Hailed as Steve Harris from Iron Maiden’s favourite band, Stray really stand the test of time, and their anthems are a true legacy of incredible musicianship, songwriting and their charismatic frontman Del Bromham. Fresh from their huge EDDFEST gig at Knebworth with Iron Maiden, we know we are in for a mahoosive afternoon of rockness at The Half Moon.
Stray
The Half Moon, London – 4 October 2026
Words: Sara Harding
Photography: Xavier Russell
Having met at school back in the swinging ’60s, these rockers really do have a tale to tell, and you can read all about it in frontman Del Bromham’s autobiography Rock And Roll Survivor. The band is now made up of Del Bromham, Pete Dyer on guitar/vox, drummer Karl Randall, bassist Colin Kempster and keyboardist Simon Rinaldo.
A who’s who of rock royalty are all in attendance, including Steve Harris at the Gravesend and Cart & Horses, for this highly anticipated gig, and we are all here to celebrate the latest album and, of course, some Stray classics.
Frontman Del Bromhan is the ultimate performer. His personality, singing chops and prowess on the guitar are unparalleled, and he is a bloody lovely fella too. As I mentioned earlier, Iron Maiden are huge fans, and it is no surprise why, as the excitement builds and the beers flow for this highly anticipated Sunday afternoon session.
As Stray walk onto the stage to rapturous applause, we always expect the usual Del cheeky Chappy quips. “I see there’s a few mature citizens ‘ere today,” he says. And then Pete Dyer spots me and says, “Alright darlin'”. That actually made my day.
This band are consummate professionals, and the wall of sound this group make is second to none. One of the reasons us journos all love the Half Moon in Putney is that it is intimate, does a great roast and a cracking pint. I am happily enjoying my afternoon lady petrol and the band blowing our metaphorical socks off.
Bromham looks at us all and tells us he is “taking us back in our Time Machine,” and this is what they do. I wish I had half the energy this line-up produces. As I look to my left, fellow journo Andy Nathan (him of the famous mullet – it’s a lifestyle, not a hairstyle) is nodding his famed mullet of approval.
And this Hawkwindesque banger turns your mind around, featuring some of the best vocal harmonies and marvellous musicianship, as every member of this band delivers their parts into a stunning crescendo. The backline is immense on this tune and is a real goosebumps moment.
Bromham announces the next song, After The Storm and this and the next, Move that Wigwam, go down to rapturous applause and whoops.
“In 1976,” Del says, “we played with a band who liked a few fireworks, and that band was KISS.” They launch into Give A Little Bit.
Then we go back to the Suicide album, which Del tells us was recorded in the Olympic Studios and that he got told off by Keith Richards for being too loud. Ha! This is a time for Simon Ronaldo to shine on his keys, and the sound he builds with military precision from the band is spot on. Simon quips that he was only five when this song came out.
An absolute favourite of mine is 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, and this is where Pete Dyer shines with his rock ‘n’ roll earring dangling and shining in the lights of the venue. With his cut-off jacket and crisp white trainers, Dyer is the epitome of ‘rock star’. Huge props to Rinaldo again for his vintage keys with that modern twist.
Then it is time for Living The Dream, and we are loving it, all augmented by killer keyboards and psychedelic geeeeeetar. This is when Bromham introduces the band to us. He is clearly proud of this version of Stray.
Black Sun is up next, another groove-filled belter of a song. It really is a tour de force of heavy rock blues with a strong lyrical message “Nobody’s going to live or breathe any more Black Sun.” This has to go down as one of the best Stray songs ever written.
Now it was time for Bromham to step into the spotlight. I remember watching Del climb up the stage rigging like a loon, way ahead of O’Keefe from Airbourne. The solos that come out of his guitar are top banana, rising into sheer spine-tingling guitar work. Next level.
Percy The Pimp is a crowd favourite, and we are loving that backline rumble from the totally talented Colin Kempster and Karl Randall.
Then it was time for the audience to chip in as we all sang the ultimate Stray anthem together, I Believe It. At this stage, everyone was arm in arm. Me and my besties Xavier Russell, Sylvia and Singh Maiden were singing back the most outrageously catchy chorus ever. I was filled with emotion.
The set ends with All in Your Mind, and Del has us all laughing. “Retirement’s a bastard,” he says. “I miss the bank holidays.”
We stomp, cheer and chant for more, and Stray deliver with Houdini.
Stray truly are up there with the best of British rock, and judging by the crowd (young and mature like us!!) at this packed ‘Alf Moon in Putne’, they have all clearly been on the same trip. We are all rock ‘n’ roll survivors.
One of the best gigs I’ve ever been to, and I cannot wait for the next outing from these absolute legends. Make sure you catch them in ‘Astings with my dear friend Dylan Gers.
