R5 review in Bristol at The Fleece

Posted on: 2017-09-19

Our rating:

I predict huge things for the band in years to come and it won’t be long until they hit the big time on these shores too and as with so many huge bands over the years, The Fleece will be able to say, they rocked us first.


Teen idols R5, fronted by Disney’s latest heart-throb Ross Lynch hit the stage at Bristol’s premiere sweatbox last night - The Fleece - to a hysterical wave of teenage euphoria that I don’t think I’ve ever experienced at the small venue to date. The five-piece, American rock band went on to deliver an electrifying ninety-minute set that ticked all the boxes for the die-hard fans in the crowd but also went some way to pleasantly surprise the grown-ups that congregated at the back whilst their insatiable teens packed the front of stage. I for one had a great time, and came away with a new found appreciation for R5 as pop-rock musicians with bags of talent and bucket loads of personality instead of simply being the latest production-line teen sensations that I’ve come to abhor. These guys really know how to put on a show and their insatiable exuberance and zest for a party undoubtedly gained them more fans last night than they came with – if this gig was anything to go by, the current tour which is taking them all over Europe will certainly have them breaking into the EU market and will soon see them selling out arenas all over the world, as they already do the other side of the pond.

R5 live at The Fleece in Bristol

Despite Ross perhaps being the star of the show and the one most teenage girls were frothing at the mouth to see - at times reminding me of a young Mick Jagger - the whole show musically is held together seamlessly by outstanding and hugely accomplished musicians in Riker (bass), Rocky (lead guitar), Ellington (Drums) and Rydel (keys)  - Rydel and Ellington at times blending into the background but to the keen musical eye clearly steering the ship whilst Ross, Rocky and Riker parade their colourful, energetic personalities for the crowd – it works; faultlessly and it was one of those rare gigs that you really feel right down to your toes, hence the warranted use of the adjective ‘electrifying’ earlier.

Being related, you really get a sense of togetherness from the band and no individual is bigger than the sum of their parts. The whole thing comes together with jubilant ease and fun is had all round, both on and in front of the stage and that is probably the most enjoyable thing about watching R5 live; the fans clearly feel very close to their idols and feel a part of the adventure they are on and certainly part of the party and that is down to the atmosphere created and then backed up by the refreshing attitude and miasmic passion on show from R5.

R5 live at The Fleece in Bristol

I’ve seen a huge amount of bands at the Fleece over the years and I can hand on heart say that R5 were the most explicit example of what making and performing music should be all about – having fun, bringing people together and pure escapism.

At very rare times the band still felt a little raw, usually in the down tempo moments but what Ross can sometimes lack in vocal range, he more than makes up for in passion, energy and a ferocious desire to entertain his crowd – he clearly enjoyed it as much as his fans did, as did the rest of the band, each taking their moment in the spotlight during various songs to unleash their individual talents – they have it all, and for me, the best showcase for those talents are certainly in the party anthems instead of the softer tracks they performed whilst catching their breath.

The band, despite maybe being generalised by the industry as typical ‘pop-rock teen idols’ actually seem conditioned by a mature taste in music too, covering the likes of Fleetwood Mac and INXS as well as delivering a catalogue of original, stylish, well-written, dynamic numbers like ‘Red Velvet’, ‘Lay Your Head Down’ and newest number ‘Hurts Good’ that flow like accomplished pioneers of the genre, with hints of Fall Out Boy, My Chemical Romance and All-American Rejects whilst absolutely retaining their own flair for stylistic and exciting arrangements.

To sum up, yes the group will travel the world and be able to cruise off the back of the teenage euphoria that follows them but they don’t seem like a band willing to rest on that which is a given and instead seem hell bent on bringing their own brand of rock’n’roll to the masses and having fun along the way. I predict huge things for the band in years to come and it won’t be long until they hit the big time on these shores too and as with so many huge bands over the years, The Fleece will be able to say, they rocked us first.

Ross from R5 with Kaci-Leigh and Keane Holbrook

Ross of R5 and Paul from Shunk Films



Article by:

Paul Holbrook

Born and bred in Bristol, Paul is a creative, freelance writer who contributes articles and entertainment reviews. Paul is also an established screenwriter making headway in the competitive world of the spec screenplay, a film producer, a movie & music buff, an animal lover, and a father to two kids. "Working as a freelance writer in both print and on-line industries gives me the freedom to work on my narrative spec writing, and there is no better city than vibrant Bristol to encourage and inspire."