By David O’Neill
The Patriot Home of Rock, known for its electric atmosphere and appreciation for good music, hosted an extraordinary acoustic gig, featuring the remarkable talents of Welsh rockers Powell-Payne and the legendary AOR rock band FM. It was a night filled with soulful renditions, powerful performances, and an intimate connection between the artists and their audience.
As the rain fell on The Patriot Home of Rock, the venue transformed into the ideal setting for an acoustic session. With soft lighting casting a warm glow and the audience stood shoulder to shoulder the atmosphere was both cozy and charged with anticipation. This unique setup allowed for an intimate experience, bringing the audience face-to-face with the musicians and their raw, unfiltered sound.
Powell-Payne, the dynamic new AOR quartet from Wales, took to the stage first. Known for their heartfelt lyrics and melodic tunes, they set the tone for the evening with a soothing yet powerful performance. Their acoustic renditions highlighted the vocal prowess of Adam Payne and the intricate guitar work that forms the backbone of their music.
With Mark Powell sat on a cahon with a tambourine strapped to his right foot, bass player Alex Anderson on his left and Ayden Watkins on electro-acoustic guitar the quartet gently soft shoed the evening off with ‘Better Days’ giving ex-Airrace vocalist Adam Payne ample airspace to demonstrate his vocal dynamism. Rapidly following this with ‘No escape’ and ‘The storm’ led to an instant impression with the sudden audience influx. To make things better a cover of Thin Lizzys ‘Rosalie’ will always be well received at The Patriot. Throw in a cover of Def Leppards ‘Hysteria’ and they were on to a winning formula before returning to ‘Girl Like you’ from their debut album. All in all, a great opening for what is only their second gig!
Following Powell-Payne, the stage was set for the AOR legends, FM. The band, celebrated for their powerful rock anthems and soaring melodies, delivered a stripped-down acoustic set that stood in stark contrast to their usual electrifying performances. Yet, even without the amplification and effects, FM’s music lost none of its impact.
Opening with a serene version of ‘Tattoo Needle,’ FM showcased their versatility and ability to adapt their music to any setting. The acoustic arrangements allowed the intricate layers of their compositions to shine through, highlighting the band’s musical talent and the timeless quality of their songs. Tracks like ‘Whatever it takes’, ‘All or Nothing’ and ‘That Girl’ were reimagined, offering the audience a fresh perspective on the classics.
One of the most memorable aspects of the evening was the connection between the artists and the audience. With the lack of barriers, both physical and metaphorical, the interactions were more personal and heartfelt. The musicians shared stories with anecdotes between songs, giving the audience a glimpse into their inspirations and experiences.
Powell-Payne, in particular, engaged with the crowd in what was only their second gig as a band, drawing laughter and applause as they recounted their journey from small-town Wales to the broader music scene, (and Adams’ ‘deaf grandmother’). Their genuine demeanor and relatability made their performance all the more compelling.
FM, while more seasoned in the art of performance, also took the time to connect with their fans. Lead vocalist Steve Overland’s voice carried stories of the band’s history and provided an impromptu Q&A session, creating a narrative thread that ran through their set. The most memorable question was ‘What song do you wish you had written’-The answer was ‘Yesterday’ which was followed by a brief rendition. The intimacy of the acoustic setup allowed for a deeper appreciation of the lyrics and the emotions they conveyed. With many of the songs repackaged and reimagined for the acoustic tour it allowed the audience to appreciate the actual artform and the superb harmonic vocals of Jim Kirkpatrick and Merv Goldsworthy which is a hallmark of the band.
With FM on stage for the best part of two hours, there was a brief respite when Jem Davies introduced a cover of ‘On Mother Kelly’s Doorstep’ which miraculously (and thankfully) turned into a rendition of The Eagles ‘Desperado’ by Davies on keys and Steve Overland, whose vocals really fitted the song well. The final track was an audience participation of Turn This Car Around, and the band left to rapturous cheering and applause from the sellout crowd.
The audience, enraptured by the collaborative energy, sang along, creating a communal experience that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the evening. It was a testament to the enduring power of music to bring people together, transcending genres and generations.
The acoustic gig at The Patriot Home of Rock was more than just a concert; it was an experience. Powell-Payne and FM, with their distinct styles and shared passion for music, delivered performances that were both intimate and grand. Stripped of the usual trappings of a rock show, they laid bare the essence of their music, offering an evening of genuine connection and unforgettable moments.
As the final notes faded and the audience left, there was a palpable sense of satisfaction and shared joy. It was clear that this night would be remembered not just as a gig, but as a significant chapter in the musical journeys of both Powell-Payne and FM, as well as for everyone who was fortunate enough to be there. With FM returning to Wales later in the year, many in the crowd, (including your truly) will undoubtedly be present.
- FM’s acoustic tour continues:
- They then plug in for the ‘Brotherhood’ tour in September:
- FM also headline the final night of the Bel-AOR Rocks festival in Belfast on Sunday 25 May.
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