The Cocker Happy Band had the crowd at the Palace Hotel in Camberwell dancing all night long during their high-energy gig on Saturday. The popular pub rock band drew a packed house of enthusiastic fans who sang and grooved along to the band's setlist of classic hits and party anthems.Frontman Barry Cocker led the quintet with charismatic flair, belting out vocals while deftly working his Gibson guitar. The raw yet melodic power of his voice was perfectly suited for belting out favorites like “Brown Sugar,” “Twist and Shout,” and “Tutti Frutti.” Barry roamed the stage with limitless energy, playing off the other band members and engaging with the audience.
Drummer Mikey Dawkins provided a steady, danceable groove throughout the night, especially shining through during the band's rendition of “Rosalie.” Bassist Johnny Gale kept the low end rolling with his funky lines on songs like “Long Tall Sally” and “Mustang Sally.” Keyboardist Geoff Bowler filled out the sound with his bluesy organ riffs and vocal harmonies.The night featured plenty of stellar guitar work from lead guitarist Flash Jones. His soulful solos on “Knock on Wood” and “Dock of the Bay” showed off his versatility, while his raw power on “Johnny B. Goode” kept the place rocking. Flash and Barry would often face off on extended guitar jams, drawing cheers from the crowd.
In between songs, Barry entertained the crowd with jokes and stories, adding his affable charm to the show. The band's evident camaraderie and musical synergy provided a fun, lively atmosphere that rubbed off on the dancing, singing crowd. The setlist moved smoothly between wild rockers and soulful grooves, keeping the dancefloor packed from start to finish.The night ended on a high note with crowd pleasers like “Mustang Sally,” “Shake a Tail Feather,” and finally, “Twist and Shout.” By the end, the Palace Hotel was spinning with adrenaline and ringing with cheers for the Cocker Happy Band. The talented pub rockers exceeded expectations with nearly three hours of stellar music.
Based on the enthusiasm and reactions of the crowd, the Cocker Happy Band's gig at the Palace Hotel was a smashing success. Their infectious energy and mastery of classic party anthems had everyone dancing and singing along. It's clear this is one talented group of entertainers who know how to throw an unforgettable show. No doubt their fanbase in Camberwell and beyond will be eagerly awaiting their next local performance.