Gig Review: Danny & the Champions of the World - Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath, Birmingham. Sunday 16th March 2025

Over the last dozen years, each Danny and the Champions World performance (festival set or headline gig) would draw a similar conclusion. You sensed a band playing their hearts out as though the final curtain was about to come down. Such consistency cemented an appeal rewarding a strong bond with an outstanding outfit. There was something different about the Champs return to Birmingham, a town where the relationship is measured in dedication rather than numbers. This time you sensed a band in control and playing with a tight composure. Far from a curtain coming down, the revised five-piece appeared in the zone ready to play for eternity rather than maximising a limited scope. 

You cannot underestimate the impact of the latest album, where the band bravely contorted their rock 'n' roll chops in an experimental mood-driven electro direction. YOU ARE NOT A STRANGER HERE needs time to ferment especially to fresh ears. Likewise its live presence matured from a slow moving intro witnessed at the 7 Hills Festival in November to an intoxicating immersive experience for a beguiled Hare and Hounds gathering. 

The hour and three quarter stage time was a masterclass in setlist construction. Three songs from the new album mesmerised the first twenty minutes. Sandwiching the tempo setting 'Talking a Good Game' and the hypnotic 'I'm in Love' is the poetic masterpiece 'Kicking Tyres'. This emotional metaphor spawns life, desperation and bleak analogies within a warm and comforting soundscape. The rest of the new material strategically interspersed with iconic Champs that has moulded anglicised Americana into an original entity. 'Future Past' altered the pace at the right time, while the killer chorus melody to 'The Robot Cries' echoed a greater presence in a live setting. The jewel in the crown is the newly anointed thumping Champs anthem 'Sooner or Later'. Its evocative impulses transferred you from an upstairs room in a gritty Birmingham suburb to a spacious throng swaying with intent. 

This pre-encore finale saw the Champions of World become a plus one with opening act Annie Dressner joining the fray on backing vocals and tambourine. She appears to be relishing this opportunity to join the band on an 'extensive tour'. Not a phrase you can apply to the band in recent years, though in fairness Danny Wilson rarely leaves the spotlight with several other ventures. Annie effectively uses the half hour support slot to display her distinct talent revolving around astute songs and a cult cinematic vocal style, the latter being more in the indie 'B' movie camp. Her songs are becoming increasingly familiar as she constantly seeks live opportunities. 'Black and White' and '18 Years' are standouts though they are about to be challenged by the strong anti-misogyny number 'For the Thrill of It' that draws solidarity and focusses minds in a barrage of irony and keen messaging. 

If keyboardist Thomas Collison is driving the new sounds, existing fans can be rest assured guitarist Paul Lush commands a key role in pushing the old favourites to new limits. Mind you all five Champs are in perfect unison from start to finish. With 'Henry..' and 'The Colonel..' in the rest home, classics like '...Space Rocket' and 'Clearwater' toss you into a reassuring world of old friends. You can dance in anyway you want at a Champs gig, Danny applies the cue. Smart ears and eyes will steer towards the immense rhythm pairing of Joe Bennet on bass and Steve Brookes on drums. The adhesive in the amalgam. 

There will never be a best Champs line up. Enter the stage once and life membership is awarded. The current five-piece appears consistent. You can start making the case if you wish. 

At the core is the inimitable Danny Wilson. Those hours in a South London record shop continue to pay off. Danny and Birmingham isn't an overused phrase. Danny and Bewdley has surpassed it in recent years. Tonight those whose Champs' live experiences puts miles on the clock had a treat with a shorter excursion. Then again any Danny and the Champions of the World adventure is a blessing. 

NB. The Champs last played Birmingham in 2014, with the Hare and Hounds a year earlier. Danny Wilson has taken his solo and Bennet Wilson Poole act to Bewdley twice since. 

Roll on Ramblin' Roots!