Riding the Low returned to the intimate Craufurd Arms on April 22, 2023, delivering an electrifying performance that left their passionate fans hungry for more. Led by frontman Paddy Considine (known for his roles in House of the Dragon and Dead Man’s Shoes), the band brought a full-throttle rock show to the packed Milton Keynes venue. Backed by Dan Baker (Skelegog), Chris Baldwin (Butch Mystique), Rich Eaton (Tactile Sasquatch), and Conor Smith (Ditty Man), the band proved that their music isn’t just a side project—it’s a high-energy rock experience.
The night opened with an incredible set from support act Joseph Hooligan, setting the atmosphere for what would be a wild ride. As the lights dimmed, Riding the Low took to the stage one by one, kicking off the show with the instrumental intro of “Digging You Out.” The crowd erupted when Considine, aka The LowRider, appeared, turning the small venue into a stadium-worthy show. The band wasted no time, rolling into “Road” and “End This Attack,” tracks from their latest EP Awake You Sleeping Giants Part 1, which got the crowd moving with deep bass lines and raw, crunching guitar riffs.
The band then threw it back to 2016 with fan-favorites like “Bleeding Eyes at Breakfast” and “The Walking Backwards Man.” At one point, Considine took center stage with a floor tom drum, pounding out a primal beat while the rest of the band created a Native American chant that seamlessly transitioned into “Tommy Hawk.” The connection between band and audience was palpable, especially during the heavy-hitting “You Pride Yourself on Savage,” which had the entire room shaking with cheers.
The night’s special moment came when Joseph Hooligan rejoined the band, playing the melodica to introduce “Carapace of Glass.” Fans recognized the opening notes immediately, and their excitement filled the venue as they sang along. Riding the Low kept the energy high with “One Thousand Horses” and “Wake Me Up When It’s Over,” before slowing things down with a stripped-back acoustic version of “The Piss Parade.” This poignant moment gave the audience a brief respite before the band kicked things back into high gear with “Of the World Forms Dead Zones” and “The Greatest Blast.”
One of the highlights of the night was the guitar duel between Skelegog and Butch Mystique during “The Greatest Blast,” with Considine diving into the crowd, making the gig feel even more intimate. His charisma as a frontman shone through as he parted the sea of fans like a rock deity, only to return to the stage to close the song with a bang.
The finale saw Considine wielding a baseball bat with “Here to Help” written on the side, pounding the stage in time with the beat of “Heed,” a thunderous track that whipped the crowd into a frenzy. The band capped off the main set with “A Crisis Common Stuck,” leaving fans screaming for more.
Riding the Low didn’t disappoint, returning for an encore that included classics like “Rocky 99” from their 2013 release, “Beast of the Night Flight,” and a surprise treat from their 2009 debut album, Easy on Your Own.
From start to finish, Riding the Low’s performance felt like a throwback to an era of punk rock that celebrated chaos and raw energy. Drawing inspiration from bands like The Hives and The Sex Pistols, their sound was relentless, their stage presence magnetic, and their connection with fans undeniable. With no phones in sight, the night felt like a true immersion in old-school rock, complete with face paint, bats smashing, and the kind of energy that leaves ears ringing and hearts full.
In short, Riding the Low gave Milton Keynes a night to remember—proof that they are more than a celebrity-led rock band; they are a force of nature on the British rock scene.
Comentarios