LIVE REVIEW
TYKETTO
DIGITAL NEWCASTLE
19TH APRIL 2026

Photography: David Weddle @dweddlephotography
Artist: Tyketto Venue: Digital
Date: 19th of April 2026
Words: David Weddle

Tyketto have recently released their sixth studio album Closer to the Sun, their first studio release since 2016's Reach. In support of that release, the hard rock legends have been touring the UK, and we were lucky enough to catch their show as they rolled into Newcastle. The air outside was chilly, but inside the venue, the anticipation was heating up rapidly as fans gathered to celebrate a band that has remained a cornerstone of the melodic hard rock scene for decades.

The venue, Digital, was packed with hard rock fans of all ages as the first of three bands took to the stage. It was heartening to see a multi-generational crowd, proving that this genre still has a massive pull. Collateral was up first and got the crowd moving with a cracking set. They are always a brilliant live act, with plenty of energy and smiles galore. You can tell they love what they do, and they sounded great. Their brand of high-octane rock was the perfect primer for the evening, setting a bar for showmanship that remained high throughout the night.

COLLATERAL - Photos: David Weddle

Veterans of the rock world Warrior Soul were up next, and frontman Kory Clarke was a whirlwind of energy as they rocked out. His presence is undeniable; he commands the stage with a raw, gritty intensity that harkens back to the heyday of the sleaze rock era. His voice sounded great as the band played their 10-song set, with The Losers being my highlight. A belter of a show so far, and the momentum only continued to build as the road crew began the final preparations for the main event.

Warrior Soul - Photos: David Weddle

It wasn't long before the headliners took their place in front of the Newcastle crowd, as the iconic logo lit up the stage in all its vibrant glory; Danny Vaughn stepped out to rapturous applause. There is something truly special about Vaughn’s vocal prowess; he remains one of the most consistent and emotive singers in the business. Kicking things off with Rescue Me, Tyketto got the show off to a flying start. ​

There was a decent mix of tracks from across the band's career; the first one from the new album came in early on with Higher Than High and sounded incredible. The new album got a good chunk of the show as you would expect, with We Rise, The Brave and the title track Closer to the Sun all getting their first outing, and they went down a storm. These tracks carry that classic Tyketto DNA—big hooks, soaring vocals, and intricate guitar work—yet they feel fresh and modern.

I think the new stuff fits in perfectly alongside the classics, and they definitely seemed to be met with enthusiasm from the fans, something that is always great to see. The mix of 90s anthems and the newer songs was great, showcasing the band’s evolution while still celebrating their roots. No Tyketto show would be complete without their biggest hit Forever Young, and luckily the Newcastle show was no exception. The opening chords sent the room into a frenzy, with a sea of voices joining Danny for every word. Closing the show in style, Tyketto left the crowd well and truly rocked. It was a masterclass in melodic rock and a reminder of why this band remains so beloved.