On Sunday 5th May, Rob Wheeler and his band, The Hushtones, played their first ever headline gig in their hometown, Alsager, as part of Wheeler’s ‘Leave Tomorrow’ tour. Friends, family and fans of all ages showed up to the The Manor House where the gig was played – an event that sold out within three days of the ticket launch.
Opening with the eponymous track, ‘Leave Tomorrow’, the energy from all band members is palpable – matched second only to the pride emanating from loved ones in the crowd. During this track, Kath Ord makes her first introduction on the fiddler, setting the tone for the rest of the night. Ord creates a sound that Wheeler will no doubt be renown for when the album is released, much like Tyler Childers or Charlie Daniels.
As the first song finishes, Wheeler and the band are met with a room of applause. “You’ll hear the word Nashville a lot tonight,” Wheeler jokes as he talks to the crowd about where this new album was written. There is an endearing humility to Wheeler as he shares his story of being welcomed to the revered ‘home of country music’. His band, particularly bass player Paul Adams, share loving banter (band-ter? No? OK) with him throughout the night, making the gig ever more personal.
Wheeler introduces his second song, ‘My Nashville Song’, as one he wrote with Jeff Trott. Trott is a writer and producer over in Nashville and made his fame through writing on a lot of Sheryl Crow’s songs.
“Did I mention I’d been to…Tennessee?” The joke continues as we’re introduced to ‘Whisper’, a song written at Carnival Music on Music Row, Nashville. Wheeler was booked in for a song writing session, but the other party never showed. Frank Lidell, one of the founders of Carnival Music, encouraged Wheeler to take a room anyway and ‘see what happens’.
“No one writes three chord songs anymore,” Wheeler imitates Lidell in quite possibly the best Texan accent this side of the Atlantic, “you know who wrote great three chord songs…The Beatles”. Those who have known Wheeler a while know that Beatles tribute acts were his bread and butter while he was starting out. Intentional or not, this was a nice little nod to his roots and recognising his journey.
Following on with some upbeat numbers, ‘Why, Whiskey,
Why’ – a love story about a hangover and an absolute bop, and ‘I’m Not Afraid to Fall’ – written with Marla Cannon-Goodman. Ord’s fiddle still prevalent, whatever the tempo.
Wheeler closes out the first half with ‘When You Can’t Let Go’ – a touching number inspired by the passing of his best friend, Marcus. He remains well composed as he tackles the poignant song, opening with just him and his guitar and slowly bringing in the full band for an emotive finish.
Wheeler kicks the second half off with a strong opening from Ord on the fiddle and Ash Clay on the drums during ‘Warning’, followed by ‘Something About Your Eyes’ – written with Steve Dorff.
Wheeler plays a couple of his earlier songs from back when he made the choice to move into the country genre – ‘She Would Not Be You’ and ‘Broken Faith’. The latter was inspired by a rainy graveyard he observed from a bus and Wheeler hits the melancholy in both his vocals and his guitar.
Paying tribute to his grandma who is currently unwell, Wheeler shares a story with us about when he was younger and his grandma told him he could hear the ocean when he put a shell to his ear. A story most children who’ve spent any time on the beach are familiar with, but most children wouldn’t be able to take that story and spin it into a heart-rending song like Rob Wheeler.
Just him and his guitar, Wheeler demonstrates his true vocal talent. His voice is gritty and passionate and his guitar playing virtuoso. Wheeler pours his soul onto the stage for this – for his grandma – and is quite possibly the best song of the evening.
Bringing back his full band – and taking a minute to ground himself after being so vulnerable – the tempo is flipped back to an upbeat final set of songs; ‘Goodbye Summer’, ‘Waterfalls’ – a country, bluesy interpretation of the 90s RnB hit by TLC, ‘Save Me’ – dedicated to one of his fans, Martin Henderson, who had travelled from Preston to be there, and ‘Mount Juliette’.
Wheeler also paid tribute to another audience member - the BBC’s very own Chris Baxter from BBC Radio Gloucester, who has championed Wheeler and his music for a long time.
With a crowd still wanting more, Wheeler and his band played ‘There Ain’t No Loving You’ in which all musicians showcased their reputable talents: Clay adding his flair on drums, the joyous Stevie Tams on the keys - a delight to both watch and listen to - and the ever-cool Paul Adams on the bass.
Wheeler and his band closed out the show with ‘Lantern’ – a fan favourite off his Ten Embers album and one he loves to finish his shows with. The crowd were singing along with him and most gave him a standing ovation to finish.
It’s no easy feat rolling out a tour without the album to match but Wheeler and The Hushtones seem to be doing just fine. By way of apology, every audience member received an exclusive free CD – The Nashville Sessions – featuring acoustic tracks from the album.
Wheeler and his band have been playing together for years and their relationship with each other and the crowd is warm and enjoyable to be part of. Wheeler involves the audience in his song choices, much like a Nashville style writers’ round, sharing his inspirations behind the lyrics and melodies.
It was, of course, a shame to see a few empty seats at the gig, considering how many fans were desperate to try and make the show to both see and support Wheeler.
Rob Wheeler's tour continues throughout May in Winchester and Milton Keynes, closing at the prestigious Nashville Meets London in Holborn on 15th May. Tickets here.
Stay up to date with Rob Wheeler through his website.
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