With their trademark high energy Rock n' Roll played tight but loose, as well as the kind of swagger that you just don't hear anymore, on Friday at The Lower Third, Silveroller began their run of three UK shows supporting Bobbie Dazzle, the Glam-Rock brainchild of former Alunah singer/songwriter and flautist Siân Greenaway.

Given both artists were nominated in our 2024 WRC Awards, Silveroller for Best Rock and Bobbie for Best Support, this was an opportunity not to be missed, as well as a chance to check out a brand new venue, part of this enormous London complex where last month we saw The Hives launch their new album at the much larger HERE at Outernet next door.

Having recently signed a deal with Brad Marr's Hot Socket label (of Sweet Electric fame, who we also saw in London last month at Stratford's Cart & Horses), since Silveroller's formation in March 2023 with guitarist Aaron Keylock, historically the band's lineup has been a bit like Trigger's broom, with the only constants being Rev. Jonnie Hodson on vocals and Joe Major on drums.

Indeed, tonight saw this Classic Rock quintet complemented by Lucas Tadini on keys, Dylan Evans on bass, as well as the debut of Spireites guitarist Sammy Murdock. Although it didn't show as their all-too-brief half hour set of six originals, showcased the fact that despite their regular changes in personnel, they have a rich vein of material in their locker, with their first full length album being touted for some time early next year.

So impressive when supporting DeWolff at London's The Garage in April earlier this year, tonight Silveroller repeated five of those six songs, albeit, paraphrasing that famous Morecambe & Wise one-liner, not necessarily in the same order. Arriving on stage to a taped intro, and led by a pounding drum intro from Major, they kicked off with the Heavy and Bluesy, 'Hold', with Murdock's deep, aggressive grooving riff and Evans' punchy bass line, complemented by Hodson's honey and gravel vocal as well as Tadini's Nord Stage 3 driving keys, which was indeed a appreciative nod to the influences of Rodgers and Lord respectively.

Next was 'Black Crow', another from their March 2024 six-track debut 'EP', 'At Dawn', although given its influences and name, this raised the obvious question as to whether The Black Crowes would soon be releasing a single entitled 'Silveroller'? Talking of single's, to coincide with the start of the tour, the band had also just released their new live single, 'Trouble Follows Me (Live in '25)', of which this searing rocker, introduced by Evertonian Jonnie's harmonica, and nailed on to be included on their forthcoming LP, captured the very essence of the band, showcasing their flair and fabulousness alongside that live feel and groove.

Two final tracks from the 'At Dawn' EP followed. Firstly the great hooks and 70's vibe of 'Other Side', a harmonious Rock n' Roll singalong with a chorus to boot. With its Stones vibe, driven by Murdock's smooth, yet sizzling slide guitar line, as well as Evans and Major immediately locking in to a solid rhythm, we saw Tadini's screaming organ, topped with a no-nonsense vocal from Hodson. Secondly, Brazilian Tadini's slow keyboard intro on their their gorgeous, melodic, emotional rollercoaster of a rocker, 'Come On, Come In', also saw a another soaring guitar solo from Murdock.

Following a few final dedications from Hodson, the only departure from their Garage setlist was a well received taster of what's to come with the debut performance of their ballad 'Silver Sun', that saw both Tadini and Murdock shining once again on keys and guitar respectively. Proof, if you needed it, of their recent time well spent off the road, concentrating on writing new material for their next record.

Talking to the extremely personable Jonnie and Sammy after the show, who were more than happy to mingle with their new fans, the buzz is indeed growing exponentially in the Silveroller camp. Particularly, given yesterday's news that they will be now be also playing next year's Maid Of Stone, in addition to Lincolnshire's Call Of The Wild Festival in May plus Dorset's Love Rocks Festival in June. Don't forget that as well as their two remaining Bobbie Dazzle dates tomorrow and Thursday, Silveroller are also supporting Reef in Liverpool on Halloween. Do not miss them.

We described them as a "revelation" when we reviewed Bobbie Dazzle's set back in July on the middle Saturday of Kent's Maid Of Stone Festival, with all of the band dressed to match the name, as well as their playing too! Playing Glam Rock for the modern age, with all ‘hats off’ to the greats from the 70’s, think Mud, Glitter Band et al, but with a completely fresh approach. Indeed, Alunah singer/songwriter Siân had evidently swapped Gloom for Glam and apparently they really set the festival alive!

Unfortunately, I couldn't make Maid Of Stone, and had planned to see Bobbie Dazzle supporting Jeff Lynne's ELO at Hyde Park the Sunday before, and we all know what happened there. Fast forward then to last month when we went to see Bobbie Dazzle support Luke Morley at Bloomsbury Theatre in London, where upon arrival, we were greeted with the news that Siân was unwell. Doh!

As they say, good things are worth waiting for, and following the release this time last year of the West Midlands Glam-Prog maestros stunning ten-track debut album, 'Fandabidozi', tonight I finally learnt what all the fuss was about. As well as Siân, her quintet comprised guitarist Tadhg Bean-Bradley, bassist Leon Smith, keyboardist/backing vocalist Chris Dando and tonight, making his debut, was young Miles on drums (apologies Miles as we didn't catch your surname, getting Mutt and Jeff in our old age mate).

Indeed, as the band made their way on to the stage, I think Miles' band mates had forgotten to mention tonight's Glam dress code, including their Rubettes-style flat caps, as they duly opened their set with a captivating instrumental before the stunningly black jump suited Siân joined them for their rockin' debut single and album closer, 'Flowers On Mars'.

With one exception tonight, unsurprisingly these likeable Bobbie Dazzler's drew from 'Fandabidozi's bountiful well, as they continued with The Sweet vibed 'Revolution', that saw an impressive combination of growling backing vocals, great keys from Dando, plus a great vocal from Greenaway, as well as the first appearance of her magical flute. Continuing with which, the band's first album single, the infectious 'Merry Go Round', saw the world of Prog and Pop collide on this killer track, think Abba meets Jethro Tull meets ELO!

The Glam Rock razzle dazzle continued, albeit the slower second single from the album, 'Magic Of Music', with Siân's mesmerising theatrics complementing her outstanding vocal, which was followed by 'April Showers' featuring Miles' pounding drums, as well as the welcome reappearance of Greenaway's flute. Eat your heart out Thijs Van Leer!

The catchy Glam guitar riff of 'Back To The City', very reminiscent of Thin Lizzy, saw Siân sink to her knees with her mic stand, which gave the excellent Chris an opportunity to patrol the stage playing his Keytar, backed up by another superb solo from Tadhq. Introducing the third single from the album, 'Lady On Fire', Greenaway proceeded to award the Glam Rock Queen Of The Evening to one of the audience, duly wrapping the winning boa around the lovely Ziggy (you couldn't make it up) standing at the front. A real banger of a tune with both a great vocal, as well as a psychedelic flute solo from Siân, ended up with Greenaway on her knees, front of stage, honouring Queen Ziggy! A nice touch.

Epitomising Glam its best, 'Its Electric', brought back memories of the halcyon days of The Sweet's 'Ballroom Blitz and its iconic lyrics "Alright, fellas, well, let's go' which this gem duly did, while 'Antique Time Machine' saw this bouncing joint rockin' out, as Siân amusingly fanned Miles as the venue temperature rose.

Released, believe it or not, 51 years ago, the only cover of the night was Abba's 'Watch Out', taken from their album 'Waterloo', with a great guitar solo from Mr. Bean-Bradley, that Bobbie Dazzle also released as a single around the time of their appearance this year at the aforementioned Maid Of Stone. A final microcosm of what we all had so pleasingly experienced tonight, they closed out with 'Lightning Fantasy', which had all the classic ingredients of 'Paranoid', 'Timewarp', as well as Quo's 'Mystery Song'!

Responding to cries of "one more song", the band were totally honest with the ecstatic crowd, readily admitting that they had no other material! Let's just say that it was a case of quality over quantity then. With two more dates left touring with Silveroller, tomorrow night (29th October) in Cardiff and Thursday (30th October) in Manchester, Bobbie Dazzle also play Great Yarmouth's HRH Prog next month as well as a UK tour in December. Just make sure that you check these Bobbie Dazzler's out.

Review, Photos and Video: AJ