GA-20 Live
at The Night Owl, Birmingham
14th June 2025
I really didn’t know what to expect, given the significant changes to the band’s line-up since their last visit. Yes, I’d heard their latest EP, but the acid test is always hearing them live – and this was at a venue completely off my radar.
I needn’t have worried. They were brilliant – better than ever.
Matt Stubbs, guitarist for Charlie Musselwhite, is the catalyst behind it all, drawing in drummer Josh Kiggans and guitarist/vocalist Cody Nilson.
Josh hit the drums, the band fired up, and Cut You Loose filled the air. Instantly, they were in the zone – Cody attacking his guitar, a vintage Ibanez ‘Les Paul’, with vocals delivered in a surging, urgent energy that hinted at even more to come.
The familiar groove of Lonely Soul had the crowd edging eagerly towards the stage. Then came the unmistakable preamble to Dry Run – and we were swept into that gorgeous vibe, twin guitars weaving off each other while Josh held the timing and pauses impeccably. It was impossible not to be moved.
Midway through the set, Matt seemed more energised – moving across the stage, facing off with Cody – the band felt more like a cohesive unit than ever. Then things took a turn for the wild: a Hound Dog Taylor number from GA-20’s album Try It… You Might Like It. This is where it all began for me. Cody, a swaggering showman with the confidence of a young Jagger, lit up the room with Give Me Back My Wig. He wielded an old Teisco – four pickups, zebra stripes, and a heavy slide – sheer brilliance.
A solo spotlight followed, with Cody delivering a stunning rendition of Lightnin’ Hopkins’ I’m Leaving You Now, which left the audience absolutely spellbound.
Matt Stubbs may not sing, but his deep, commanding voice calls out the set, while his guitar does all the talking – powerful lead lines, beautifully complemented by Cody and Josh. He took the reins on Crackdown, an instrumental beast, with Josh pounding out the rhythm and Cody slipping in and around the edges with finesse. It segued into the laid-back groove of My Baby’s Sweeter, smooth and soulful.
It was late by this point – nightlife buzzed around the Custard Factory like something out of From Dusk Till Dawn – but I wasn’t going anywhere. I was captivated, caught like a rabbit in the headlights.
One More Time tore a hole in the atmosphere – a frenetic rocker that had the place charged. There was more still to come, but I’ll close with a lovely number, Easy on the Eyes – and easy on the ears too.
Words & Photography Graham Munn