Deveaux reunion gig at Strings with support form Willowfly

Feb 22

Duveaux live at Strings with support from Willowfly

Review: Duveaux & Willowfly – The Reunion Fundraiser

Strings Bar & Venue, Newport | October 29th, 2025

A very special night in aid of the Frankie Baker Trust . . . The return of ‘Duveaux’!!

The Frankie Baker Trust was set up in memory of local musician Frankie Baker, with the aim of raising money for local artists and musicians who may need financial support in growing their fanbase.

Past local favourites Duveaux have reunited for this special occasion and had a en a great turn out. The night was completed by last years Wight Noize finalists ‘Willowfly’ along with a DJ set from the friends of Frankie.

They say you don't need a sold-out sign to create an electric atmosphere, and October 9th at Strings proved it. While the floor wasn't wall-to-wall, the energy in the room was concentrated. This wasn't a crowd of casual observers; this was a gathering of the "inner circle"—the friends, long-time fans, and supporters who turned out to see Duveaux breathe life back into their catalogue for a good cause.

Support: Willowfly – The Definitive "Ones to Watch"

If there was ever a doubt that Willowfly are the Island’s next breakout stars, their performance on Thursday night silenced it. Fresh off their success as Wight Noize finalists and a triumphant set on the Platform One stage at the Isle of Wight Festival, the four-piece arrived with a "main stage" mentality.

Their sound is a masterclass in modern alternative rock—blending fuzzy, 90s-inspired guitar hooks with a melodic precision that feels remarkably mature. With members drawing from a rich local pedigree (including a notable background in the Island's Weezer-tribute circles), their chemistry is telepathic. They didn't just warm up the room; they set a high bar, filling the venue with a kinetic, driving energy that proved exactly why they are the most talked-about band in the local circuit right now. Keep your eyes on them; the trajectory is vertical.A Room That Knew Every Note

The connection went deeper than just the music. There was a palpable shorthand between the stage and the floor—a shared history of Island gigs and late nights at Strings. When Duveaux launched into their older material, they barely needed the microphones; the audience took over, singing back every lyric with a fervour that only comes from years of anticipation. It transformed the venue into a high-voltage echo chamber of mutual respect.

The Headliners: Duveaux (The Reunion)

When Duveaux finally took the stage, the air in Strings shifted. A reunion can often feel like a nostalgia trip, but this was a powerhouse reclamation of their sound. Every cinematic swell and anthemic chorus was delivered with a raw, revitalized intent that suggested they hadn't missed a beat during their time away.

The setlist was a curated journey through their best work, played with a level of gratitude and fire that only a charity fundraiser can ignite. The connection between the band and the audience was total—a high-voltage exchange of energy that peaked during their final, soaring crescendos. It was a reminder of why Duveaux remains such a foundational part of the Island’s indie-rock identity.

When Duveaux stepped out, the "reunion" tag felt secondary to the sheer wall of sound they produced. The lack of a crushing crowd actually worked in the band’s favour; it gave the music room to breathe.

Without the physical heat of a packed house, the focus shifted entirely to the performance. Every soaring vocal hook and cinematic transition landed with precision. The atmosphere was "high" in the truest sense—celebratory, nostalgic, and deeply communal. You could see the band members catching the eyes of people in the crowd, a level of connection you rarely get in a sweat-soaked sell-out.

This fundraiser felt like an "I was there" night for the Island scene. Duveaux reminded us why they were so missed, and Willowfly showed us why we should be excited for what’s next. A night of high spirits, great music, and genuine heart.