Backyard Babies have been around since the 80s and kept on releasing quality albums. When they annouced a tour with support of Thundermother I knew I had to be there.
Even though it’s Remembrance Day in the Netherlands, concerts still go on. That said, tonight wasn’t just about rock ‘n’ roll. Every single person at the concert observed complete silence during the two minutes of remembrance at 8 o’clock. It was truly great to see everyone respecting this nationwide moment.
THUNDERMOTHER
De Helling in Utrecht was buzzing as Thundermother took the stage to kick off the night with some proper old-school rock. This all-girl band knows how to deliver an electrifying show that commands attention. Drawing from classic influences like AC/DC while adding their own modern edge, they proved to be a true powerhouse. With raw riffs, infectious hooks, and a no-nonsense attitude, it didn’t take long for them to win over the crowd.
The energy was palpable from the moment the band hit the stage. Guernica Mancini’s roaring vocals filled the room, while Filippa Nässil’s heavy guitar riffs made it immediately clear that this band is something special. Their passion was evident in every note, and it was an absolute blast watching them do their thing. Highlights for me included Racing on Mainstreet, Enemy, Fire in the Rain, and We Fight for Rock ‘n’ Roll. Thundermother was the perfect way to kick off the night. A truly kick-ass band that can achieve a lot.
BACKYARD BABIES
After hearing my coworker rave about the Backyard Babies and their reputation as a phenomenal live band, I finally decided to see them in action. With their Nordic Noir Tour in full swing, this was the perfect opportunity to experience the Swedish rock legends firsthand. Formed in 1987, a golden year for music, the Backyard Babies have played a pivotal role in popularizing sleaze rock across Scandinavia. With eight albums under their belt and a history of global tours, this band clearly knows what they’re doing. Their latest release, Silver & Gold, dropped just a few months ago and has been on heavy rotation at the office ever since.
One of the most impressive aspects of the band is their cohesion as a unit. Vocalist and rhythm guitarist Nicke Borg, the “newest” member, joined way back in 1989. The consistency of their lineup—featuring lead guitarist Dregen, bassist Johan Blomqvist, and drummer Peder Carlsson—is remarkable and undoubtedly contributes to their seamless chemistry on stage. Together, they are a powerhouse, delivering an electrifying performance that kept the crowd on their feet all night.
The raw energy radiating from the band was matched by the nearly sold-out crowd, making for an unforgettable two-hour set. The atmosphere was electric, fueled by a perfect blend of rock, sleaze, and punk. Highlights included Good Morning Midnight, A Song for the Outcast, Th1rte3n or Nothing, and Brand New Hate, but honestly, there wasn’t a single dull moment. Every track hit with the force of an unstoppable freight train.
The Backyard Babies’ show was a masterclass in live performance, combining raw power with decades of experience. I’m thrilled I made the journey to Utrecht to witness this night, it was a blast from start to finish and a testament to why this band has been rocking stages for over 30 years.
