Nottingham’s music scene witnessed a unique night when Rob Green and the Tom Robinson Band shared the stage, delivering a performance that was as reflective as it was uplifting. The night was filled with themes of resilience, freedom, and social justice, resonating deeply with an enthusiastic audience.

Rob Green’s Set: A Soulful Journey Through Love, Identity, and Resilience

Rob Green’s opening set was nothing short of captivating. He connected with the audience on a personal level, blending his vocal talent with meaningful storytelling. His call-and-response with the crowd, a tribute to Aretha Franklin, infused with Maya Angelou’s “Still I Rise,” set the tone for a night of heartfelt expression. Green’s songs, including “Desire” and “Sleeping On My Own,” shared stories of self-discovery and acceptance. His forthcoming EP, “Manhood,” featuring tracks like “I’ll Be Around,” became anthems of resilience and unity, with the crowd joining in as backing vocalists.

Green’s final song, “What Are We Waiting For?”, was a rallying call for courage and optimism, ending his set on a high note that perfectly set up the stage for the Tom Robinson Band.

Tom Robinson Band: A Set Rooted in Activism, Nostalgia, and Defiant Energy

Tom Robinson’s set was a powerful journey through his greatest hits and newer reimaginations of his classics. From the very first track, “Whole World in Our Hand,” Robinson and his band had the audience captivated. The song, an anthem of unity and solidarity, immediately created a sense of collective energy that filled the venue.

The band moved seamlessly into “Hold Out to the Bitterest End,” a haunting acoustic piece that contrasted beautifully with their more electrifying numbers. The song’s stripped-down arrangement highlighted Robinson’s raw vocal emotion and served as a reminder of the struggles he has championed throughout his career.

Robinson’s performance also included the politically charged “The Winter of ’79,” a track that resonated with the crowd, reflecting on social discontent with a driving beat that kept the audience energized. “Blue Murder,” inspired by the Angelic Upstarts and touching on themes of death in custody, and “Don’t Take No For An Answer,” an indignant response to industry challenges, showcased Robinson’s unwavering dedication to social justice. Each song was interspersed with stories that enriched the performance, revealing Robinson’s insights into the background of each track.

The crowd responded with fervor when “Glad to Be Gay” began. Robinson introduced the song as a powerful statement against discrimination, but it quickly became a celebration of freedom and unity, with the entire venue singing along. This track, along with Robinson’s humorous and insightful commentary between songs, created moments of both laughter and deep reflection, bridging the gap between generations who have followed Robinson’s music for years.

A Setlist That Celebrated Legacy and Change

Robinson surprised the audience with a fresh verse in “Up Against the Wall,” adapting the song’s lyrics to reflect current social issues, proving that his music is as relevant today as it was decades ago. Another standout was “Power In The Darkness,” with updated lyrics in the speech section, adding a modern twist to this iconic song. Both these tracks showed that Robinson is constantly evolving, using his music to address ongoing societal challenges.

Further into the set, Robinson paid homage to Nottingham’s music scene by acknowledging local promoter Lee Garrett, who was instrumental in making the evening possible. This heartfelt gesture emphasized Robinson’s appreciation for grassroots support and the local music community that continues to sustain artists like him.

The night’s biggest surprise was a collaboration with Rob Green on “Never Going To Fall In Love,” transformed into a joyful gay disco anthem that had everyone on their feet. The chemistry between Green and Robinson was electric, creating a danceable, uplifting atmosphere that brought an added dimension to the song.

The encore was equally powerful. Robinson performed “2468 Motorway,” a song that got the entire crowd chanting along, celebrating its timeless energy. He then closed the night with “War Baby,” a hauntingly beautiful comeback song that drew on themes of conflict and survival, leaving the crowd in a reflective silence as the final chords echoed through the venue.

A Night to Remember

The performance by Rob Green and the Tom Robinson Band was more than a concert; it was an experience that brought people together in a celebration of identity, resilience, and activism. With songs that ranged from soulful ballads to rousing anthems, both artists proved that music remains a powerful medium for change and connection. The night was a reminder of the enduring relevance of Tom Robinson’s music and the promising future of voices like Rob Green, making it a memorable event for all in attendance.