GLENN HUGHES // BOILER SHOP, NEWCASTLE, upon tyne
Twin Guitars, One Inferno: Glenn Hughes and Sophie Lloyd Set Newcastle Alight
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(5/5)
SOPHIE LLOYD PERFORMING AT NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE’S BOILERSHOP
PHOTOCREDIT: JOHN HAYHURST
It’s not every night that a support act almost steals the spotlight from a bona fide rock legend, but Sophie Lloyd came thrillingly close. The guitar virtuoso and YouTube phenomenon opened the evening at Newcastle’s Boiler Shop with a fiery, joyful performance that balanced technical brilliance with genuine warmth. Backed by bassist Iman Ahmed and the amazing powerhouse vocals of Marisa Rodriguez, Lloyd proved she’s far more than a viral sensation — she’s a commanding live performer with charisma, control, and heart.
Her set was a high-energy mix of originals from her debut album Imposter Syndrome and jaw-dropping instrumental reimaginings of rock classics including “Enter Sandman,” “Thunderstruck,” and “You Give Love a Bad Name.” Each was delivered with precision, flair, and a clear sense of fun. Ahmed’s bass anchored the sound with punch and groove, while Rodriguez’s incredible vocals soared, turning the Boiler Shop into a full-blown rock revival.
Midway through the set, the energy shifted from fierce to touching as Lloyd’s drummer — and husband — halted proceedings to surprise her with flowers and a Hungry Caterpillar cake as it was her 30th birthday tonight. The crowd burst into cheers as the guitarist blushed, laughed, and thanked everyone for celebrating with her. It was a spontaneous, heartwarming moment that showed the human side of a performer who, on stage, plays like a firestorm. By the time she wrapped up, the audience was grinning, cheering, and fully won over. Sophie Lloyd has definitely arrived.
GLENN HUGHES PERFORMING AT NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE’S BOILERSHOP
PHOTOCREDIT: JOHN HAYHURST
Then came Glenn Hughes — the “Voice of Rock,” and still, after all these years, a force of nature. Backed by his long-time guitarist Søren Andersen, who’s been at his side for an incredible 17 years, Hughes walked onstage with the confidence and calm of a man who knows exactly what he’s about to deliver. From the opening notes of “Soul Mover,” the room was his. That unmistakable voice — soulful, thunderous, untamed — filled the Boiler Shop as Hughes and Andersen traded glances and grins like two craftsmen at work.
The set dug deep into Hughes’ storied back catalogue from Trapeze to Black Country Communion: “Muscle and Blood,” “One Last Soul,” “Medusa,” and a stunning, heartfelt “Chosen.” title track of his latest solo album. Andersen’s guitar tone was rich and expressive — equal parts precision and abandon — while Hughes’ basslines were muscular and rhythmic, the perfect counterpoint to his soaring vocals. Between songs, he spoke with warmth and gratitude, sharing reflections on his journey, his sobriety, and his love for Newcastle, which he called “a true rock ’n’ roll city.”
Much later in the show, the mood suddenly changed. A fan in the crowd appeared to suffer a serious medical emergency bringing the performance to an abrupt and sobering stop. Hughes immediately halted the band and called for help, visibly distressed as medics and staff attended to the audience member. The room fell silent. It was a stark, human moment amid the roar of amplifiers, and Hughes’ compassion and concern were palpable.
After a pause, and with the audience’s encouragement, Hughes returned to the stage. Clearly emotional, he announced there would be just one encore — a single, powerful send-off. That song was “Burn.”
As the unmistakable riff exploded from Andersen’s guitar, Sophie Lloyd returned to the stage to join the band for a spectacular twin-guitar finale. The two traded blistering solos, each egging the other on, sparks of mutual respect flying between them. Hughes, reinvigorated, roared through the chorus as the crowd finally let loose — a wave of relief, celebration, and pure rock catharsis.
It was an ending that transcended the night’s drama — two generations of musicians united in joy, resilience, and power. Glenn Hughes proved once again why he remains one of rock’s great voices, and Sophie Lloyd showed that the future of guitar music is in thrillingly good hands.
A night of soul, strength, and spirit — where the past met the future, and both set the stage ablaze.
REVIEW + PHOTOS BY: JOHN HAYHURST
