There’s something about The Penny Gill Rock Bar on the Sunday afternoon gig — that electric little buzz before the first chord hits, the chatter of regulars, the clink of pint glasses, writes David Auston. But as soon as Piracy took the stage on, all that background noise turned into pure anticipation.
The four-piece — Freya Maplebeck (vocals), Ty Walker (guitar), Ryan Burnett (bass), and Charlie Johns (drums) — kicked things off with a soundcheck that was anything but ordinary. Their warm-up tune? Queen’s Tie Your Mother Down. That opening riff tore through the room and instantly set the tone for the night: loud, confident, and unapologetically rock ‘n’ roll. Some thought the gig had begun.
From the first proper song, Freya owned the stage. She’s got that rare mix of powerhouse vocals and natural charisma that instantly pulls you in. Whether she’s belting out a rock anthem or leaning into something slower, she’s totally magnetic. Behind her, Ty’s guitar work was spot-on — slick, soulful, and always with just the right amount of grit. Ryan and Charlie kept it all grounded with a rhythm section that was tight, punchy, and full of groove.
Setlist-wise, it was a brilliant mix of crowd-pleasers and surprises. ZZ Top’s Sharp Dressed Man strutted with confidence, while Hendrix’s Little Wing brought a dreamy calm that showed the band’s softer side. Then Feeling Good — moody, bluesy, and absolutely stunning with Freya’s vocals front and centre. Other classics that entertained us were Zombie, Black Velvet, White Wedding, School’s Out, to name a few.
The Fleetwood Mac medley was a total highlight, blending several classics into one slick moment that had the whole bar joining in. But the biggest curveball for me was their take on Fountains of Wayne’s Stacy’s Mom. Totally unexpected, completely brilliant — and proof that Piracy aren’t afraid to have a bit of fun with their set.
By the end of the night, it was clear this is a band with real chemistry and a genuine love for what they do. Piracy don’t just play covers — they re-imagine them with energy, personality, and heart.
If you ever spot their name on a gig poster around the North East, do yourself a favour and go see them. Piracy are the kind of band that remind you just how good live music in local venues can be. Thanks guys.
David Auston is a Spennymoor-based commercial photographer, available for commissions, who enjoys supporting local music acts playing local venues. You can see more of his photography at davidauston.uk
