Seeing Richard Hawley live is always a pleasure, and his return to The Fire Station in Sunderland was no exception. Over the years, I’ve watched him evolve from a support act for Nancy Sinatra in 2005 to one of Britain’s most treasured songwriters, capable of selling out venues and captivating audiences with his unique blend of rockabilly, crooner ballads, and twangy guitar work.
I last saw him here at The Fire Station in December 2022, and again in 2023 for his collaboration with John Grant, performing “Richard Hawley and John Grant Play Patsy Cline.” Each time, he brought something special, and this night was no different. Touring in support of his latest album, In This City They Call You Love, Hawley took to the stage with his usual understated charm. His presence is effortless—there’s no need for theatrics or drama, just impeccable musicianship and that rich, velvety voice that seems to have been made for venues like this.
Support came from Bernard Butler, “who formed the group Suede co-writing and playing guitars on every recording until 1994,1992’s classic debut “The Drowners”, followed by hits “Metal Mickey”, the top 10 “Animal Nitrate” and the number 2 epic “Stay Together”. “(From his website). I have happy memories of seeing Suede with Laura in Manchester Ritz nightclub. (Back to the website) “The Mercury Prize winning debut Suede became the fastest selling record in years. The defining Dog Man Star, a sprawling concept of rare ambition culminated in Butler’s exit. The group continued but Butler’s contribution will remain the defining moment in the band’s history.” Bernard is now an accomplished solo artist who warmed up the crowd well for the main act.
Hawley opened the night with “She Brings the Sunlight,” a highly atmospheric track that immediately drew the audience into his world. From there, the set wove between new material and old favourites, showcasing the depth of his songwriting. As always, Hawley sounded great and his warm baritone added weight and depth to every lyric. Whilst I cannot claim to be a huge Hawley fan, in so much as that I have not listened to a lot of his recorded music, I never fail to be impressed and entranced by his live performances, and hearing it in such an intimate setting was a reminder of just how timeless his work is.
His vocals and swirling guitars filled the venue with a dramatic energy. Richard dresses almost as a rockabilly dude complete with cowboy shirt, jeans, winkle picker boots and quiff. My favourite song is “Where The Streets Have No Name” which has a 50s/60s feel about it. He also treated us to a Johnny Cash cover, “Hear That Lonesome Whistle Blow”, proving once again how well his voice lends itself to the country greats.
Hawley has a wry sense of humour, and his interactions with the crowd were as enjoyable as the music itself. There’s no pretence with him, just an easy, down-to-earth charm that makes every gig feel personal. Whether he was introducing a song with a self-deprecating joke or sharing a story from the road, he had the audience completely onside. As the main set came to a close with “Heart of Oak,” the applause was thunderous.
He returned for a three-song encore, closing the night with the breathtaking “The Ocean”—a song that swells and soars, perfectly capturing the grandeur and romance that defines so much of his music. Richard Hawley has a way of making every show feel intimate, whether he’s playing in a packed theatre or a smaller venue like The Fire Station.
His ability to craft songs that feel both nostalgic and timeless is rare, and his live performances are always great fun. Walking out into the cold December night, I was once again reminded why I kept coming back to see him. Whether it’s 2005 at The Sage Gateshead, 2022 at The Fire Station, or tonight in 2024, Hawley’s music has a way of sticking with you—like an old friend whose stories you never tire of hearing.
Many thanks to Jackie for the photographs and to Laura and Chris for helping me construct the blog entry.
Setlist: She Brings the Sunlight, Two for His Heels, Prism in Jeans, Open Up Your Door, Standing at the Sky’s Edge, Deep Space, Just Like the Rain, Hear That Lonesome Whistle Blow, Tonight the Streets Are Ours, Alone, Coles Corner, Leave Your Body Behind You, Heavy Rain, Don’t Stare at the Sun, Is There a Pill?, Heart of Oak. Encore: People, I’m Looking for Someone to Find Me, The Ocean.
Vintagerock's Weblog. 
Posted by ciarant1step on February 20, 2025 at 9:59 pm
Unfortunately I’ve never seen Richard Hawley live, but I really like the songs he has written. Reading this review, I hope he comes this way sometime.
Posted by vintagerock on February 21, 2025 at 12:14 pm
Hi Ciaran
Yes he is certainly worth going to see best wishes Peter