I go back a long way with The Temperance Movement. 12 years, to be precise. July 2013, a skinny dude skips around the stage at the third Steelhouse Festival. He has a white vest on, a Russian trapper hat on his head and looks like he could do with a good meal. But he possesses a voice that stuns the uninformed crowd. Part Rod Stewart, part Chris Robinson, part Adam Duritz, this is Phil Campbell doing what he does best.
The Temperance Movement
The Trinity Centre, Bristol – 17 March 2025
Words And Photography: Paul Hutchings
That Steelhouse Festival performance was dirty blues rock delivered with an arrogance that stood out. The next few years saw Campbell and bandmates Luke Potashnick (replaced by Matt White in 2015), Paul Sayer, Nick Fyffe and Damon Wilson (replaced by Simon Lea in 2016) sell out venues across the UK and Europe, with opening slots for The Rolling Stones amongst the shows on their CV.
Their infectious self-titled debut album made my top ten of 2014 and was followed by two more fine studio releases, White Bear (2016) and 2018’s A Deeper Cut.
And then The Temperance Movement were gone. Campbell left to form The Byson Family, and the band was on indefinite hiatus. Confusion, disappointment, and they melted into the memory. Until December 2024, when the band’s social media channels flickered and then buzzed into life.
The return of one of the most exciting outfits I had seen through 2013 – 2020 was announced. Phil, Paul, Nick and Simon, as well as a returning Luke, and a small set of tour dates revealed. Perhaps the band and their PR had miscalculated how much they were missed, for several of the seven UK dates sold out quickly and forced upgrades, including tonight’s venue.
Nestled on the edge of the city centre, The Trinity Centre is a community arts centre and independent live music venue that is one of the gems in the grassroots music scene in the city. Managed by Trinity Community Arts Ltd. since 2003, the venue was formerly the Holy Trinity Church in the Parish of St Philip and St Jacob.
For all its great vibes, it is a challenging venue for a sold-out show. 600 excited fans are queueing around the building way before the 7 pm doors, the chill of the evening soon to be a memory as the temperature inside burns off any lingering cold.
Funnelled into the venue, those at the front face the usual squeeze to get to the bar or the toilet. Many simply do not see the merch tables tucked away in one of the alcoves to the right. And for those who prefer a view from the back and better sound, the usual contingent of the barflies who irritatingly spend the evening necking back low-quality lager and boorishly laughing and roaring at each other with scant regard for anyone who wants to watch the show without such interruptions.
The clock rolls past nine, and suddenly, it is time. For all my moans, this is another I was there moment. There have been many reformations over the years who have been afforded huge ovations merely for walking back on stage. It is safe to say that the roof on the old venue was in danger of lift-off following the response that The Temperance Movement receive as they walk, almost embarrassed, onto the stage for the first time in six years.
It is an emotion-filled start, as Phil Campbell, accompanied by Paul Sayer’s acoustic guitar, leads the band through an acapela version of Chinese Lanterns.
There are a few tears in the front row as the five members stand and then huddle in a show of togetherness. It is a beautiful start to the evening, exquisitely delivered and possibly the moment of the entire show. A visual statement, full of smiles on stage, and one that reminds all gathered that The Temperance Movement are back.
One can only applaud the creativity and delivery.
What follows is a celebration of the band’s discography. An 18-track setlist roars at the start, with the bounce of Only Friend and the stomp of Take It Back pulling everyone along with them. Campbell bounces and dances, all lithe twists and turns. He is the focus of attention from start to finish, even if his Scottish accent makes his limited chat between songs incomprehensible at times.
It does not take long before jacket is shed, and he is prancing about in that vest again!
Although Campbell is the centre of attention, his vocals seem slightly out in the mix. This isn’t a big issue, but it does make his voice sound slightly separated from the tightness of the instrument-wielding band, who are tight, oh so tight.
From the rhythm section of Fyffe and Lea and the dual guitar work of Potashnick and Sayer, the musical part of this unit are cohesive and as one. Sayer’s lead work is magical, at times spellbinding.
So, for me, and this is only me, Campbell still appears slightly out on a limb. And that may be the way it always was. They certainly seem to possess a collective passion throughout the evening, although one wonders if the events of the past are still lurking deep in the memory banks.
Regardless of my conspiracy theories, this is an evening to enjoy where you can. The songs are upbeat, unrelenting and infectious. It is great to hear Be Lucky, Battle Lines and Built In Forgetter again. The deeper side of the band comes to the fore on Another Spiral, Pride and the magnificent Smouldering.
And for all my questions about Campbell’s voice, it is still amazing in every way.
The hour flies by, and as the set time hits 70 minutes, Campbell throws on his acoustic guitar as a glorious Deeper Cut closes the main set. A triumphant evening is topped off by a three-song chorus, which closes with voices raised as Midnight Black allows one more dance before the gentle Serenity ends the first night of this comeback tour.
Where do The Temperance Movement go from here? Who knows. For now, it’s time to celebrate having The Temperance Movement back in the fold. It may not last; we cannot tell. By the time they reach their final UK show in a few weeks, I’m sure they will know what their future holds.
Until then, enjoy the ride, for it’s one that is definitely worth taking.
Sam Palladio
Sometimes, you are on a hiding nothing in a support slot. Such is the fate of Sam Palladio, whose endeavours elicit warm but distinctly polite applause in the warm-up slot.
Let’s be fair. Not one person in the audience has come to see him tonight, so it is to their credit that they allow their attention to focus on the actor/singer-songwriter for his 30-minute set.
He may be from Southern England, but Palladio struck his big break in Nashville with the part of Gunner Scott in the ABC drama Nashville. Regardless of his acting career, music is on the agenda tonight.
However, judging by the conversations at the back of the room as he played, some of the assembled throng were not that bothered or interested. Palladio’s Americana Blues fused with an earthy UK feel is emotional, heartfelt, and, to be honest, possibly a little dull in comparison to the upbeat power of the headliners.
He is honest enough to admit his choice of sweater may have been unwise under the lights, and he tugs a few heartstrings during Something On My Mind which he dedicates to his late mother.
It may be that his music would stand better in a more intimate setting or with greater familiarity. He warms the hearts of a few, though, and is rewarded with a decent enough round of applause from a partisan crowd intent on only one band tonight.
I was at the Bristol gig, and as a fan of TTM since their inception, I was not disappointed. We waited a long time This was the 5th time of seeing the Tempslive, and it was also the best one yet!
I was stood five rows from the front and the sound was amazing. I’m not quite sure why the reviewer had trouble hearing Phil sing, as it was crystal clear from where I was standing???
Now just waiting for a new album announcement 😃
Hi Dave. Thanks for the comment. It was a great gig. I had no trouble hearing Phil, but from the back of the room where I was, the mix wasn’t quite there. Here’s hoping for new music too. Cheers Paul