Prior to moving to France in 2019, I made my final pilgrimage to Canvey Island, such is my love for all things Dr Feelgood. So, in 2025, it was with surprise and relief that I noticed that the band were playing a mere 2 hr drive away. I’m out of practice with driving distances for gigs, but this was not to be missed, given the quality of last year’s ‘Live In Caen’ album and the recent ‘Damn Right’ studio album.

Call it coincidence, but it’s around 40 years since I last saw them, and once again Gordon Russell is on guitar, a man who has given as much to the history of the band as Wilko and Gypie. In fact, with the exception of Robert Kane on vocals, it’s the same line up as in 1984. I won’t be drawn into semantics, this line up rocks and is worthy of the name.

So it begins with ‘Drives Me Wild’, and the energy level doesn’t let up for 1 hr 20 minutes, which is pretty remarkable, really. What is clear from the outset is that the band are loving playing together, and feed off each others enthusiasm. The venue, an unassuming small warehouse of a building, just off a dual carriageway, isn’t too inviting from the outside. However, once inside, it’s impressive to see there’s a decent space for wheelchair users, and the sound is impeccable tonight. And, it’s packed out.

Classics like ‘I Can Tell’ and ‘Roxette’ are interspersed with new tunes like ‘Keep It Undercover’ and ‘Damn Right’, which fit right into the set, such is the quality of songs that Gordon and Robert have written together. It’s a joy to see and hear Gordon let it rip live, I think some here are surprised by the ferocity of his playing, when required (see ‘If My Baby Quits Me’). And boy, is it loud!

Robert covers every inch of the stage, encouraging the mainly French audience to sing the choruses, which gets a good response. He’s stamped his mark as a frontman in his own right, and his style is assured. With the rhythm section of Kevin and Phil, he knows everything will be spot on. Even the much used ‘See You Later, Alligator’ has a freshness tonight.

‘Gimme One More Shot’ is followed by the inevitable and deserved encore. The evening has flown by and the mood is euphoric. Feelgood have a long history with France, and it’s clear that they continue to be treasured over here. I’d love to have heard some tunes from ‘Doctor’s Orders’, but I guess those of you in the UK will get to hear them soon as they gear up dates to celebrate it, maybe even some from ‘Mad Man Blues’. They continue to be the undisputed leaders of rhythm and blues, so keep your eyes peeled for upcoming dates.

Author: Martin Chamarette