Massive Wagons Rolled into Manchester for a Night of Chaos and Celebration. [Photos]

Cam Cole was an intriguing opening act, sat atop a pile of musical equipment, with dreads and a top hat looking like a regal rock and roll Stig of the Dump. With a one-man-band approach to the Delta Blues rock and his buddy helping out on extra percussion, his set was extremely enjoyable, full of stomping blues rhythms and distorted vocals.

He may look familiar to some from viral clips of him busking, or an appearance in Ted Lasso, but for those just discovering him tonight there was plenty of positive stuff to encourage the audience to check him out further.

Welsh trio Florence Black were up next and looked to be having the time of their lives. One of the best of the current crop of bands coming out of Wales they blend a mix of 70s metal and 80s Arena rock they had a LOT of fans in the audience tonight. They were, over the course of their 8-track set, well received and nailed the job of getting the crowd pumped up for the headliners.

Their sound was epic and it isn’t difficult to imagine them headlining venues like this off their own back in the not-too-distant future.

It’s great to see a hard-working band get their breaks and it feels like now is the time for Lancasters Massive Wagons who are one of the most hard-working and genuine bands around. They wear their influences (as they do their emotions) on their sleeves and you can clearly hear the Airbourne, AC/DC sound in their guitars, what adds the Britishness is the sound of The Wildhearts and bouncy Bradfordians Terrorvision that permeates their sound too – and that’s what makes them a fantastic live band.

Frontman Baz Mills is an unrelenting force of nature with the energy of a dozen Duracell bunnies. High-kicking and bouncing his way around the stage he’s a proper frontman – and he also possesses some of the best socks in the business too, with only Ugly Kid Joe’s Klaus a potential rival.

It was a rollicking 17 song set that pulled no punches. The songs are primal, connected instantly with the audience and are tons of fun too. “A.S.S.H.O.L.E.” is vehemently sung back to the band by the audience and “F&@k the Haters” is an absolute banger.

The song “Night Skies” covers the subject of mental health beautifully and shows the genuine, caring side to the band who have put a lot of support behind the men’s suicide prevention charity Andy’s Man Club. Representatives of the charity have joined them on the whole tour to spread the message in the venues as well as someone speaking from the stage between band changeovers. Remember guys, it’s OK to talk.

Massive Wagons are at the forefront of the new generation of British rock bands and show no sign of taking their foot off the pedal with the recently released Earth to Grace reaching numbers 1 and 4 in the Rock Chart and Official Album Chart respectively. Do yourself a favour and get to one of their just announced Spring 2025 shows and you’re guaranteed a night to remember – just bring your bouncing shoes with you.

Massive Wagons (w/ Cam Cole) @ O2 Ritz (Manchester, UK) on November 29th, 2024

38 photos