Last night the legendary 100 Club, a venue steeped in musical history, hosted an unforgettable night as part of its Tuesdays Blues series. Headlined by British blues-rock guitarist Mick McConnell & Blue Thunder, the evening delivered a thrilling blend of funk, rock, and blues, proving that live music is very much alive and kicking.
Back to the One – Funk-infused Blues with a Nostalgic Twist
Opening the night was Back to the One, a North London-based band that channels the spirit of The Blues Brothers with a hard-driving funk edge. Their set was a masterclass in groove-driven blues, with tracks like Soul Music injecting a smooth funk vibe and Sugar Babes showcasing their playful energy. The addition of a harmonica and shell percussion to the classic band setup gave their performance a raw, earthy texture. Their sound had echoes of the Starsky & Hutch soundtrack, and their lead guitarist, donning 70s-style mod flares and a cowboy hat, transported the audience straight to the blues heartlands of Memphis and Nashville.
Half Moon Panic – High-Energy Rock from Kent
The second support act, Half Moon Panic, delivered a fiery set of modern rock and blues. The Kent-based three-piece played original tracks with a driving intensity, their standout song Survival exploring themes of human endurance. Their heavy, riff-laden sound was a throwback to classic metal, a refreshing reminder of the raw energy that defined rock’s golden era. The 100 Club provided the perfect setting for their high-octane performance, proving that heavy blues-infused rock is far from a dying art.
Mick McConnell & Blue Thunder – A Masterclass in Blues-Rock
The anticipation was high for Mick McConnell & Blue Thunder, and they did not disappoint. McConnell, best known as the lead guitarist of Smokie, has built an impressive solo career, and with Blue Thunder, he has found the perfect vehicle for his brand of blues-infused rock.
Monica Costa and Mick McConnell at the 100 club
The set opened with Silent Times, a track that immediately evoked the spirit of 1950s America, setting the tone for an evening of classic rock storytelling. Spell on Me began with a riff reminiscent of Gary Moore, before shifting into an upbeat rock’n’roll rhythm. Another standout moment was Texan Girl, a lively track about a bar patron dictating the band’s setlist – its humour and energy had the crowd fully engaged.
McConnell’s red Gibson semi-acoustic delivered an incredible tone, perfect for the blues-rock soundscape. His guitar work was impeccable throughout, with the band’s tight musicianship elevating each song.
Among the highlights:
- All My Soul, a track McConnell revealed was written in just 10 minutes, had a strong rock vibe that once again brought Gary Moore to mind.
- Marbella, inspired by a couple with a significant age gap, was a playful take on fleeting relationships.
- She Came in the Post, a cheeky song with lyrics that sparked laughter among the crowd.
- Lighten Me, a personal favourite of McConnell’s, dedicated to Johnny Lang.
- Falling Down, a hard-rock closer that demonstrated the band’s versatility and McConnell’s virtuoso guitar skills.
Throughout the performance, the band’s bassist provided an unexpected visual treat, playing near a light source that cast his giant shadow onto the amplifier. Noticing the audience’s amusement, he played along, encouraging fans to capture creative photos.
McConnell’s ability to connect with his audience through anecdotes made the night even more engaging. Before each song, he shared stories of its inspiration, giving fans insight into his songwriting process.
A night to remember
Mick McConnell & Blue Thunder proved to be a top-tier live act, blending technical excellence with genuine passion for the genre. With this London show marking the final leg of their UK tour, the 100 Club audience was treated to a night of blues-rock mastery.
As McConnell himself put it in our interview:
“I’m a great believer that music should be fun.”
And fun it was – an electrifying night that reaffirmed the enduring power of live blues-rock. If you get the chance to see Mick McConnell & Blue Thunder on tour, don’t miss it.
