Words and Pictures (C) Adrian Hextall / MindHex Media
A Triumphant Return: Rachel Stamp and The Gospel at The 100 Club
London, 100 Club – September 20, 2025
There are nights when a gig feels like more than just music; it feels like an event. Tonight, at the legendary 100 Club, was one of those nights. A sense of anticipation hung thick in the air for the return of glam-punk icons Rachel Stamp, a band whose performance was marked by both celebration and poignant reflection. But first, the stage was set by newcomers The Gospel, who delivered a sermon of a very different kind.
The Gospel
As The Gospel took to the stage, their aesthetic was immediately striking. Every microphone stand was entwined with the stems of red roses, a touch of gothic romanticism that perfectly complemented their sound. A new name to those of us in London, The Gospel is fronted by L.A. renegade Jimmy Sweet with an all star female band featuring Danielle McCormack (Mel from hit 90’s TV series ‘My Parents Are Aliens’), Charis Anderson (Curse Of Lono), Sinead Bales (The Courtesans), Hazel Cotogno (Poussez Posse) and Saffire Sanchez (The Courtesans). Based in Manchester, The Gospel recently launched themselves onto the scene with a string of live dates, attracting an ecstatic review from Louder Than War’s John Robb who praised: “The music is mind-blowing…it feels like The Gospel are going to be making a big noise soon”.
A haunting set, with harmonies to die for and an audience willing to do so just that to experience a sound so unique that Madonna has given up all rights to “Like A Prayer” (allegedly) thanks to the performance of such an iconic song from The Gospel. If you need convincing, check out the video below:
For more info on the band: https://linktr.ee/thegospelofficial
Rachel Stamp
The atmosphere reached fever pitch as Rachel Stamp prepared to make their entrance. For thirty years, the band has been a cornerstone of the UK’s alternative scene, a riot of glitter, riffs, and rebellion. However, this was a return tinged with sadness. The tragic passing of long-time drummer Robin Guy, whose power and personality were so integral to the band’s sound, left an unfillable void. The question on everyone’s mind was how the band would move forward.
The answer came with the explosive opening chords of “Brand New Toy.” On the drum stool sat a new face, Joe Holweger, driving the band with a precision and power that both honoured Robin’s legacy and stamped its own authority on the material. This was not a replacement, but a continuation.
That continuation can also be seen in the studio and in concert when watching She Made Me Do It. Guitarist Will Crewdson, keyboard and vocalist Shaheena Dax (with Shaheena ditching keys for bass) and Joe were caught recently at the Cart & Horses in London by Louise Phillips, her review and pics are here:
Frontman David Ryder-Prangley was, as ever, the consummate rock star. Dressed in a fishnet catsuit, with a black thong over the top, he perfectly mixed dapper London gentleman with glam rock energy and more than a dash of Vivienne Westwood. It’s easy to imagine him walking out of her boutique on the Kings Road in Chelsea with many an outfit in this vein and it was n surprise he effortlessly commanded the stage with style and charisma, his bass lines locking in perfectly with Joe’s thunderous beats. To his right, guitarist Will Crewdson was a whirlwind of energy, unleashing a torrent of squealing, virtuosic solos. His performance during “Superstars Of Heartache” and “Monsters Of The New Wave” was simply incendiary, a reminder of why he is one of the most respected guitarists of his generation and one that can switch so easily between the work he does with David, his position in SMMDI and of course as Adam Ant’s guitarist as well. A man of many talents indeed.
The setlist was a journey through the band’s storied career. Fan favourites like the sleazy stomp of “I Wanna Be Your Doll” and the raw power of “Permanent Damage” sent waves of energy through the packed-out venue. But it was during the iconic “Black Cherry” that the night reached its emotional peak. The crowd sang every word, their voices joining with Ryder-Prangley’s in a moment of pure, unadulterated rock and roll communion.
Tonight was a testament to the resilience of Rachel Stamp. They faced an impossible challenge and met it with grace, power, and a blistering set that proved their fire burns as brightly as ever. It was a night of remembrance, rebirth, and a whole lot of rock and roll. I for one want more please.
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