Original Seeds member Daryl Hooper walked on stage, taking the mic with a calm but solemn tone. He explained that guitarist Mark Bellgraph had suffered a medical issue the day before, which meant two members of the evenings support band The Sting-Rays would be stepping in at the last minute. With that announcement, Daryl welcomed the rest of the band to the stage.
Lead singer Paul Kopf made an immediate impression, sporting a sharp 60s mop-top haircut and paisley shirt. In a mock-English accent, he shouted “Tally Ho!” before the band launched into The Seeds’ classic Mr. Farmer G. Paul prowled the stage tambourine in hand, channelling Mick Jagger with his swagger — and his voice had the same gritty bite. Between songs, he charmed the audience with easy-going banter, including a heartfelt “I love Bristol,” which never goes amiss.
Just a few numbers in, it was clear how well the two Sting-Rays guitarists had slotted into the lineup. With only 24 hours to learn the material, they played with skill and enthusiasm. Alec Palao even told the crowd that The Sting-Rays were hugely inspired by The Seeds and used to cover their songs back in the day — making it a genuine honour to be sharing the stage with them.
The highlight of the set for me was Can’t Seem to Make You Mine, their biggest hit. Its twangy, melodic groove gave Daryl Hooper the perfect moment to shine, his fingers dancing over the keys in a solo that was an absolute joy to watch. The crowd erupted the moment the first notes rang out, singing along and swaying as if transported back to a warm summer evening in the 60s. The whole room felt suspended in that golden-hued nostalgia.
Another big moment came just before the encore with their other well-known hit, Pushin’ Too Hard. A slightly heavier song, driven by a hypnotic looping guitar riff, it pushed Paul Kopf to give one of his most impassioned performances of the night. The audience matched his energy, taking the chance to have one last dance before the set drew to a close.
This gig was a real musical education for me. Not only did I discover a fantastic 80s punk-garage act in The Sting-Rays, but I also finally experienced The Seeds — a band that had somehow passed me by until now, despite being cherished by serious music heads. It was also a textbook example of a support band truly living up to their title, stepping in to help the headliner in a moment of need and absolutely delivering. The tour wrapped up in London on 8th August, but if either of these bands cross your path, make the effort — they’re both well worth catching.
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
