It is a balmy evening on the banks of the River Wye, as the temperature signals the start of the fourth heat wave that the UK has had during summer 2025. As the sun sets behind the grand old castle that stands on the limestone cliff overlooking the river, the queue of expectant blues and rock fans slowly winds its way towards the beautifully preserved castle entrance and into the Lower Bailey. This is the scenic setting for When Rivers Meet, Toby Lee and Xander And The Peace Pirates.
When Rivers Meet – Toby Lee – Xander And The Peace Pirates
Castell Roc, Chepstow Castle – 10 August 2025
Words And Photography: Paul Hutchings
When Rivers Meet
When Rivers Meet may have another top ten album in Addicted To You, but there is no rest for Grace and Aaron Bond. They have been playing selected dates as they gear up for their autumnal Tree Of Life tour, and now, a six-piece in total, they have a lovely full sound that is fleshed out throughout the show by glorious multiple harmonies provided, at times by the entire group. 
They played the Brasenose Fringe the night before, and they are clearly inspired by the surroundings tonight as When Rivers Meet are relaxed and in fine form.
Even a prolonged technical hitch with Aaron’s pedal board does not put them off, as they work around it, allowing their tech to work his magic with the help of bassist and producer Adam Bowers. 
The venue may not be as busy as it was for the mighty Hawkwind a few nights earlier, but this is a band who give you everything, in a gloriously engaging and humble style.
The extended band sound fantastic, with Bowers and drummer James Fox now joined by lead guitarist Craig Garrett and keyboardist Emily Frances.
When Rivers Meet have a richer sound, with Aaron in particular allowed more freedom. At times, he is able to jettison the guitar and return to his first love, singing. His part in Addicted To You is organic, and you can see the joy at having the space to express himself. He is also taking more vocal work, as is seen later in the set on Trail To Avalon.
It is always a joy to watch this band, and the chemistry that fizzes between the husband and wife never seems to wane. They have a genuine enjoyment when performing live, and even though tonight they are not given the opportunity to deliver some of their more intimate songs, they still crackle together.
There are moments, brief looks at each other that reveal all you need to know. This is a life’s work, and they are still very much in the process of carving it out fully. 
They also have a catalogue of songs that gives them real breadth to choose from. Play My Game, opener Did I Break The Law and Break Free are all big thumping tracks, and with the rest of the band gelling magnificently, it is an aural delight that is augmented by the clever lighting. 
The hour is over almost as soon as it’s begun, and Testify is the guaranteed closer. A groove that will linger in the memory for days, it is a moment of triumph for a band who are still fiercely independent, but who will continue to grow.
They will be back, playing smaller venues in November. But I would have money on them filling this venue before too long. They are too good not to. 
Toby Lee
Sandwiched in the middle of the evening, guitar prodigy Toby Lee is assured way beyond his years. A YouTube sensation with a Gibson endorsement, this lad, for he is that, is another in the never-ending run of blues guitarists who appear and blow your mind with their sheer precocious talent. 
He is a delight to watch, appears grounded and balanced, and at 20, is obscenely talented. Not only can he sing well, but he also has that natural ability for the guitar. At times during his set, you think the Gibson is an extension of him, such is the fluidity that flows.
It is not all shredding showcasing though, and despite ample opportunity to be flash, his flourishes are balanced, engaging and inspiring, rather than the overindulgence that is often the case.
He can play mind, and there are a couple of extended workouts that stop you in your tracks. From opener Get Away Driver, through to closing track Fever, it is compelling stuff. The songs are well composed, interesting and delivered by Lee and his band with a confidence that will surely see them blast into orbit in the very near future.
Certainly, one to watch, and I may already be late to the party, Toby Lee has all the parts needed to progress.
Xander And The Peace Pirates
Having a five-year tenure as the house band at the Cavern Club in Liverpool is not something that is given to everyone. That Xander And The Peace Pirates did just that says a lot about tonight’s openers. 
I had heard the name but not much more prior to arriving at the Castle, although I was aware that lead singer and guitarist Keith Xander was a bit remarkable.
Born without a right arm below the elbow, he plays his guitar using a prosthesis and hook with a pick attached at the end. The biggest compliment I can give is that had I not known that, I would never have known by listening alone, for the man is a great guitarist, full of the emotionally charged fire needed. 
Another discovery on YouTube, Keith and his brother Stu, along with their band, start the evening with an amazing set. On an evening of astounding musicians, these guys hold their own with ease. Beautifully woven melodic blues rock, their sound echoes around the castle walls whilst Keith’s vocals resonate with warmth and genuine honesty.
They open with Eye Of The Storm and draw from their two albums as they ease through a beautifully balanced and crafted set. 
It is a heady mix of Southern Rock and flashes of deep country that make this band. There is no rush, just laying down the songs with a measured naturalness that many aspire to but few achieve. There are smiles on stage and in the audience.
For those arriving late, they miss a quality 55 minutes. Rain grabs the emotions whilst the cover of Prince’s Sign ‘☮︎’ The Times is spot on, a bluesy take of a track that is legendary.
Dancing In The Light, one of several from 2016’s debut 11:11 shows that this band can rock as Xander And The Peace Pirates show their class throughout.
Another band to add to the never-ending list of artists to follow. 
