Philip Sayce delivered a fiery, relentless rock and roll performance at The Fleece, leaving the crowd in awe of his sheer musical prowess.
The night kicked off with an exhilarating opening set from Troy Redfern and his drummer, Nicky Waters. The duo had undeniable chemistry, effortlessly following each other’s lead as they tore through a selection of gritty, high-energy blues tracks. Troy’s stage presence, a mix of Captain Jack Sparrow’s swagger and a Guitar Hero character’s skill, was captivating. A standout moment was their performance of “Waiting For Your Love,” featuring an extended guitar solo that created an incredible atmosphere. It was hard to believe such a full, rich sound was coming from just two musicians.
Then it was time for Philip Sayce and his accompanying bassist and drummer. The band strutted on stage with confidence and wasted no time, launching straight into their first track. From that moment, it was an all-out assault of rock and roll for nearly two hours. Sayce’s face-melting guitar solos, paired with his smooth, soulful vocals, dominated every song. He gave it his all, showcasing jaw-dropping skills that included playing his guitar with his teeth and turning one of The Fleece’s iconic pillars into an impromptu guitar slide.
Even during slower blues numbers, Sayce’s performance was mesmerizing, as if he were channeling the spirit of Stevie Ray Vaughan. At times, he seemed to emerge from a trance when a song ended, visibly consumed by the music.
During a brief pause, Sayce shared a personal connection with the audience, mentioning that he was born in Aberystwyth before moving to Canada as a child. He even speculated that he might have family in the Bristol area, which made this gig feel especially meaningful for him.
The show ended on a high note with a raw and energetic rendition of John Lee Hooker’s “This Is Hip.” In true rockstar fashion, Sayce kicked a stray metal fan across the stage and restrained himself from smashing his guitar—though the adrenaline in the room made it feel like he just might.
What a performance! Philip Sayce isn’t just a guitarist; he’s a force of nature. I’ve never seen anyone play guitar quite like that.
Bio: Professional photographer since 2016, specialising in nightlife and live music photography. I’m passionate about supporting grassroots music venues, with notable experience at venues like Thekla, where I’ve had the privilege of capturing both bands and club nights for over 6 years.
Available for: Gigs & Headshots
First Gig Shot: All Saints at the O2 Academy Brixton, 2016
Dream Gig: Paul McCartney, AC/DC, The Rolling Stones
www.davidjeffery-hughesphotography.uk
Instagram: @david_jh_photography
