MetalTalk Home › Gig Reviews ›

King Herd Delivers a Cracking Performance in Cannock

A damp Bank Holiday at The Station in Cannock may not sound too appealing, but when one knows that King Herd leading a quadruple bill of this quality has been arranged, then one is only too eager to surf the motorway spray and congregate among the rock ‘n’ roll faithful.

King Herd

The Station, Cannock – 30 April 2023

Words: Sophie James

Photography: Andy Shaw

King Herd - The Station, Cannock - 30 April 2023.
King Herd – The Station, Cannock – 30 April 2023. Photo: Andy Shaw/MetalTalk

It had been a long time coming, but I finally, finally got to see and enjoy King Herd on an altogether too rare an outing. Admittedly, 2023 has thus far seen them step away from the live arena to focus on producing the new album. This is tentatively scheduled for a late summer release, with further promotional shows to coincide.

That familiar rolling drum pattern heralded their arrival with the heavily playlisted Remedy a number that had brought them to the attention of a very wide audience indeed.

King Herd - The Station, Cannock - 30 April 2023.
King Herd – The Station, Cannock – 30 April 2023. Photo: Andy Shaw/MetalTalk

Save Me was followed by the updated mid ’90s feel of Medicine while Another War has a deliciously funky but gritty riff.

Hella Rock Festival

“I know it’s early, but we have a few ballads. It’s a headline show, so we can do what we want,” quipped Singer Dave as he introduced Only One. “Let’s get things rocking again,” preceded the pacier Close To The End. I feel this song typifies their approach more than any other. Frantic opening, settling to let the vocals in, the infectious bridge before the huge chorus hits you.

King Herd - The Station, Cannock - 30 April 2023.
King Herd – The Station, Cannock – 30 April 2023. Photo: Andy Shaw/MetalTalk

“With the new album coming out, we’d like to try some new material on you,” introduced Bleed Me, while the attacking groove of The Same, reminds me of Velvet Revolver at their most infectious, with some delicious riffing from Tom underpinning it all.

“Another ballad, but trust me, you will love it,” completely sold I Want It Like It Used To Be – and he was quite right too. The verse melody was briefly evocative of Chris Isaak’s Wicked Game, while the chorus showcased exceptional triple harmony vocals.

King Herd - The Station, Cannock - 30 April 2023.
King Herd – The Station, Cannock – 30 April 2023. Photo: Andy Shaw/MetalTalk

“Goodnight! You know we are coming back on, but we do need a quick pee and have a pint.” Who could deny them that, soon returning to perform the chunky and chuggy Halo with its soaring chorus?

“Thank you for your support. We appreciate it. We cannot wait for you to hear the new album,” and so they left us with the reflective I Used To Be Somebody Else that energetically built into a climactic finish.

King Herd - The Station, Cannock - 30 April 2023.
King Herd – The Station, Cannock – 30 April 2023. Photo: Andy Shaw/MetalTalk

A cracking enthusiastic performance from a band I hope to see a lot more of. Each member was locked into the groove, with Karl, in particular, appearing to be having the time of his life on the drum stool. When struggling with a virus, it’s not easy for a singer to give his all, but Dave showed total commitment to the cause and put in 110%.

Whilst one of the best sound mixes I have heard at this venue, I would still opine that this band warrants the projection of their sound into a larger space. No doubt those opportunities will arise into festival season and beyond.

King Herd - The Station, Cannock - 30 April 2023.
King Herd – The Station, Cannock – 30 April 2023. Photo: Andy Shaw/MetalTalk

The sole downside of the evening was, of course, time. With four quality outfits, one could easily have doubled its duration, and it would still not have been enough. “Always leave them wanting more,” someone once said, and to echo Dave’s final comment, I, too, cannot wait to hear the album as I do think that it will pleasantly surprise a good few people.

You can read the Zac And The New Men review here.

You can read the Mystiek and Slim & Blade review here.

King Herd - The Station, Cannock - 30 April 2023.
King Herd – The Station, Cannock – 30 April 2023. Photo: Andy Shaw/MetalTalk
King Herd - The Station, Cannock - 30 April 2023.
King Herd – The Station, Cannock – 30 April 2023. Photo: Andy Shaw/MetalTalk
King Herd - The Station, Cannock - 30 April 2023.
King Herd – The Station, Cannock – 30 April 2023. Photo: Andy Shaw/MetalTalk

Sleeve Notes

Sign up for the MetalTalk Newsletter, an occasional roundup of the best Heavy Metal News, features and pictures curated by our global MetalTalk team.

More in Heavy Metal

Comments

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Search MetalTalk

MetalTalk Venues

MetalTalk Venues - The Devil's Dog Digbeth
MetalTalk Venues – The Green Rooms Live Music and Rehearsal
The Patriot, Crumlin - The Home Of Rock
Interview: Christian Kimmett, the man responsible for getting the bands in at Bannerman's Bar
Cart & Horses, London. Birthplace Of Iron Maiden
The Giffard Arms, Wolverhampton

New Metal News