“Oh, What a Night!” as The Four Seasons crooned it back in 1975, I found myself echoing the sentiment outside The Junction on Mutley Plain, Plymouth, fifty years later. After a life-affirming evening of live music, courtesy of WELLY, it’s safe to say this was one of those nights that remind us why we love heading out to see bands in intimate venues.
The evening’s opening act, Rat Trap, wasted no time in getting the crowd warmed up. A quintet forged in Plymouth’s eclectic music scene, their set was a joyful mix of original tunes and masterfully curated covers from bands like Oasis, Catfish and the Bottlemen, and The Courteeners. For this reviewer, their rendition of T-Shirt Weather was a standout moment, while their closing number, Get it Through, was an indie-fueled pop banger that left the audience primed for the main event.
After a brief interlude, WELLY took to the stage—a five-piece powerhouse blending two guitars, bass, keys/drum machine/percussion, and the charismatic frontman himself, Welly. Kicking things off with Big in the Suburbs, the title track from their debut album released in March 2025, the band instantly created a party atmosphere. The Junction, with its cozy size and vibrant energy, became the perfect backdrop for a night brimming with connection and music.
If there’s one thing WELLY has perfected, it’s between-song banter. Welly’s sharp wit and timing had the audience hanging on every word. He teased a fan who shouted out they’d seen the band in Exeter in 2024 after Welly said that tonight was their first time in Devon! (he jokingly admitting he’d forgotten about that gig). He praised Plymouth’s crowd as better than Falmouth’s from the night before, a clever trick to make each city feel like the tour’s highlight. He even added that scones taste SO much better when you apply the cream before the jam!
The set was peppered with quirks that turned the gig into pure entertainment. There was the countdown to start the lawnmower for Deere John, which finally revved up on the third attempt, creating pogo-inducing madness. Welly orchestrated doorbell impressions from the audience for Knock and Run, with the bass player hilariously saving the day when a fan couldn’t remember their ‘Ring’ doorbell sound.
The set flew by, with songs about culture, shopping, racehorses, and France, each one prompting smiles and singalongs. The bass player added to the fun by taking his guitar into the audience on more than one occasion, rallying them into forming a mosh pit, while the keyboardist joined in the chaos during the final track. The night ended on a euphoric high with Me and Your Mates, an adrenaline-packed bounce fest that left the crowd buzzing long after the last note faded.
Some gigs restore your faith in live music, and this was one of those nights. WELLY proved they’re not just here to entertain—they’re here to make a mark. It’s hard to imagine them playing venues as small as The Junction for much longer. If this tour is anything to go by, WELLY is destined for much bigger stages and even bigger audiences. Devon, keep your eyes peeled—WELLY is a band you won’t want to miss. They’re on their way to becoming MASSIVE!
Words - Steve Muscutt
Pics - Anna Leader
