Sparkles, Rock and a Unicorn Called Neil: The Hot Damn! Rock The Grace [Show Review]

The Hot Damn! lit up The Grace on a less-than-quiet Sunday night on November 3rd, 2024, a cozy venue that struggled to contain their fierce energy and style.

Kitt Trigg and Amongst Liars opened the night with dynamic performances that tested the limits of The Grace’s intimate stage. Amongst Liars delivered a fierce show that was impossible to ignore. Despite the tight space, their very presence commanded the room, creating an electric atmosphere that set the tone for the evening. Their raw energy and passion highlighted the talent within the UK rock scene, reminding the crowd of the importance of supporting emerging acts. If you get a chance, Amongst Liars is well worth your attention.

From the moment The Hot Damn! took the stage, the band was unmistakably on-brand, decked out in signature attire. Vocalist Gill Montgomery in a denim jumpsuit, bassist Lzi Hayes in a pink version, guitarist Laurie Buchanan in a red blazer with military-style pads and a fedora, and drummer Josie O’Toole ready to bring the energy, but sadly hidden at the back of the small stage. They opened with “Fizz Buzz Crush,” instantly captivating the crowd with their bold, infectious sound. The enthusiasm continued with “Dance Around,” where Montgomery’s charm encouraged fans to sing along, transforming this Sunday night into a full-on party.

One highlight of the night came when Montgomery shared the story behind “About Last Night,” a playful nod to finding their own songs on a karaoke playlist, which drew laughs from the crowd. Later, the bouncy “Jukebox on the Radio” kept fans moving, proving The Grace wasn’t big enough to contain The Hot Damn!.

The standout moment of the show was the funky, groove-filled “Automatic,” launched by O’Toole’s fiery drum solo that cascaded into a full band performance, followed by the crowd favourite, “Can You Hear Me Now.” The vibrant lighting and disco balls amplified the scene, turning the room into a shimmering haven for rock enthusiasts. With a high-energy vibe reminiscent of Animal from The Muppets, O’Toole’s drumming fuelled the performance, especially during “Damn Damn Damn Damn,” a relentless tune that had the audience head-banging along.

“Sticky Clubs,” played live for only the third time, offered a brief but touching break in the set with its mellow tone, adding a sweet, introspective moment. The song “Live Laugh Love” showcased Hayes and Buchanan’s harmonic prowess and emphasised the chemistry among the four members.

As the night entered its final stretch, a giant inflatable unicorn named Neil was released into the audience and crowd-surfed across the room. With “I Didn’t Like You Anyway” marking the triumphant end to an unforgettable show, The Hot Damn! proved they’re a force to be reckoned with in the British music scene. This headlining tour was a testament to their talent and relentless energy and clearly, they’re just getting started.

Read our review of The Hot Damn’s latest album, Dancing on the Milky Way.

The Hot Damn Set List:

1. Fizz Buzz Crash
2. Dance Around
3. About Last Night
4. Jukebox on the Radio
5. Loud and Clear
6. Automatic
7. Can you Hear me Now
8. Damn Damn Damn Damn
9. Sticky Clubs
10. Live Laugh Love
11. Merch Song
12. Going Down
13. I Didn’t Like You Anyway