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Admittedly, with this being Nicotine Dolls’ first trip to the UK, some caution when originally booking these shows was understandable. A step into the unknown, to an extent. But that thought process of exercising some caution quickly fell by the wayside once the demand for tickets went through the roof; hence, tonight’s show being upgraded in size. And the venue is fit to burst. So much so that when the band takes to the stage, many at the back are holding their phones in the air, not just to record, but to watch the action unfold through their phone cameras in the same way that crowds in the past had to use cardboard periscopes to watch live golf.
Dolls frontman Sam Cieri is a warm, easy-going, confident performer who performs like a 30-year veteran, but tonight he is a bit worried about his stage attire. Sam has taken to the stage wearing a trendy black kilt and is concerned. After wowing with the muscular set opener “Just Enough”, he asks: “Is it okay if I’m wearing this?” Cue a mass of screams of approval from those in the front few rows, and a certain demographic trying hard to see if Sam has kept with tradition and gone commando underneath the kilt. He continues, “I was backstage, going, fuck, I don’t know,” before adding, “I’m happy to have your approval!” No problems with the kilt, Sam; however, breaking out a cover of Tina Turner’s “The Best” in Glasgow is always a risky move!
After easing the crowd in with a track from the forthcoming new album, it’s straight into familiar territory with a throaty version of crowd-pleaser “Anna”, which has the crowd at the front bouncing as one. A fantastic slice of hooky, commercial rock that has you cursing Jon Bon Jovi for only taking out James Bay as support on BJ’s sold-out stadium tour, when an act like Nicotine Dolls would have been a stellar warm-up. Played live, it’s a lot heavier than the studio version, and a lot of that is down to the incredible guitar work from John Newsome, who constantly impresses throughout the set.
The setlist is pretty much perfect. The new album’s strength will surprise many, and naturally the band are keen to give these songs some air. “Here to California” is one example of the variety on the album. Hi-sheen gloss in places, with huge hooks and heavy hits from drummer Abel Tabares, instantly memorable. Then there is the brooding, slow-burning “Wild”, which has a “Juke Box Hero” throbbing feel about it.
The guitars are more prominent live, and Newsome has that chameleon-like quality to adjust his playing to whatever is required. Plays it cool on the poppier moments and unleashes fire during harder moments like the ballsy “Gimme Sympathy” (one of the standout moments on the new album). Great stomp to this one, with Sam alternating between a traditional mic and a handheld classic retro mic for added distortion. A little bit later on, Newsome gets to let out his inner Jimmy Page as the band rips through a blinding cover of “Whole Lotta Love”.
The band takes a breather during “Nothin’ I Do”, which sees Sam alone with an acoustic guitar, followed by the uplifting “Till We Both Say”; it is a powerful ten minutes or so that brings a hint of Bob Seger to the evening. Cieri shows touches of the same soulful grit that Seger is famous for (check out “Punch Drunk Lovin'” and the sultry “Throw Me to the Wolves” once the new album lands). Want something more traditional, then strap on Sam on the harmonica during the Aerosmith-tinged “Drive Away” for size. Or the size-twelve Doc Marten kick to the nuts that is “Enemy”. Just two highlights from the self-titled forthcoming album, and ones that highlight the depth of the album.
Sam also has a wicked sense of humour, with some great tales to tell, especially the one that involves writing songs with Diane Warren (“Backseat”) and how the song has a sexual theme behind it, and how it was a struggle to get that sense down rather than a simple kissing-in-the-backseat vibe. “Diane Warren” and “Sad handjob” were not on my 2026 bingo card, put it that way.
One of those nights where you walk in not certain about what to expect, but walk out converted and seeking out anyone to tell them how good a show it was. Find out for yourself about one of the remaining shows (if you can barter for a ticket, that is). Who knows, you might just hear THAT Diane Warren story.
2026 Tour Dates
September 30 – Manchester Academy – Manchester, UK
October 1 – Electric Brixton – London, UK
October 3-4 – The Workmans Club – Dublin, IE
October 6 – Nouveau Casino – Paris, FR
October 7 – Melkweg – Amsterdam, NL
October 9 – Säälchen – Berlin, DE
October 11 – Uebel & Gefährlich – Hamburg, DE
October 13 – Hansa 39 – München, DE
Visit https://nicotinedolls.com/ for updates on tour dates and more.
Nicotine Dolls is available October 23rd via BMG; pre-order HERE
Photo credits: Travis Shinn
