Wrecking Ball, Hull
Friday, 13th February 2026
Frequently, when talking about contemporary bands, I have said that if they had been around in earlier musical periods, they would have been massive. Personality, talent and powerful music, just in the wrong time period. However, there was a time when such bands, if given the choice, would change the setting on their metaphorical time machine and avoid it like the proverbial. I am talking about the brief period of 1976 and 1977 when punk was loud, mistakenly proud and telling a generation that acting like immature naughty children was the way forward while having talent was something to be, often literally, spat on.
Not a great time for any band, that played listenable music, to start out in the music business but, despite the odds and the underlying zeitgeist, Sad Café hit the scene. In a less musically aggressive time they would have made a greater impact on the scene but, even despite the probabilities, they were able to cling on to their integrity, keep playing and be listened to by those who had not been deafened, or lobotomised, by listening to such non hit wonders as Crass, 999 or Chelsea.
The band played on, releasing wonderful albums and, even if singles chart success was not as impactful as some other acts, they still managed to create one of the most beautiful rock ballads ever made, Everyday Hurts; a song that sounds as fresh now as it did in 1979.
Getting back into my time machine and bring them to the here and now, how do they stand up in a live setting?
Looking on Wikipedia at all the band members and line up changes, including the tragic loss of their lead singer and mechanic for Mike Rutherford, Paul Young, it is a wonder that they managed to carry on. But they have and after finally seeing them live I for one am glad they did keep the flame alive and kept on playing.
The venue, the Wrecking Ball, being a relatively small room above a record shop, might not sound like anything special but it is one of those places that manages to attract some amazing bands and has a friendly and enjoyable atmosphere, which made Sad Café’s show even more relaxed, comfortable and entertaining.
Hitting the ground running they started off with Black Rose, from their first album. The lead singer, Matt Wolf, might only have been in the band a short time and it was just his second time performing live with them. But if you hadn’t known then you’d have not been any the wiser from his performance. With a voice and stage presence like a mix of Paul Rodgers and Bon Scott he left no doubt that he meant business and didn’t let the legacy of his predecessor intimidate him and he didn’t let himself, or the band, down.
The rest of Sad Café were no slouches either. Dave Day played a mean guitar, mixing fast rock with delicate and sophisticated moments that kept the show flowing.
The saxophone, when played well, can make many a song sound better and Sad Café’s repertoire seemed perfect for the instrument. Thankfully Neil Shaw-Hulme was more than capable for doing the job and he lifted the set with his playing.
The most senior member of the band, and official mouthpiece, Des Tong, was on bass and he was the anchor that exuded leadership. He also added a few musical tales between songs which added to the show and honoured the late Paul Young.
Then, almost out of sight, but not out of mind, at the back, were Matt Steele on keyboards and Steve Gibson on drums. It could have been easy for them to be overshadowed by the presence and antics of their colleagues but they more than held their own and made sure that they couldn’t be ignored by the appreciative audience.
I must admit that, not having all their albums, there were a few songs that I wasn’t familiar with, but that didn’t prevent me from enjoying every minute of the concert. I loved Everyday Hurts and, with the rest of the audience, joined in with the chorus but there were other standout songs to go with it. I particularly enjoyed L.A., While Misunderstanding (no not a Genesis cover) and My Oh My (and no, not a Slade cover) certainly left an impression in my mind and on my ear drums.
A great concert where it was my, extremely belatedly, first experience of Sad Café live, but hopefully it won’t be my last.
SETLIST
Black Rose
Strange Little Girl
L.A.
Hungry Eyes
Emptiness
Fanx Tara
House of Many Nations
What Am I Gonna Do
– Interval –
On With The Show
Everyday Hurts
Wicked Love
La Di Da
I’m In Love Again
Misunderstanding
~ Encore:
My Oh My
MUSICIANS
Matt Wolff – Lead Vocals
Dave Day – Guitar, Vocals
Des Tong – Bass, Vocals
Matt Steele – Keyboards
Neil Shaw-Hulme – Saxophone, Vocals
Steve Gibson – Drums
