One Night Only formed back in 2003 – a school band from Ryedale School, Nawton, North Yorkshire.
They cut their teeth at the original Fibbers – when the ‘stage was the right way round’. And had some great commercial success around the world with songs like Just For Tonight, You And Me, and Say You Don’t Want It during the time they were signed to Vertigo Records.
Twelve years later, with a couple of line-up changes, they have pared back the trimmings. They are self-managed, roadie for themselves and self-release their new material.
The band has been back in the recording studio – with the promise of a new, third album some time this year. And have undertaken their first UK tour in three years.
The new line up comprises original members Dan Parkin on bass; Jack Sails on keyboards and George Craig on lead vocals and guitar. George’s big brother, James is on drums and the newly recruited Johnny Howe is on guitar.
For the closing night of their tour, they headed back to where it all began in their home town of Helmsley. The Arts Centre was buzzing with excitement at the prospect of seeing their local lads in action.
But first, the all-seated audience were treated to a strong rocking set by the tour’s special guests, The Luka State.
Then is was time for One Night Only. The headliners opened their set with Get Around To It, one of their new tunes.
Their latest material demonstrates a maturity with, dare I say, a more sophisticated sound? There is a funky groove running through what are still well written pop/rock songs – and the band perform them well live.
Frontman, George Craig, exuded confidence as he took control of the stage. Dressed in blue and black, and sporting a green Les Paul guitar, George at times let his hair flop down to cover half his face, other times he swept it back.
He and new guitarist Johnny interacted well, intertwining their guitar riffs and moving around the stage together.
Any worries that this would be a watered down performance for their home crowd, with an audience including many friends and family, were soon put to rest. The crowd was treated to an outstanding performance worthy of any stage.
The rigours of playing ten consecutive nights up and down Britain (including Southampton, London and Glasgow) did not deter the band members from giving their 100 per cent commitment.
Other new material included their current single, Plasticine, and Luck That Keeps You Guessing – pencilled in for a March release, with a video that will include shots from this latest tour.
But the night was not all about their new music. They played crowd pleasers including Chemistry and Say You Don’t Want It.
At one point Dan and James left the stage as George, Johnny and Jack handled a wonderful cut back rendition of Long Time Coming, closely followed by George’s solo performance of You And Me – their first single, released in 2007.
They closed the evening with Just For Tonight before standing together to thank everyone for coming to the show. A great performance from a revitalised band that still have a lot to offer.