On a wet and cold Sunday in Derby we went to see the Nimmo Brothers at The Flowerpot. Having seen Alan many times with King King and big brother Stevie equally as many times with his own trio, this was the one I wanted to see for many a year – the ‘bruvs’ together in a full concert. And we were not disappointed. The Nimmo Brothers have proven themselves to be one of the best exponents of blues-rock in the UK over the last 20 plus years.
They were first booked at the Flowerpot 17 years ago and this night was one of the best gigs of 2018. What a return. The tickets sold out very quickly and the friendly and electric atmosphere at the gig showed how much everyone was looking forward to seeing them. Opening up with the track Bad Luck, this kicked off the start to what was to be a wonderful night of awesome blues-rock and clear brotherly love. Most of the songs were introduced by the enigmatic and effervescent Alan with Stevie happy to be there and play his awesome guitar (but never in the background). The brilliant rhythm section of Matt Beable on bass and Craig ‘crispy’ Bacon on drums never fail to impress with their playing.
Next two tracks up were The Shape I’m In and Long Way From Everything – two of the Nimmos staple songs. They then slowed it down a little with Slow Down and Still Here Strumming before Alan handed over the vocals to Stevie, which Alan described in his introduction as “If Stevie needs to be remembered for anything it is this track and his finest vocal performance” on See Through Your Eyes. What a performance and so tenderly put from such a big man.
Next up we were treated to Living Again and Reason To Believe before a couple of extended finishing jams with Waiting For Your Heart To Fall and the stupendous Black Cat Bone! Off for a short break and then back on for the extended encore Ain’t No Love (In the Heart of the City)! A gig with so many high points which took every single member of the audience along for the ride. Truly remarkable and hugely enjoyable. The show time seemed to pass so quickly and then we were back out in the cold, but with warm hearts for these two giants of the industry. Roll on the next reunion and the next time The Boys Are Back In Town!!
