IT’S MILLAR TIME! or alternatively ‘We Are The Knights Who Say Na! Following his springtime headline show at the Giffard Arms (see review here), there were already a significant number of devotees gathered as Sam Millar opened the Stone Broken bill at KK’s Steel Mill.
Sam Millar – KK’s Steel Mill, Wolverhampton – 30 August 2025
Words: Sophie James
Photography: Sandis Luttropp
If ever a band captured a summer sound, then it’s Sam Millar, Wigan’s finest singer, guitarist, and former Bigfoot luminary, together with his cohorts.
In essence, performing a truncated version of the Giffard set, the inaugural triad got the party started in dazzling, melodic fashion with an anthemic selection that rocked in effervescence on stage.
With its ascending looping melody, we are off into opener Killing Floor. The verse is conveyed by a bubbly riff before the first of many choral contagions infect your senses. The chorus benefits from a huge ’80s style Saxophone lick.
While tracked here, I dearly wish to hear this played with the real thing one day.
With Sam commanding front and centre, one has to remark on the appearance of two of his compadres. To his right was hair swirling bass ace Benji Faith.
Now, while I’m not one to comment upon a gentleman’s instrument, to paraphrase The Big Yin, Benji’s tool of choice was not so much pink, but FUCKING PINK.
Meanwhile, reargunner Morgan dazzled like few impact instrumentalists before with a chic, glitzy waistcoat. Follow MetalTalk for more fashion tips.
A pulsating synth heralds the infectafest of Fooling Yourself, a number that in the more intimate surroundings of the Giffard caused my feet to shuffle uncontrollably.
The expertly crafted verse and chorus are further embellished at the breakdown, where Sam’s guitar and James’ keyboards beautify the harmonies, later leading into a wistful, soul-rich and bluesy bridge.
Just an outstanding slice of melodic, arm-swaying rock that was very warmly received.
The joyous summery funky intro of Something I Regret develops into a perfect piece of rock/pop crossover, elevated by the musicians’ virtuosity.
Proof, if needed, that more of the audience were digging it was the loudening applause.
“Anyone in the mood for a dance?”
With a Motown-inspired bassline, Dancing On My Own has the kind of groove which is cause to incite spontaneous cavorting. For good measure, throw in a totally boogie-woogie guitar solo, then get the audience arm swaying en masse to the virulent, riff-tracking nah-nah-nah-nah nah-nah-nanananahs.
Did I sing 10 nahs or only 9? Well, to tell you the truth, in all this excitement, I kinda lost track myself.
“Gimme the green light”
As the characteristic pulsing synth of the more restrained Déjà Vu wakes, Mr Lights bathes the stage in an emerald hue. The song’s apparent simplicity belies such sumptuous orchestration. A sound greater than the sum of its parts for sure.
Sam was revelling in the occasion with his white Les Paul slung low or held aloft in salutation.
“Cold shower at midnight, to wash away my appetite.”
From the relative cruise of Déjà Vu, Levi’s accelerates into a head-shaking, booty-twirling charger.
As the clock zooms round to the half hour mark, I am astonished that so much musicality has been packed into the set so far. It feels like longer – but in a good way.
And so it is left to Neanderthal Man to draw things to a celebratory close.
A song that could genuinely be prepended with (Na, Na, Na, Na, Na, Na).
A most enjoyable set and perfect warm-up. 
In my previous review, I concluded “Sam, together with his band, has perfected the act of fusing melody, rhythm and energy into an exquisitely arranged and infectious sound.”
On a bigger stage, that message was reinforced. Sam Millar is the kind of artist who, regardless of your tastes or preferred musical genre, will win new admirers with the mood generated by his live performances.
One friend later remarked, “Best set of the evening.” Given the quality and diversity of the other artists, that’s quite a statement.
I look forward to experiencing a full set again soon. Hopefully, many present this evening will feel the same. 
