STEVE EGGS SMASHING AT THE SOUND LOUNGE

Sound Lounge, Sutton, August 15th 2026

 ‘And lo, there was a band who created rock history one Saturday night that shall be remembered by all who were present…until the days of future past….’

Who was the soothsayer heard muttering such bold mystical predictions at a famed live music venue? It might have been the chap in the long white beard, wearing a pointed black hat seen hovering above the bar before disappearing in the direction of the gentlemen’s convenience.

Or it could have been a rock journalist after imbibing his fourth pint of Wizard’s Ale. Whatever the truth of the matter, the night saw one of the most exciting performances witnessed by fans of the long established group in many phases of the Moon.

Still evolving with ever more captivating songs and surprising twists of style it was rather odd to see the SEB described as ‘Country Bangers’ in the Lounge’s events list. But as Steve Eggs (lead vocalist, guitarist and composer) observed from the stage, the band embrace so many different genres even they couldn’t pin themselves down.

Whatever they play, original passionate songs or classic rock’n’pop hits, there is such a buzz going on within the band it communicates directly to audiences, who show their enthusiasm way beyond mere handclapping, as we shall see.

THE GIG

Mercifully the SEB’s Saturday night gig came at the end of a debilitating heat wave. It was possible to inhale not just cool air but the cool vibes the band generated from the start of their opening acoustic set. Kicking off at 8.30 p.m they launched into ‘The Road To California’.

Yes, it had a jaunty country beat, but this was quickly followed by ‘Good Intentions’ enhanced by snappy interjections from Jon Kershaw playing his Fender guitar. Steve kindly informed us “The next song is all about drowning” which turned out to be ‘SS California’ while another merry ditty ‘Rolling On’ was ‘all about getting older’ during which the composer defiantly blew his trusty harmonica. Meanwhile drummer Mark Taylor pounded two-beats to the bar on his bass drum (Or was it four? Only the wizard knows) as they stomped into the jaunty ‘I’ve Just Seen A Face’.

Despite these occasionally sorrowful themes Steve reassured us with cheery cries of ‘Let’s have a great time this evening’ and promised brand new songs when they re-assembled for the second set. After all it was the 13th time they’d been invited to play at the Sound Lounge. They wanted to ensure everyone was smiling and dancing during this special occasion. Certainly ‘Folsom Prison Blues’ sung by bassist Peter Wass with toe tapping encouragement from Mr. Kershaw provided an exuberant climax to their opening salvo.

BRIDGE TO MY SOUL

The all-electric second set launched with a rockin’ Liza Jane’ was greeted with cheers. Steve generously took the opportunity to ‘Thank our support band for starting this evening…’ before the stomping ‘Looking For A Place In The World’, ‘Almost Talking’ and dramatic ‘Sugar And Blood’ from the band’s Imperfect Stranger album (2025) fully gripped the Loungers’ attention.

Amidst the tidal wave of familiar songs came the galloping ‘One Horse Town’, ‘Roll with the Punches’ and ‘Strangest Feeling’. SEB fans were then treated to a sneak preview of new compositions, soon to be recorded, notably ‘Bridge to My Soul’ during which the lead guitarist complemented Steve’s vocals with cleverly cascading chords.

Jon also paved the way with that famously jubilant intro to the Tom Petty classic ‘American Girl’ that led to his major showcase solo of the night. Things got funkier by the minute as drummer Mark Taylor played like a New York punk rocker meets a Memphis soul man, while locking into Peter’s bass grooves, lifting the band into ever higher levels of funk.

‘Turn It Up’ was the cry while the bouncy ‘A Change Of Heart’ was given 4 stars by my trusty editorial assistant Clare and Steve’s emotional lyrics were underlined by Jon’s gripping interjections on the blue PRS SE Standard 24 guitar that replaced the Fender.

‘Bad Line’ was lots of fun and so was Pete Wass’ exuberant rendition of Mr. Dylan’s ‘Highway ’61 Revisited.’ After a heartfelt ‘We Humans’ came ‘Roll Over’ and ‘Lonely Tonight (The Apartment Song)’.

But the band was far from lonely when they struck into ‘I Saw Her Standing There’ a corking ditty by an upcoming young Liverpool pop group. The crowds in front of the stage began dancing if not on the tables, certainly in the aisles. What say you Mr. Soothsayer? ‘Forsooth!’ CHRIS WELCH

Many thanks to Sári Toplek for the photos