28 October 2019

Live Event: We Are Inglorious, The Tivoli, October 24th, 2019

Formed in 2014 and changing line-up a few times, Inglorious now consists of Dan Stevens (Guitar), Danny Dela Cruz (guitar) Phil Beaver (Drums), Nathan James (vocals) Vinnie Colla (bass).

Not being a fan of reality TV and talent shows, I was surprisingly unaware that Nathan James had another life before the rock band. Stalwart of a few singing talent shows, he has multiple videos on YouTube where you can see him perform, and that’s the thing about Nathan, he is a consummate performer.

Taking the stage at the best independent rock venue in Britain (The Tivoli in Buckley, North Wales), and in the most infeasibly tight trousers, Nathan\’s smile beams across the crowd and the band strike up \’Where Are You Now?\’

To say that Nathan has picked a group of amazing musicians is an understatement. Dela Cruz (who is only 20 but plays with the confidence and talent of someone who’s been doing it for 30 years) stands legs apart, 80s cock-rock stance, at the front of the stage, and has the guitar chops to back it up, along with amazing rhythm from Colla and solid second guitar from Stevens.

However I must give a special mention to Drummer Phil Beaver, who is a complete knockout in more ways than one. He has such great energy and such talent as a drummer and I felt compelled to tell him how he reminded me of a cross between Dave Grohl, Kenny Aronoff and Dave Lombardo. However, I was thwarted by two double-denim men who wouldn’t let me get anywhere near him. Phil, you are wonderful, breath-taking to hear and to watch #mojorising

Talking of mojo, how can I even begin to describe Nathan James?

I didn’t know what to expect of him as a front man as I’ve never seen Inglorious before, and although I do have eclectic tastes in music, I do like my rock singers to have good voices, and Nathan has the voice of .. a Rock God.

Here is a man who’s voice is so incredible, if he was singing a hymn you’d believe in God. Listening to him … you literally hold your breath as he demonstrates his 4? 5? Octive range.

The band as a whole look great, and Nathan fronts the stage in a way I’ve never experienced before, looking like he’s just jumped off a Viking ship and run from pillaging a village, he grabs lyrics out of the air (sort of like rock jazz hands) and he looks majestic…he is performance from head to toe.

It is so refreshing seeing a band who are top notch musicians, perform anthemic GOOD rock with swagger and poise and SMILE. It’s obvious that although they weren’t playing The Apollo, they were genuinely enjoying themselves and really giving it their all. I don’t know if it’s the age we live in, but if it was 1985, Inglorious would be a huge band, selling out arenas.

They have a big sound with sing-a-long solid songs, they can amp it up, and be soulful. In fact here’s a band that with a change of clothes could literally play anything they wanted. I know Nathan has covered Michael Bolton (who started off in rock) but this band could do soul, blues, even pop, and do it beautifully. The fact that Nathan has chosen rock … well lucky rock having someone so talented giving it their all.

A fantastic gig, and I’d go and see Inglorious at every opportunity.

I really do hope they break big as they deserve it.

Set list

If you do buy music from the band (and we thoroughly encourage you to do so), please use the Amazon link on our website. Doesn’t cost you a penny more and it helps us with the running costs of the website and podcast.

Review by Tina with thanks as always to Roki and Kirsty.

Make sure to bookmark the Tivoli website, like their Facebook page and follow on Twitter: @Tivoli_Venue