that had the packed Brentford crowd singing, clapping, and roaring along from start to finish.
The evening began with a brilliant young singer/songwriter, Lara Brewer, who played four songs from her new EP. Her acoustic set kicked off with Anti Social, loosely based on a serial killer. There are plenty of those hanging around Brentford [Ha! Ha!].
Lara’s stunning voice is uplifting and beautiful. I had the honour of seeing Adele performing before superstardom, and this gal has the pipes and charisma. A great start to a rocking evening.
Next up, I had the honour of introducing Steve and Jim to the stage to rapturous applause, and the duo promised they would play songs they do not normally play – peppered with a hilarious Q&A.
This was a set of FM classics, deep cuts and covers from the twosome, with dual guitars and vocals filling the waterside garden.
The dynamic duo kick off with Tattoo Needle, which is greatly received by old school fans and new alike. As the anthem ends, Steve Overland says, “Welcome to a gig not gig! Ask any questions coz I’m sick of singing, and we’ve been together since the Second World War.” We all laugh, and the audience is all putting their hands up to ask their killer questions.
Steve and Jim are asked who they loved meeting the most, and the answer was my buddies Def Leppard. Jim says he cannot believe they met up and Def Lep recognised them. Next up on the setlist was another FM banger Don’t Stop which again was cheered throughout Brentford.
Then it was time for a request from some of the old school superfans for a bit of Saint Bon Jovi, and boy did Steve and Jim deliver by playing Living On A Prayer and later revealed how these sorts of anthems were written with the audience in mind. And that sure worked as we all sang along and did the harmonies.
The next fan question was why FM are not playing as many UK shows? But the good news is they will perform a 40th anniversary gig in Greece and South America, with five dates in the UK.
Then it was time for Blood And Gasoline, which has us all singing along at the top of our voices. Steve then tells us a brilliant anecdote about him composing jingles for adverts. He was asked to create a rock song for a KitKat advert, and after being told to rock it down, he left the studio. Miaooooo!
It was then time for Jim to sing a song he had composed as he introduced Crave. This was stripped down, stunning and simply brilliant as we all cuddled up in our marquee to sing along. Followed by Story Of My Life.
The audience then shouts out another request, The Summer Of ’69, to which Jim laughs and says, “What are we, a wedding band?” We all laugh, and then I remember they did, in fact, play at music journalist extraordinaire and huge fan of the band Dave Ling’s wedding.
Always supporting new and emerging talent, Steve and Jim then introduce Sky Bishop, who sings I’m On Fire by Bruce Springsteen, another absolute belter of a cover. Next up on the stellar setlist was Every Time I Think Of You.
Good company turns into Bad Company with one of my favourite chooooon, Feel Like Makin’ Love, followed by Burning My Heart Down.
The lads asked what we would love as a final encore, and everyone shouted FM, obvs. And they did not disappoint with a total FM classic Other Side Of Midnight.
After a standing ovation, Steve and Jim left the stage and delighted us by allowing us to take selfies and chat.
This was all for a charity very close to the band, and we were so honoured to enjoy such an intimate evening with Jim and Steve in the new capital of rock, Brentford. Please do this again next year, lads.
With huge thanks to Sonia Jones, Joanne Scully and the whole team at The Weir.
