Following the release of their critically acclaimed studio album 'Straight To It' last September, Zac Schulze and his gang not only head out on a six-date November tour later this year, but on Saturday night they also took their explosive live show and signature blend of 70s classic Blues Rock and modern alternative influences North to London from Kent.

Indeed, this was the night when the Medway Massive, including two fine support bands from their local, The Ship Pub in Gillingham, namely Fine Lime (Battle of The Bands winners) and Mitchell Lane (runners-up) , duly conquered The Garage, with a foretaste of what was to come at this sold out gig already clearly visible, as their mates and fans lined the pubs and streets around Highbury Corner. Veni, vidi, vici innit!

And what a crowd of delightful punters they turned out to be! From the polite, lovely Twentysomething guys at the front of the venue, to Dublin’s finest, namely Noel Gallagher (not the Oasis guitarist) and Mary Clarke, who was resplendent in her Ballyshannon Blues t-shirt, duly complemented by her Zac Schulze earrings! Amongst the throng of a thoroughly excited audience, I also spotted a flame red haired lady in the Ladies proudly wearing a bright green funky Fine Lime merch hoodie, as well as numerous, more seasoned and matured, black and white Zac Schulze t-shirt goers!

Indeed, an opportunity tonight for them to be more out there and to promote themselves, both support bands stood out musically on their own with two fine sets. First up were Chatham's Mitchell Lane, billed as an Indie Rock band, which they were, but more melodic and sweeter on the vocals than laced with Punk. With shades of Oasis running through their set that was dominated by Zach on vocals and guitar, the quartet, also comprising Dylan on guitar, Ethan on drums, plus their new keyboardist, couldn't help having fun! With a set featuring their best known numbers, such as 'Leather', 'My Valentine', 'Bitter' and 'Surrender', the appreciative crowd and I thoroughly enjoyed this energetic, tuneful opener.

Indeed, I’d been pre-warned by some ladies wearing their vivid merch, on how good Fine Lime were, describing them as a Psychedelic Funk Rock quartet. Opening with a cover, I initially thought they were just derivative. Far from it! Delivering top flight groovy retro Funk, lead singer Kieran Brown's heavy bass riffs (as well as channelling his quasi Marco Cinelli moustachioed look, or for you more senior rockers, shades of Tom Selleck), were complemented by bare chested Jason Tomlins on lead guitar, Rob Hammond on drums plus Will Heather, hammering out a cool Hammond sound on keys.

The funky cum raucous, 'Funk Groove Train', saw the capacity crowd funking it up and grooving it down. As their human funky Soul train choo-chooed and danced around the venue to their proper old skool Funk style, from right to the back to the front, including Zac's later moshers! Indeed, tonight The Garage became one big club, as I funked it down with my cameras, like the clubber I still am! Their whole set was Funk Soul brilliance, with 'Lettuce', their last number of the night, lasting nearly ten minutes! I loved their entire set, one of the most exciting bands I’ve seen for years, indeed so much so, that I bought their limited edition CD 'Live At The Ship'. So would all of you funky Soul groovsters out there please love them too. Oozing sheer Funk exuberance, Fine Lime are mighty fine to me!

The Zac Schulze Gang are so fresh, fun, and just play great, great Blues Rock! Indeed, Zac himself is having a stellar year. This evening's gig was just three days after he very deservedly won the 2026 UK Blues Awards "Young Blues Artist of the Year”, smashing a Blues Rock filled set at The Stables in Milton Keynes, as well as the band having just toured all over the UK and Europe with the amazing, sassy Samantha Fish.

Zac moves so fast he's a challenge to any camera’s shutter speed, while Ben keeps the band grounded on drums, with a cool head that is needed given his bro's energy and intensity, as does the super confident Anthony Greenwell on bass. Zac the showman’s guitar skills are astonishing, and tonight's set so suited this trio’s awesome ramped up Rock sound. Special guests tonight also included amazing guitarist Jesse Garwood, still only eighteen, who joined in on 'Straight To It's, 'Betterland', as well as a welcome appearance from seasoned, cool harmonica player, and yet another one of Kent’s finest, Nigel Feist.

Indeed, this evening's set was electrifying as Zac darted about the stage on vocals and guitar, setting the scene with opener 'High Roller', followed by 'Running Dry', 'Woman' and 'Keep It Up', of which the latter's short, sharp, staccato guitar strokes sounded like trigger pulls. A change of Blues tone ensued, with Zac's nod to their forthcoming visit to the Emerald Isle and Rory Gallagher's 'Ballyshannon Blues', as well as a further cover, much closer to home, and Dr. Feelgood's 'She Does it Right'. I also loved the rawness of these songs, as I did on their original 'Hole in My Pocket' and on Tony Dowlers Hellhounds 'Hellhounds on My Trail', with Zac duly channelling the ghost of Hendrix throughout the set.

The thing about Gillingham's finest is that they are so darn nice, hardworking and still humble. Like musical minstrels, all they want is to spread the joy and play their music on tour, as well enjoy themselves, having a pint or two down at The Ship with their mates. Stay that way lads - its so part of your appeal. Indeed, they are an astonishingly energetic, electrifying band and I loved their sound! Go see!

Tonight, I not only aimed to capture Zac’s gang, but I also joined in the grooves and tunes, alongs with 600 souls, including photographers, security, promoters, staff, technicians and most crucially the crowd, listening and moving to the vibe of some outstanding live music! Indeed, Medway’s finest musicians funked, rocked and grooved the roof off The Garage this evening. Wherever you were, either at the back with the sound crew, or at the side, in the middle or down the front moshing, this was one hell of a mini music fest of a party!

To everyone involved in this most memorable of gigs, tonight you not only conquered London, but you did the Medway Massive plus everyone at The Garage proud! Congratulations! I look forward to seeing each of these great bands again!

Review, photos and video: Denise Lester