I think I am safe in stating that an Inglorious Debut Album 10th Anniversary Concert by the lineup who created it was not on most people’s bingo cards for this year.
Inglorious
KK’s Steel Mill, Wolverhampton – 17 October 2026
Words: Sophie James
Photography: John Inglis
There cannot be many British and European rock fans who are unfamiliar with their modern take on classic hard rock, thus hardcore fans from far and wide descended on KK’s Steel Mill in Wolverhampton for this Saturday night celebration.
There was a palpable buzz to the place even before the strains of Won’t Get Fooled Again boomed over the PA.
For those expecting the album in its original running order, please look away now.
The Inglorious backdrop gave way to a historical montage before the band launched into the fast ‘n’ furious Breakaway. Young Mr James looked incredibly dapper in his white jacket and obligatory shades. His opening tones hammered home the realisation that we were in for a remarkable evening. Before the song was done, we were treated to some Glenn Hughes-like vocal acrobatics. Not to be outdone, Andreas Eriksson let rip a blistering solo befitting the ferocity of the tune.
There followed the unmistakable riff and rolling bass of High Flying Gypsy with added keyboard colouration from Rob Lindup.
Now very much in celebration mode, what a marvellous rendition this was, with Phil Beaver frenetically thrashing away in the background and the audience conducting the first mass clapping of the evening.
“Here’s a song for ya!”
What followed was a genuine joy, which, of course, the Coverdale/Marsden/Moody classic Fool For Your Loving always is.
As a unit, they were so taut, the guitars of Andreas, Billy Taylor and Colin Parkinson produced something greater than the sum of its parts, while their backing vocals were exquisite, enhancing the virulence of this number. The whole thing had a celebratory feel and concluded with a thunderous zenith.
Nathan went on to explain how this “reformation” came about.
In a nutshell, “After a few glasses of wine, I messaged everyone to see if they would be interested in doing a one-off 10th Anniversary commemoration. They all said yes.”
So here we are.
The narrative proved a minor distraction, as the galloping Taking The Blame was initially introduced as Read All About It, which immediately followed.
“The last time I sung this in Wolverhampton, I did so with Glenn Hughes. He’s just had a major operation, so let’s send him our best wishes.” What else could it be but Burn, the crowd’s voice rising as one on that mononymous title.
While the vocals are a given, the delightful interplay between Andreas and Billy, Rob’s Hammondesque run and Phil’s fills made this an utter treat, which the audience’s ascending appreciation acknowledged.
Bleed For You was a pure exhibition of vocal magnificence, proof, should it be required, that Nathan is at the top of his game.
The epics keep a coming. Dedicated fans instantly recognise the bluesy opening of the brooding Girl Got A Gun. “You guys having fun? We are. No one or nothing sounds like these songs played with these guys.”
Now at the midpoint, a change of pace was the order of the evening. The Inglorious version of musical chairs saw Phil swap his drum stool for a 12-string, Colin switched to an acoustic while Billy went behind the kit.
“This is exactly how we recorded it.” What followed was the truly delightful Wake, where the sparkling acoustics were only outshone by Anders’ brief electric solo. And as for that sustained vocal note, goodness me.
After that delicate interlude, it was on with this electrifying set. Emblazoned in red on the rear projection was the title of Warning, which commenced with a bluesy grind before igniting.
With their feet now back on the gas, this adrenalised segment featured only the third live performance of the Joel Hoekstra co-penned You’re Mine with its staccato call and response and “The first song I wrote lyrics for”, Unaware.
While the sound became a little muddled at the start of the latter, it soon cleared to emphasise the relentless, mechanical-like cadence.
Following the final cover of the set, Toto’s Girl Goodbye, it was time for their eponymous song with its meatier, towering riff and evocative verse melodies.
Holy Water is a favourite of mine at any Inglorious show, of which a memorable part is Nathan’s walk through the audience. With its unmistakably sublime intro and gentle groove, it is akin to a modern lament. So many high points in this song, which also include Billy’s expressive solo and the magnificent vocal coda.
“I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, KK’s is the best fucking venue in the country.”
And to finish the set, the song my gig buddy had been waiting for. Anders & Billy joined forces to introduce I Don’t Need Your Loving. The rejuvenated crowd were revelling in it, and the place was bouncing.
Thus, only one song remained for the encore. Purpleish keyboard tones preluded a climbing rhythm before the main riff of Until I Die kicked in. The opening track of that debut, it has always been a crowd favourite, and here they responded with appreciative fervour.
The song and indeed the whole performance was triumphant. This was a definitive example of how to do a headline show and a superb celebration of the music and the people who made it. The band sounded tighter this evening than at that Islington Assembly Album Launch all those years ago.
I will leave the final word to Nathan. “If you think this was a success,” – cue huge cheers – “maybe we’ll do some more”.
Let us see.
Inglorious 10th Anniversary Setlist
Breakaway
High Flying Gypsy
Fool for Your Loving (Whitesnake cover)
Taking the Blame
Read All About It
Burn (Deep Purple cover)
Bleed for You
Girl Got a Gun
Wake
Warning
You’re Mine
Unaware
Girl Goodbye (Toto cover)
Inglorious
Holy Water
I Don’t Need Your Loving
Encore:
Until I Die
Inglorious Lineup:
Nathan James (vocals)
Andreas Eriksson (lead guitar)
Billy Taylor (guitar)
Colin Parkinson (bass)
Phil Beaver (drums)
