Despite the drizzly weather that is all too familiar to British concert-goers, the 'Summer Sessions' on June 14th that were held on The Hoe in Plymouth proved to be an electrifying night filled with outstanding performances from a diverse lineup of artists. The misty backdrop of Plymouth Sound only added to the magic of the event, making it a memorable experience for everyone who had turned out to brave the somewhat suspect weather conditions.

Hailing from Cornwall, Sam Richardson and the Renegades kicked off the entertainment with an energetic set that immediately set the tone for the event. Their blend of folk rock and heartfelt lyrics resonated with the audience, creating an atmosphere of fun and excitement. Highlights from their set included the anthemic ‘Take It Back’ and the soulful ‘Cold Wind’, both of which saw the crowd swaying and singing along despite the drizzle. Their performance of ‘Good Love’ was particularly memorable, with its catchy chorus echoing across the Hoe, and left the audience eagerly anticipating the acts to follow.

Next up was VIVAS, a band known for their high-energy performances and catchy tunes. They did not disappoint, delivering a set that was both lively and engaging. The infectious rhythms of ‘Dance All Night’ had the crowd moving, ponchos and all, while ‘City Lights’ showcased their knack for crafting pop-rock hits that stick in your head. Their latest single, ‘Echoes’, received a particularly warm reception, with its anthemic chorus prompting a sea of hands in the air. VIVAS's ability to maintain such high energy, even in less-than-ideal weather conditions, was truly impressive and left a lasting impression on the audience.

As the rain subsided, CASSYETTE took to the stage, bringing her unique blend of hard rock fused with pop to the forefront. Her powerful vocals and commanding stage presence quickly captivated the crowd. Performing hits like ‘Dear Goth’ and ‘Petrichor’, she demonstrated her versatility and depth as an artist. The audience was particularly enthralled by her rendition of ‘Prison Purse’, a song that combines raw emotion with a really gritty edge. The crowd's enthusiastic response was a testament to her ability to connect with listeners on a deep level, making her performance one of the highlights of the evening.

The night culminated with a performance by the legendary Canadian rocker Bryan Adams. As he took the stage, the rain seemed to be an afterthought for the thousands of fans who had gathered to see him. Adams opened with ‘Kick Ass’ immediately igniting the crowd's energy. The sing-along moments during ‘Summer of '69’ and ‘Heaven’ were nothing short of magical, with the audience's voices harmonising beautifully against the backdrop of the rain-soaked Hoe. His performance of ‘Everything I Do (I Do It for You)’, was a poignant highlight, with many couples in the crowd swaying together, creating a sea of love and nostalgia. Bryan Adams closed the night with the rousing ‘When You’re Gone’, leaving the audience exhilarated and chanting for more.

Despite the persistent rain, the Summer Sessions at Plymouth Hoe was a resounding success. Each act brought something unique to the stage, from the soulful rock of Sam Richardson and the Renegades to the high-energy pop-rock of VIVAS, the powerful performance of CASSYETTE, and the timeless hits of Bryan Adams. The audience's enthusiastic reaction to every song, even in the rain, showcased the unifying power of live music. This was a night that will be remembered not for the weather, but for the incredible performances and the sense of community among those who attended.

Words and Pics by Steve Muscutt