By David O’Neill
On a chilly evening, filled with anticipation, the Trinity Arts Centre in Bristol was the stage for an unforgettable musical journey with Sam Palladio opening and The Temperance Movement reunited after a five-year hiatus. The venue, known for its intimate atmosphere and superb acoustics (being a converted church), provided the perfect backdrop for Palladio’s soulful performance to open.
As the lights dimmed and the first chords echoed through the hall, the audience was immediately captivated by the raw emotion in Palladio‘s voice. Opening with ‘B.O.A.T’, he set the tone for an evening that promised a blend of heartfelt lyrics and impeccable musicianship from the three musicians filling the front of the small stage.
The setlist was a mix of tracks from his debut album, each song performed with a fervor that resonated deeply with the audience. ‘Tennessee’ showcased his Nashville influences from living there during the TV show. ‘Meanwhile in London’ reflected his growth and personal development. ‘Spill Your Heart’ and ‘Gone Like Summer’ preceded his loss of his mother and expression of things he wished he could have said. A very emotional aspect for many of those in the audience, I’m sure. Finishing the set with Jenni, a song about one of those people who are just a positive force of nature in your existence.
‘Jenni’ was performed with an intensity that showcased his vocal range and emotional depth. A good start to the evening that will be repeated on the rest of the tour.
It was a rather fitting venue for The Temperance Movement‘s first gig since 2019, a converted church in the middle of Bristol, where there is a significant history of the 19th Century British Women’s Temperance Association (currently the White Ribbon Association) until the early part of the 20th Century. Anyway, enough local history how about the musical version!
Entering the stage to rapturous cheers and applause from the sellout crowd, it appeared to be an emotional event for Phil Campbell on his return to the band. Eventually, the set started with an acoustic version of Chinese Lanterns with Paul Sayer playing the guitar whilst Luke, Simon, and Nick joined in on the chorus. Fantastic start! With smiles as wide as the Avon Gorge, the band appeared to be enjoying it as much as the sellout crowd, an emotion expressed in a recent interview in Classic Rock by Phil Campbell when he said ‘It’ll probably feel like a brand-new band. You are going to see five very happy people on stage.’
Without drawing breath and to the rapturous cheers of the crowd ‘Only Friend’ was next up rapidly followed by ‘Take it Back’-and they really had, it was as if they had never been away!
Campbell danced energetically on stage, reminiscent of Mick Jagger, using his arms expressively. The audience, clearly enthusiastic, sang along throughout the 90-minute set, mostly featuring tracks from the first album. Campbell’s powerful vocals stood out despite his small stature.
The set list featured fan favorites from all three albums, including ‘Oh Lorraine’ and ‘Midnight Black’ in the encore. Sayer and Luke displayed exceptional guitar skills, particularly on ‘Another Spiral’. It was a fantastic evening for The Temperance Movement’s return to live performance. The inclusion of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s classic ‘Have You Ever Seen The Rain’ in the encore showed the band’s understanding of their audience’s preferences.
In conclusion, both bands’ performances at the Trinity Arts Centre was a testament to their undeniable talent and ability to connect with their audience. The evening was a celebration of raw emotion, impeccable musicianship, and the undeniable bond between all protagonists. As the final notes faded away, the audience left with memories of a night that truly felt like a musical rebirth.
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