ION INDIE MAGAZINE February 2016, Volume 21 | Page 74

Story and Photography by Timothy Schumann
If you live under a rock or never listen to a Top 40 Rock radio station, then it’s safe to say, you've
never heard of ROYAL BLOOD--but that sure wasn't the case here in El Paso on September 29, 2015,
because this town turned out in droves to our number one venue, TRICKY FALLS, to see this twopiece act from Brighton, England. They have been together since 2013, and have just taken
the International music scene by storm. In other words…they just blew up from jump street.
Over the past two years, they have played SXSW, Download, Reading and Coachella; just to name a
few festivals. In February of last year at the BRIT AWARDS, they took the award for "Best British
Group". That award was presented to them by JIMMY PAGE--who also is a huge fan of this major act.
You can also add DAVE GROHL to that list--who was so impressed with them, that he invited them
to open for the FOO FIGHTERS on select US and Canadian dates. You see, it’s facts like these that
heightened my interest in covering this show. I knew it would be a show to remember, and it sure
was! As I shot from the pit, I was just amazed at the sound coming from a two-piece…now I get
it…now I know what all the fuss is about!

ION’s Timothy Schumann with (left to right) Michael Kerr and Ben Thatcher

As I mentioned, their music is on every playlist on every Rock and Roll radio station across America-Royal Blood is played every hour on the hour. Hits like "Out of the Black", "Little Monster" and
"Figure it Out", had the audience under some sort of a spell. The crowd was rocking out and watching
MICHAEL KERR play that bass; making it sound like a screaming guitar--or they were totally
transfixed by BEN THATCHER beating those skins like a man on a mission. I must say, it was an
unbelievable show. I did walk out of the venue thinking these guys couldn't have given me any more
than they did, and that's something I don't really get very often, covering as many shows as I do.
Royal Blood is going to work on the second album as soon as this tour is over, but in my opinion,
they got their work cut out for them trying to produce a new release that will top their debut album.
But who knows…with the talent these two have, nothing’s impossible! If by chance you missed them
on this tour, please catch them on the next and I promise you, you won't be disappointed.