Veterans Thunder rock the Civic

Thunder at Wolverhampton Civic Hall

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There are some bands that have never had the recognition they deserve. There are some that should never die. Thunder is one of them.

A few months ago the good time rock'n'roll five-piece announced that they were splitting up after 20 years, due to other commitments.

But last night at the Civic there were no tears, no half-hearted guitar chords or vocals, as the rockers gave their all on the last leg of their farewell tour.

Formed in 1989, Thunder have had a turbulent past, breaking up and reforming many times – this wasn't their first goodbye.

But you got the feeling that the Thunderstorm was enjoying its final rumble last night.

Ever the showman, frontman Danny Bowes didn't waste any time getting the sell-out crowd into a frenzy, churning out hit after hit.

Every member of the band got their moment in the spotlight – drummer Harry James, now permanent resident with Midland rockers Magnum, milked the praise, while guitar maestro Luke Morley's solos soared above the crowd as if for the last time.

There were no clues as to the setlist, with a different one every night, but there was no shortage of hits with Backstreet Symphony, Dirty Dream and Castles in the Sand stirring up some passion as well as some marvellous memories among the faithful, while an encore of Better Man, Fade into the Sun and Dirty Love left the fans screaming for more.

One last clap of Thunder – we can only wish it's not the end of the storm.

Concert review by Debbie Bennett