Marco Mendoza | Powell-Payne
Molly’s Chambers, Birkenhead
18th September 2025
Legendary American bassist Marco Mendoza returned to UK phases this September along with his Shoot For The Stars Tour: a sequence of intimate, high-energy reveals following his triumphant stint with the Satriani/Vai band earlier this 12 months. Claire Glover from Louder Than Warfare headed throughout to Molly’s Chambers in Birkenhead to see the rock powerhouse in motion.
Tucked away within the backstreets, Molly’s Chambers is a hidden gem of a dwell music venue, buzzing with environment even on a midweek night time with a smaller crowd. With a line-up like tonight’s although, it doesn’t take lengthy for the place to essentially come alive.
Opening the night time and lighting the fuse are Powell-Payne, an excellent Welsh AOR quartet fashioned in 2022 by drummer Mark ‘Penfold’ Powell (ex-Psycho Kiss) and vocalist Adam Payne (ex-Airrace). Their debut album Voilà, fuses the basic AOR spirit with trendy vitality.
Joined by guitarist Aydan Watkins and bassist Alex Anderson, Powell-Payne ship a set filled with ardour and precision, profitable the group over with their mixture of nostalgia and freshness. It looks like watching a band destined for greater phases.
They’re a success with the group with a set full of hovering melodies and unforgettable hooks; Voilà delivers an emotional punch that resonates with rock followers previous and new. Powell-Payne has crafted a sound that’s as nostalgic as it’s forward-thinking.
With their debut album out on this planet, this Welsh four-piece is able to hit the highway, bringing their electrifying dwell present to audiences all over the place. Huge riffs. Huge hooks. Huge vitality.
It’s time for Marco Mendoza to hit the stage with fellow excellent musicians, Drew Lowe on guitar and Chris Allan on drums. The thrill and vitality spikes even additional, instantly. From the primary notes, Mendoza oozes charisma and expertise. He possess that uncommon mixture of world-class musicianship and heat reference to the viewers.
His setlist blends highly effective originals, from Viva La Rock, New Route, Hey Child, and Scream And Shout with heartfelt moments like Leah, written for his spouse, and punchy covers together with Gap In My Pocket (Journey), Chinatown and Are You Prepared (Skinny Lizzy), plus a rousing Give Peace a Probability, that the group enjoyment of becoming a member of in with.
At one level, Mendoza strolls into the group mid-song, shredding jaw-dropping bass strains whereas demonstrating and joking about his get together trick: opening a water bottle along with his mouth with out lacking a word. His vocals show simply as spectacular, gritty and highly effective, blended with touches of bluesy, jazz free-flowing type.
Mendoza’s profession reads like a rock ’n’ roll corridor of fame, from enjoying on Invoice Ward’s solo album in 1989, co-founding Black Star Riders in 2012, and performing with Whitesnake, Journey, The Useless Daisies, Ted Nugent and Skinny Lizzy. His solo albums, Viva La Rock and New Route, recorded with Danish producer Søren Andersen, showcase a artistic peak, and listening to these tracks dwell tonight is an actual deal with.
What units Mendoza aside is his capacity to show a gig right into a shared expertise. He chats with the group, jokes between songs and indicators merch and takes selfies afterwards, giving the identical vitality to fewer than 100 followers in Birkenhead as he does to hundreds in an enviornment.
It’s not stunning Mendoza’s dwell reveals have earned rave critiques for his or her vitality, spontaneity, and heat reference to the viewers. He creates a live performance expertise that’s each electrifying and deeply private.
Talking about his tour tonight, he says he’s past excited to return to the UK. The love and assist over time has meant the world to him. After wrapping up the tour with SATCHVAI, he’s delighted to hit the highway once more and convey these songs to life.
Followers can count on highlights from Marco’s critically acclaimed albums Viva La Rock and New Route, together with shock covers from his intensive profession.
Because the night time closes, it’s clear why Mendoza’s reveals earn such glowing reward: electrifying musicianship, enormous heat, and a setlist that blends rock historical past with heartfelt storytelling.
Catch Marco Mendoza dwell for an evening of unforgettable music and probably the greatest bass guitar performances you’ll ever see.
Comply with Marco Mendoza on his web site | Instagram | Fb
Powell-Payne Instagram
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All phrases by Claire Glover. Extra writing by Claire on Louder Than Warfare could be discovered at her writer profile right here. You can even discover her on Bluesky and Twitter
Pictures by Ian Parry
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