SO.CO Team
Live: Richard Hawley @ The Fire Station, Sunderland
The Fire Station - Sunderland
On a chilly December night, Richard Hawley brought his unique blend of heartfelt lyricism and lush instrumentation to The Fire Station in Sunderland, a venue that felt like it was tailor-made for his sonic grandeur. Opening act Bernard Butler set the stage perfectly, delivering a soulful and electrifying set that was warmly received by the packed crowd. But this was Hawley’s night, and he owned it from the moment he stepped into the spotlight.
Bernard Butler opening for Richard Hawley in Sunderland
Hawley kicked off with the shimmering "She Brings the Sunlight," its psych-tinged layers instantly enveloping the room in warmth. He followed up with the bittersweet "Two For His Heels," showcasing his ability to balance tenderness and melancholy with effortless charm. From there, the evening became a journey through Hawley’s expansive catalogue, with a strong focus on his latest album, In This City They Call You Love.
Richard Hawley onstage in Sunderland
The record, which serves as a love letter to his hometown of Sheffield, has a deeply personal resonance that was magnified in a live setting. Tracks such as "People" and "Heavy Rain" carried a cinematic quality, their sweeping melodies and vivid imagery pulling the audience into the streets and stories of Hawley’s beloved city. Meanwhile, "Hear That Lonesome Whistle Blow" brought a bluesy, almost haunted energy to the set, as Hawley’s rich baritone intertwined seamlessly with his band’s impeccable musicianship.
Richard Hawley onstage in Sunderland
Between songs, Hawley was as much a raconteur as a musician, his dry wit and Northern warmth a perfect counterpoint to the emotional weight of his music. One particularly touching moment came when he recounted a story about his late father being buried in a Bishop Auckland football shirt. The anecdote, equal parts humorous and poignant, had the audience hanging on his every word, a testament to his ability to connect on a deeply human level.
Richard Hawley onstage in Sunderland
Musically, the night was flawless. Hawley’s voice, velvety yet rugged, has only grown more commanding with age, and his guitar work remains second to none. His band was tight and dynamic, providing a lush backdrop that brought each song to life. The venue itself played a crucial role; The Fire Station’s intimate yet acoustically pristine space allowed every note, every lyric, to resonate deeply.
Richard Hawley onstage in Sunderland
Richard Hawley isn’t just a musician; he’s a storyteller, a historian of emotions, and a master at turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. His Sunderland performance was a reminder of why he remains one of the UK’s most treasured artists. For a city steeped in its own sense of pride and history, there couldn’t have been a more fitting headliner.
Words and photos: Thomas Jackson