Tyketto
- Rock Metal Machine
- 8 hours ago
- 6 min read
Artists: Tyketto, Warrior Soul, Collateral
Venue: KK Steel Mill (Wolverhampton)
Date: 25th April 2026
"The audience clearly agree, as the roar at the song’s finale is deafening, and Vaughn is clearly emotional at such a crowd reaction."
It’s the last night of a two week tour which sees Tyketto promoting their newly released (and rather excellent) ‘Closer To The Sun’ album, and there’s no better venue than KK’s Steel Mill to finish in, thanks to the always excellent sound and eye-catching digital screen at the rear of the stage which proudly display’s each band’s logos during each set. There’s also a very healthy crowd in attendance, as the Tyketto name has certainly been growing in stature rapidly over the past two or three years; it’s excellent for the band and richly deserved after such a long time in the business, but it kinda makes me wonder where all these people have been for the past 35 years! It’s not like the band haven’t been out there doing it on a regular basis…
First up tonight is the always entertaining Collateral, and while a decent crowd is already in attendance, singer Angelo Tristan takes to the stage like he’s headlining Wembley Stadium, the engaging frontman covering every single inch of the stage during just the first song and throwing all the right moves, this guy was simply born to be a Rock star. While the sound is slightly muddy to begin with, Tristan’s voice rises effortlessly above it all as the wonderfully melodic ‘No Place For Love’ segues into the even catchier ‘Glass Sky’, however it’s when Tristan straps on his acoustic guitar for the Country Rock of ‘Midnight Queen’ that the venue really erupts. The beautiful ballad ‘On The Long Road’ is up next, complemented by some lovely guitar work from Louis Malagodi, and it’s clearly an emotional delivery from Angelo as he pauses to reflect at the song’s finale, it’s heart-warming to see the support he receives from bassist Jack Bentley-Smith. Then it’s back to the debut album for the harder-rocking ‘Merry Go Round’ and ‘Mr. Big Shot’ to finish, and the huge cheer from the crowd at the finale is richly deserved. An all too brief but nevertheless perfect set from an up-and-coming band that deserve to be more well-known – if you get the chance, go see ‘em!
I’ve never been a fan of Warrior Soul, and I didn’t expect seeing them live to change my opinion; I gave them a chance, but as soon as Kory Clarke began singing that was enough for me – due to the large amount of people who left the main auditorium during their set it seems I’m not in the minority. Not for me, I’m afraid, so I’ll just leave it there.
You would think that playing your tenth show in just twelve days would have just a little bit of an effect on a singer’s voice, but absolutely not if your name is Danny Vaughn! Always a vocalist that gives it full beans 100% of the time, you could forgive the occasional blip or missed note, but it simply never happens, it’s as if it’s the opening night of the tour, not the last. ‘Rescue Me’ is the rousing opener, before the classic ‘Wings’ produces the first real sing-along opportunity of the show. Ironically as well, debut album ‘Don’t Come Easy’ had also celebrated its 35th anniversary during this tour, which is even more cause for celebration.
Vaughn has enlisted an excellent cast of musicians to carry the Tyketto name into the future, and they have now truly gelled as an ensemble as if they have been performing together for decades. Though he’s well-known and loved as Thunder’s bassist, Chris Childs is never anything but 100% professional, but I always think he seems to be enjoying himself so much more with Tyketto than when playing with any of the other bands he tours with, even doing a healthy portion of backing vocals. Ged Rylands role in Tyketto simply can’t be understated; he seems to play just as much guitar as keyboards these days, but it certainly helps in beefing up the sound, particularly on the harder tunes like ‘Strength In Numbers’, but it’s his perfect backing vocals that, for me, make him so indispensable to the band – especially the unaccompanied lines he delivers during ‘Seasons’. Harry Scott Elliott is the youngster of the band and is an absolute bundle of energy that definitely keeps the rest of the guys on their toes, and while he can shred with the best of them, he also displays the restraint required during the quieter moments. Drummer Johnny Dee was always going to be the perfect replacement for original member Michael Clayton Arbeeny and plays in a similar style, while also contributing lots of backing vocals, and an amusing part of the show is when DV accuses him of pandering to the local crowd when he realises he’s wearing a Wolverhampton Wanderers shirt!
With a new album to promote it was wonderful to hear some of the new songs like ‘Higher Than High’, ‘We Rise’ and ‘Closer To The Sun’ slot into the set and be welcomed like they were old friends, and just as popular as the “oldies” like ‘Burning Down Inside’, ‘Lay Your Body Down’ and ‘Reach’ – and yes, I include the latter as an “oldie” as it’s ten years old now! Of all the new songs played on this tour though, I never expected their Roxette cover ‘Harleys And Indians (Riders In The Sky)’ would be included, but it offers something a little bit different and sounds great, with Chris Childs harmonising vocally with Vaughn throughout. It’s great to hear ‘The Run’ and ‘Circle The Wagons’ make a welcome return, while the main set closes with another newie, ‘The Brave’, for me one of Danny Vaughn’s finest lyrical tributes yet, and the a cappella finale is stunning.
As soon as the band have departed the stage, Planet Rock DJ Ian Danter appears and calls them back on stage for a surprise announcement. As ‘Closer To The Sun’ is Tyketto’s first album to hit the No.1 spot on the Rock & Metal chart, each band member is given a special award to commemorate the achievement. Also, not many people will know this, but one of these awards was also given to Julie Bootland, who takes care of so many things from social media to merchandise for all things Vaughn and Tyketto related. Affectionately known as “Mama Tyke” to the die-hard fans, Julie does so much to help the cause that including her in the award-giving is a really nice gesture and richly deserved.
And so it’s encore time, and for a change they do a cover of ‘Don’t Stop Believin’’… no of course they don’t, what else could they play but the anthem of all anthems, ‘Forever Young’! Obviously, this is Tyketto’s signature song, so it’s rather surprising that Danny Vaughn invites Angelo Tristan back to sing co-lead vocals with him, but it’s a lovely gesture by Vaughn and clearly demonstrates the camaraderie and respect between the artistes, and Tristan appears to be having the time of his life! The audience clearly agree, as the roar at the song’s finale is deafening, and Vaughn is clearly emotional at such a crowd reaction. One thing’s for sure, before their next gig KK’s Steel Mill is going to need a new roof…
I’ve seen many, many Tyketto shows over the years, and every single one of them is amazing, but just occasionally a specific show stands out for a certain reason; Belfast on the 2004 reunion tour, Firefest 2012 , Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall 2014 are ones that live long in my memory. However, KK’s Steel Mill 2026 was a show that was right up there with the very best of them.
Review: Ant Heeks
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