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LIVE REVIEW
PUNK ROCK FACTORY
nEWCASTLE - NUSU
21ST OCTOBER 2023
Photos and review: David Weddle
The masters of turning any song into a pop punk masterpiece, Punk Rock Factory, are currently touring the UK on their 'It's Just A Stage We're Going Through' tour and paid a visit to Newcastle University's NUSU. Read on to find out what we thought of their punk rock celebration.
Starting off proceedings for all the early birds at the show was enigmatic DJ Matt Stocks, who was dressed as a cowboy and played a few tunes to warm the cockles of the growing crowd who had made their way to Newcastle Students Union on a rather chilly Saturday evening.
Punk Rock Factory were supported by New York metal band Adam and the Metal Hawks, who instantly got the crowd on side. Playing a plethora of well-known tracks like 'Sweet Child O' Mine', 'Time Warp' and 'Don't Stop Me Now', they were definitely worth getting to the venue early for.
The DJ had previously compared Adam to Jack Black, and that comparison was absolutely spot on. Adam's stage presence was intense and full of energy, while the rest of the band gave their all to put on an incredible, very metal performance. From drummer Griffin McCarthy, whose drum solo was epic, to bassist Ryan Daversa, who not only looked the part with flowing locks and skulls emblazoned on his leggings, but his bass playing was up there with the best. Lead guitarist John Barry was amazingly good with riffs galore, and he really looked like he was enjoying it as much as the crowd.
In true heavy metal style, each band member had a solo section to show off their skills, and each performed impeccably. At one point, frontman Adam Ezegelian even had John Barry on his shoulders, which gave those at the back a great view of the enigmatic master of the strings.
Great music, humour, a harmonica, and great hair to boot. What more could you possibly want?
No joke, they are serious musicians; you should definitely check them out.
Starting off proceedings for all the early birds at the show was enigmatic DJ Matt Stocks, who was dressed as a cowboy and played a few tunes to warm the cockles of the growing crowd who had made their way to Newcastle Students Union on a rather chilly Saturday evening.
Punk Rock Factory were supported by New York metal band Adam and the Metal Hawks, who instantly got the crowd on side. Playing a plethora of well-known tracks like 'Sweet Child O' Mine', 'Time Warp' and 'Don't Stop Me Now', they were definitely worth getting to the venue early for.
The DJ had previously compared Adam to Jack Black, and that comparison was absolutely spot on. Adam's stage presence was intense and full of energy, while the rest of the band gave their all to put on an incredible, very metal performance. From drummer Griffin McCarthy, whose drum solo was epic, to bassist Ryan Daversa, who not only looked the part with flowing locks and skulls emblazoned on his leggings, but his bass playing was up there with the best. Lead guitarist John Barry was amazingly good with riffs galore, and he really looked like he was enjoying it as much as the crowd.
In true heavy metal style, each band member had a solo section to show off their skills, and each performed impeccably. At one point, frontman Adam Ezegelian even had John Barry on his shoulders, which gave those at the back a great view of the enigmatic master of the strings.
Great music, humour, a harmonica, and great hair to boot. What more could you possibly want?
No joke, they are serious musicians; you should definitely check them out.
After a short break with more tunes played by the cowboy-styled DJ Matt Stocks, it was time for Punk Rock Factory, to take to the stage at the sold-out venue.
After a vocal intro that captured a backstage conversation between vocalist Peej, who was apparently running late, asking the rest of the band to get his guitar ready for him before they 'accidentally' turned on the stage lighting, a nice comedic touch to start what would prove to be a fun-filled night. The atmospheric intro to 'Circle of Life' played momentarily before the band came on and kicked off the show. Playing 'I Just Can't Wait To Be King', the lads' energy was very contagious. Peej jumped straight off the stage and headed to the barrier to get close to his audience.
Back to the music, the lads played an awesome rendition of 'Mamma Mia' that had the crowd singing along to the punk-infused version of the ABBA classic.
After a vocal intro that captured a backstage conversation between vocalist Peej, who was apparently running late, asking the rest of the band to get his guitar ready for him before they 'accidentally' turned on the stage lighting, a nice comedic touch to start what would prove to be a fun-filled night. The atmospheric intro to 'Circle of Life' played momentarily before the band came on and kicked off the show. Playing 'I Just Can't Wait To Be King', the lads' energy was very contagious. Peej jumped straight off the stage and headed to the barrier to get close to his audience.
Back to the music, the lads played an awesome rendition of 'Mamma Mia' that had the crowd singing along to the punk-infused version of the ABBA classic.
With the stage lighting flashing in the very recognisable colours of The Power Rangers, Punk Rock Factory played a fan favourite: the theme to Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. They really put everything into their playing, from the hard-hitting drums to the skillful guitar playing and the heavy-as-hell bass. Punk Rock Factory are not just a covers band; they are an absolute musical powerhouse who are able to take a commonly known track and make it their own.
From 'Under the Sea' to the theme tune from Thundercats, the band had the crowd in the palm of their hands. The tightly packed, sold-out crowd was absolutely loving it. There wasn't a single toe not tapping in the while venue.
The audience was a very mixed bunch, from families with young children to serious metal heads with their battle jackets emblazoned with Megadeth patches to a very descerning fan wearing a Warhorse (Paul Di'anno's band) t-shirt, proving that this is definitely a show that is not just a novelty. There really is something special about a band that can bring together people from so many different walks of life and have them all sing along to SpongeBob Square Pants. A smashing night full of smash hits.
Punk Rock Factory has already booked the dates for their 2024 tour, so do yourself a favour and grab your tickets while you still can.
From 'Under the Sea' to the theme tune from Thundercats, the band had the crowd in the palm of their hands. The tightly packed, sold-out crowd was absolutely loving it. There wasn't a single toe not tapping in the while venue.
The audience was a very mixed bunch, from families with young children to serious metal heads with their battle jackets emblazoned with Megadeth patches to a very descerning fan wearing a Warhorse (Paul Di'anno's band) t-shirt, proving that this is definitely a show that is not just a novelty. There really is something special about a band that can bring together people from so many different walks of life and have them all sing along to SpongeBob Square Pants. A smashing night full of smash hits.
Punk Rock Factory has already booked the dates for their 2024 tour, so do yourself a favour and grab your tickets while you still can.