For those who don’t know, Andy Fairweather Low (AFL) is a Welsh singer-songwriter and guitarist who first rose to fame in the late 1960s as the frontman of the psychedelic power-pop band Amen Corner. After they split, he pursued a solo career in the 1970s, scoring hits such as ‘Wide Eyed and Legless.’ Beyond his own work, AFL became a highly respected session and touring musician, collaborating extensively with major artists including Eric Clapton, Roger Waters, George Harrison, and Bill Wyman. Known for his distinctive soulful voice and versatile guitar playing, he has remained an enduring figure in British rock and blues, leading his own band, The Low Riders — which brings us to today. AFL and The Low Riders were back in The Music Room on the sixth leg of their Autumn 2025 tour.
AFL opened the show with a trio of solo acoustic numbers: ‘Reggae Tune,’ ‘Bend Me, Shape Me,’ and ‘(If Paradise Is) Half as Nice,’ the latter two being huge hits for the aforementioned Amen Corner. At this point, The Low Riders joined him on stage and launched into a storming version of the instrumental ‘Night Train,’ as a nod to Georgie Fame, a contemporary of AFL, followed by the rhythm and blues standard ‘Route 66,’ which, he told the audience, was the first thing he learned to play on guitar. Next up was ‘Dark of the Midnight’ from AFL’s 2023 album Flang Dang.
Some serious artists have covered AFL’s songs, including Joe Cocker (‘Hymn 4 My Soul’) and Three Dog Night (‘Mellow Down’). In that self-effacing way that characterises his stage presence, AFL said he would sing his own versions of those songs.
By now, The Low Riders were really hitting their stride. The lineup features Nick Pentelow (saxophone), Pete Cook (saxophone), Ian Jennings (double bass), Paul Beavis (drums), and Richard Milner (keyboards).
AFL had toured with George Harrison in the 1990s, playing guitar in his band, so he included ‘In Spite of All the Danger,’ an old Quarrymen number written by Harrison and Paul McCartney. He changed guitars, something he did all night, to a duck-egg-blue Eastwood Airline and played a blistering version of The Beatles’ ‘One After 909.’ Every artist loves to play a Beatles song in Liverpool.
‘Sweet Soulful Music’ followed before another barnstorming instrumental, this time The Champs’ ‘Tequila.’ The band really does excel at instrumentals. Close your eyes and you could easily be in 1965 at The Flamingo, dancing under the euphoric effects of a purple heart or two.
AFL sat down for the final number of the first set, ‘Nuages,’ another instrumental.
It had been a hugely entertaining show so far, AFL’s exceptional guitar work, unique vocals, and engaging stage presence all benefiting from his decades of experience.
He opened the second half as he had the first, sitting down and playing three songs, although he was joined by his drummer for the second (‘Matchbox’) and by his double bass player for the third, ‘It’s a Sin to Tell a Lie.’
The bluesy ‘TV Mama’ set the tone for the rest of the set, with the band touching on different genres, moving easily between blues (‘Just a Closer Walk’), gospel (‘Burdens Down / Circle’), and rock ’n’ roll.
The band played another instrumental, Duane Eddy’s ‘Peter Gunn Theme,’ and AFL’s most famous song of the 1970s, ‘Wide Eyed and Legless.’ Another instrumental, ‘Wham,’ closed the set before they returned for an encore of ‘I Shall Not Be Moved.’
What makes The Low Riders so captivating is their feel, the kind you can’t rehearse. Every note breathes. The saxophones shimmer, the rhythm section grooves, and AFL’s guitar lines cut through with clean precision. It’s little wonder he described them as the best band he has ever played with.
At heart, Andy Fairweather Low & The Low Riders offer something rare: a masterclass in musicianship wrapped in warmth, humour, and humility. It’s not nostalgia — it’s legacy, still alive and playing its heart out.
Andy Fairweather Low and The Low Riders autumn tour continues, and tickets are available here,
https://www.ents24.com/uk/tour-dates/andy-fairweather-low-and-the-low-riders
Reviewer – Adrian Cork
On – 16.10.2025
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