Rachel Stamp makes triumphant return to 100 Club with new gospel music
Rachel Stamp’s first full-band performance since the passing of their drummer Robin Guy was a night of emotional significance at the 100 Club. The loss of Robin, followed by the death of Belle Star, who also filled in on drums, made their return even more poignant. However, the band’s comeback, featuring new drummer Joe Holweger, was a triumphant display of their resilience and musical prowess.
Kicking off the evening were The Gospel, a mysterious noir-gospel choir from Manchester comprising former members of The Courtesans and Curse Of Lono. Their set felt like a spiritual journey, with each song delivering a powerful emotional impact. From the resonant organ embellishments in Burns Like A Fever to the harmonious vocals in Just You and I, The Gospel captivated the audience. A rendition of Lord Can You Hear Me delivered a profound, spine-tingling moment, followed by a captivating performance of Don’t Say Blood Again, exuding raw passion. Their version of Madonna’s Like A Prayer was transformed into a mesmerizing church-like experience, moving the audience deeply. They concluded their set with a beautifully haunting performance of Look What They’ve Done, leaving everyone in awe.
After a short interval, Rachel Stamp took the stage to an enthusiastic crowd. David Ryder Prangley paid tribute to Robin Guy before introducing Holweger as their new drummer. The band was reborn as they launched into Brand New Toy, with David’s commanding vocals and Will Crewsdon’s mesmerizing guitar work. The band’s signature theatrical flair was elevated by Shaheena Dax’s keyboards, adding an extra layer of depth to their performance. The crowd joined in singing along to I Got The Worm and Do Me In Once I’ll Be Sad, Do Me In Twice I’ll Know Better, showcasing the band’s timeless appeal. Permanent Damage and Strange Thing from their recent Bandcamp release were met with enthusiasm, while Tammy Machine and hits like Pink Skab and I Wanna Be Your Doll had the audience entranced. The night concluded with My Sweet Rose, a testament to the band’s enduring impact.
The encore brought the crowd to new heights as Victory From Oceans Of Venus and Black Cherry led to a euphoric singalong. The night ended with Hey Hey Michael You’re Really Fantastic, a celebration of Rachel Stamp’s classic repertoire. Despite not achieving mainstream success, the band’s performance proved they remain a magical live act. Reinvigorated and revitalized, Rachel Stamp showed they are still one of the most captivating and authentic live bands in the music scene.