I have never doubted Campbell’s songwriting and performance capabilities and I have no hesitation in agreeing with the above independent statement. But the performance I and a few faithful fans experienced on the night hit stratospheric levels which frankly put the likes of Ed Sheeran in the shade. Campbell looked ‘worn’ but it seemed to me that his voice had grown even stronger over the years. Opening with the rocky ‘Magical West’ he literally tore into the audience with his new record’s opening gambit. With a powerful bass line, driving rhythm, strong melody, that distinctive gravely voice and a rare passion he floored me, and looked happy in so doing. It was rock perfection, it was Campbell at his best.

Another track from his new record came next. ”All The Way Down’ is a downbeat, introspective, pop-rock ballad with an epic feel. ‘Revelation’ is also a new song and follows the slower, instrospective route albeit with a gospel feel. Few other singer in my experience can communicate with such expression and passion. Then came a song from his new group, The Byson Family. ‘Only Love Can Live’ with its slowly flowing, oriental arrangement flavour and quiet intensity shows another musical side to this enormous talent. It’s a ballad with strong popo-sensitivity and a deeply moving message. It also underlines Campbell’s ability to produce the most mind-cementing melodies that remain long after the event.

Later in the show another Byson Family tune in the rockier ‘Riches’ followed by more from the new record and one of my favourite Campbell songs, ‘Wrecking Ball Lights’ from the DADDY’S TABLE solo release. It’s an acoustic wonder of a song that displays amazing vocal antics in communicating the most moving and devastating sentiments. For me, it represents the artist and his ability to out-write and out-sing most other performers. The song travels along like a swiftly-flowing mountain stream. It’s incredible!

Campbell endeared himself to his audience by talked with them before virtually every song. It was the complete performance that lasted well over an hour and I wished could have gone on for far longer. It was that good. And the best thing of all? Campbell performed with genuine, great enthusiasm and showed sincere appreciation for those that took the trouble to attend. I have never seen him happier or better.

“When journeyman musician Phil Campbell left his role as frontman for The Temperance Movement in 2020, it was obvious to fans that his musical journey would continue in some shape or form. Campbell after all is a man that wears his heart on his sleeve and his heart and soul is rooted in song.”

Setlist

Magical West
All the Way Down
Revelation
Only Love Can Live (The Byson Family cover)
Chinese Lanterns (The Temperance Movement cover)
Feel Again
Oblivion
Hasta Luego
Break the Curse
Sober Boy
Riches (The Byson Family cover)
City Lights
Wrecking Ball Nights
Lovers & Fighters (The Temperance Movement cover)
Backwater Zoo

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