X Factor's Joe Whelan gives fans a whole lotta show
The last time he performed at the Robin 2, it was a rather more sedate affair with just 30 people turning up to watch him.
But last night X Factor contestant Joe Whelan confirmed his status as a Wolverhampton rock star when he played a blistering set to 600 fans at the Robin 2 club in Bilston.
A few weeks ago 26-year-old Joe was still a relative unknown, until his appearance on the X Factor changed everything.
The tool salesman now has a number one single in the UK Rock Chart and gets recognised wherever he goes.
Last night's gig was the first since his X Factor exit was broadcast on ITV and saw Joe wow fans with songs he'd performed on the show, including gig opener Whole Lotta Love by Led Zeppelin, as well as his new single I Lie Lonely.
Joe said he was delighted to be back performing at home in front of his loyal fans.
"It's been five years since I've played here and there were about 30 people in the crowd last time," Joe, of Coppice Lane, Ashmore Park, said.
"It's great to be here and play a show for so many local people who know me, people who have supported me since I was 16 and new fans who are just getting to know me.
"The reaction since X Factor has been amazing."
He now plans to record a new album with his bandmates.
He added: "I'm going to stick to what I do best which is classic rock, that's what people expect of me.
"My ambition is to have a number one song in the singles chart one day."
Hits by Bon Jovi and Guns 'N' Roses were enjoyed by the crowd.
Emma Glaze, aged 20 and from Perton, has been a fan before Joe's X Factor fame having previously seen him perform at The Wrottesley Arms.
She said: "He did great on the show and we were all gutted when he didn't make it through.
"He was so different to all the others and we think he's brilliant, especially his tattoos."
Fellow fan Emma Holmes, also 20 and from Perton, added: "There's such a big crowd here tonight and it shows how popular he is."
