Last Saturday, Strange Brew played host to a rare and welcome treat for Bristol—a full night of Southern Rock. Kicking off the evening were The Commoners, a brilliant band hailing all the way from Canada. Despite the challenge of sharing a stage packed with equipment, they delivered a tight, energetic 45-minute set. Chris Medhurst’s powerful vocals and the band’s riff-heavy tracks created an exhilarating ambiance. Every song felt like a hit, but a standout for me was “Find a Better Way,” a perfect anthem for a road trip with the boys. With their undeniable talent and stage presence, The Commoners have serious potential—I wouldn’t be surprised to see them headlining festivals in the near future.
Then came The Sheepdogs, also hailing from Canada, as the main act of the night—and what an incredible introduction they gave to someone like me, unfamiliar with their music. Their live show was a full-throttle celebration of 70s-inspired country rock, channeling the spirit of legends like The Allman Brothers Band. Their setlist blended hits from their back catalog with fresh tracks from their new EP, including the standout “Take Me For A Ride.”
Special mention goes to Ricky Paquette, whose lead guitar solos were nothing short of mind-blowing, and to Ewan Currie, whose vocals seamlessly blended scratchy rock grit with sweet country harmonies. Together, their performances added an extra layer of intensity to the night. The gig ended on a high with four of the band members picking up guitars for a unified jam session—a masterful finale that left the audience cheering for more!
It was an incredible evening of top-tier entertainment, and I’m so glad I was there to experience it. Southern Rock nights like this are a rare gem in Bristol, and left me feeling elated.
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
