Black Eyed Sons/Hearts And Souls/Dirty Al –
Nightrain, Bradford, Friday 12th December, 2025
We were running late and got to the Bradford Nightrain halfway through Dirty Al/Alan Clayton's set. I managed to grab a couple of pics but didn't see enough to do a proper review sadly.
 Dirty Al - Bradford 12 12 2025 - Photograph 5 |  Dirty Al - Bradford 12 12 2025 - Photograph 1 |
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 Dirty Al - Bradford 12 12 2025 - Photograph 4 |  Dirty Al - Bradford 12 12 2025 - Photograph 2 |
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The next band to perform were 'Hearts And Souls'. There were quite a few members on stage for this set. I was definitely intrigued by how they are going to sound.
Singer, Luke Smithson has a really great voice and was a good performer. Very animated, playing the guitar and singing. He wasn't just stood there and instead involved the band members and encouraged the audience to dance and sing. An all-round good performer.
 Hearts And Souls - Bradford 12 12 2025 - Photograph 2 |  Hearts And Souls - Bradford 12 12 2025 - Photograph 10 |
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 Hearts And Souls - Bradford 12 12 2025 - Photograph 4 |  Hearts And Souls - Bradford 12 12 2025 - Photograph 1 |
Musically they were spot on, I particularly loved the use of a backing singer, something you don't see much of these days. She was definitely an asset to the performance. Also, Wes Brook on the keys really lifted this rock 'n roll performance giving to whole sound a more fuller feel.
As AC/DC would say, "the music was good, the music was loud!". These guys are all round excellent musicians and gave us a very good set.
 Hearts And Souls - Bradford 12 12 2025 - Photograph 20 |  Hearts And Souls - Bradford 12 12 2025 - Photograph 19 |
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 Hearts And Souls - Bradford 12 12 2025 - Photograph 18 |  Hearts And Souls - Bradford 12 12 2025 - Photograph 17 |
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 Hearts And Souls - Bradford 12 12 2025 - Photograph 12 |  Hearts And Souls - Bradford 12 12 2025 - Photograph 11 |
Stepping out from the shadows of the ensemble, Guy Griffin has reinvented himself as a Lead Vocalist and Frontman for the incarnation of a previously named, well-known band. Oozing confidence, Griffin’s performance of the bands debut album relaease, 'Cowboys in Pinstriped Suits', was punctuated by fascinating anecdotes regarding the album's guest stars.
The setlist served as a 'Who’s who' of the rock world, featuring name-drops like Joe Elliott to the delight of the crowd. Backed by the melodic precision of Paul Guerin, the atmospheric keys of Keith Weir and the debut performance of Mick Young on bass, stepping in for Pip Mailing's Brother, Nick.
 Black Eyed Sons - Bradford 12 12 25 - Photograph 1 |  Black Eyed Sons - Bradford 12 12 25 - Photograph 14 |
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 Black Eyed Sons - Bradford 12 12 25 - Photograph 13 |  Black Eyed Sons - Bradford 12 12 25 - Photograph 12 |
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 Black Eyed Sons - Bradford 12 12 25 - Photograph 2 |  Black Eyed Sons - Bradford 12 12 25 - Photograph 3 |
There was an edge to the performance, with an added sleaze element straight off a Bowie influence. More talk of collaboration with Mike Tramp being the topic of conversation. Sadly none of the collaborators were able to join in the show.
We did get a harmonica performance from Damion Balthazar and Alan Clayton joining the band for one or two tracks though. Guy did a shout out to 'Down 'n' Outz' followed by a cover thrown in which made the performance really flow.
 Black Eyed Sons - Bradford 12 12 25 - Photograph 28 |  Black Eyed Sons - Bradford 12 12 25 - Photograph 27 |
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 Black Eyed Sons - Bradford 12 12 25 - Photograph 16 |  Black Eyed Sons - Bradford 12 12 25 - Photograph 15 |
The overall show was made for a big crowd and the folk here certainly loved it with plenty of dancing going on. The momentum of this band is now on track and building with the new album, coupled with the live performances the big crowds will come.
This was an accomplished performance with an excellent set. One more song for the encore, then the band met all those that came to the show. A good night that would been a great night with a larger turn out.
By Dale Holford