Gut Reactions (post-gig memories and other trips): These Wicked Rivers - "The Big Show", The Octagon Hall, Buxton. Saturday 10th October, 2026

I was excited about this gig for several reasons: a fancy venue, an overnight stay, a new place to explore, great bands, and a chance to hear TWR play songs from their fantastic new album.

The journey down was uneventful, with a mix of rain, blustery wind, and bright sunshine. We stopped at Tebay Services for lunch, choosing the Pie Shop over the cafe options, as the latter was in the middle of switching menus from breakfast to lunch. We sat at a table for six and were joined by two Americans; from the conversation we eavesdropped on, one worked in the music industry. A Google search using the clues he'd provided identified him as Murry Hammond of the 'Old 79's' (they appeared under heavy makeup in alien costumes in the Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special singing I Don't Know What Christmas Is (But Christmastime Is Here) ).

Murry Hammond

We stayed at the Palace Hotel & Spa in Buxton, a mere six-minute walk to the gig. By the time we arrived at the hotel, around 3pm, few parking spaces remained, and I was surprised to find they now charged a £5 daily fee to park, even for hotel guests. On the plus side, the reception staff let us check in early without charging us extra.

Palace Hotel & Spa, Buxton

The hotel looks impressive, but it's over 125 years old, with some signs it needs renovation. For example, one of our bedroom sidelights still used a round pin socket.

After we found the venue, we took a brief walk around Buxton, then stopped at McDonald's for dinner. They advertised their beef is 100% British and Irish, but I didn't know cows could have dual citizenship.

The VIP entry began at 5.30 pm. We were one of the first in. We got our goodie bags, and I also picked up my pre-ordered event T-shirt. Inside the bag, we found a limited-edition tea set, a signed setlist for the show, a signed art card, a commemorative ticket, and various flyers for upcoming shows. We both bought tote bags to carry the goodie bag in case the paper handles ripped.

Tea set

Signed A5 poster

Commemorative physical ticket

Unfortunately, not the actual setlist they played

The foyer had two bars, a merch stall, a beard trimming service and a 'Family Tree' display in the foyer. The main hall felt spacious, though it only held 800.

Octagon Hall

Family Tree

We got to hear the band do their soundcheck, with lots of "fraction more on John's vocals", "can I get more on the timpani?", and "a bit more on John's mic" until they were happy. Lead singer John had a cold, and we unexpectedly heard through the PA as he blew his nose. A roadie offered him a Jakemans Extra Strength lozenge.

I realised early on that the blue lights would wreak havoc on my photos, my phone camera struggling to adjust (subsequently, I've researched a fix, which I've yet to test).

The view from the barrier.

Afterwards, the band mingled, chatting and posing for photos. We were encouraged to add our names and what the band meant to us on a card for the Family Tree. Josie, the band's manager, pulled the trestle table with the cake celebrating the event in front of it for the cutting.

While others chatted, we made our way to the barrier and took up position off centre. I'd been getting blinded by one of the beams during the soundcheck and wanted to avoid this during the main show. I was feeling quite excited to be so close to the stage.

Hayseed Dixie don't usually play support slots nowadays, but they agreed to do it because of their affection for These Wicked Rivers, who had originally supported them back in the day. I hadn't seen them before, but I knew their schtick. Their hour-long set included the classics Highway to Hell, Breaking the Law, Paranoid and Don't Fear the Reaper, all played in their inimitable style.

Corn Liquor

Hayseed Dixie

The stage set for a These Wicked Rivers show is always homely: multiple standard lamps with lampshades, buckets of flowers, a tall clock, a globe drinks cabinet, and a hat stand all added to the ambience. Even the pedal units had fabric wrapped around them.

I knew it would be a waste of effort trying to film the first few songs because the photographers would be in front, snapping away. What I didn't anticipate was how long they would stay, becoming a constant pain, regularly standing in front of me. This went on for three-quarters of the show. Some bright spark had decided to send them in two at a time rather than have a rammy for the opening songs. Bad choice. It really popped my enthusiasm. At times, it felt like the band were only there to accompany the Dance of the Photographers. It really spoiled my enjoyment of the show. I mean, we paid extra to see the band, not to watch them get photographed. I'm still angry about it two days later.

Maybe the photographer was doing me a favour by blocking my view of the stage.

On reflection, I enjoyed the experience overall, but I certainly felt glum for most of the These Wicked Rivers set. I hope my unhappy demeanour is obvious from the footage of the crowd they seemed to be constantly filming. Maybe they'll edit out my ugly mug or use generative AI to put a smile on my face.

That night, I didn't sleep well; the twin-bed mattress was too hard for my liking. Despite my weariness, we still made it home without incident.

Setlist

Shine On

The Healing

Horse To Water

Ain't No Smoke

Love To Love

Sing Another Song

Rise

Brother Oh Brother

Better Man

Woodland Queen