Posted on  by for Jace Media Music

Review By Mark and Mathew Pitfield

On Thursday the 22nd of May, the iconic Huey Morgan best known as the charismatic frontman of Fun Lovin’ Criminals, rolled into Lincoln with his band as part of his latest UK tour, bringing his unique musical fusion to The Drill Hall. For longtime fans, this was more than a gig, it was a celebration of a musical career that continues to defy convention and ooze charm in equal measure.

As someone who has followed Huey since the mid-90s, when Come Find Yourself first introduced the world to that distinctive blend of New York cool, alternative hip-hop, funk-rock and Latin-flavoured groove, seeing him perform live in my hometown was a moment I won’t soon forget. Sharing the experience with my son Matthew (who was photographing the band) added another layer of meaning. Throw in the fact that FLC’s music has a deeply personal connection for me and my wife (our first dance was to one of their songs), and this gig was always going to be more than just another night out. But I digress.

The Drill Hall in Lincoln, with its Victorian architecture and intimate yet vibrant acoustics, proved to be a perfect setting for Huey’s style, gritty, a lot charismatic, and full of soul. This isn’t an arena tour with pyrotechnics and polish, this is the kind of venue where music lovers come for connection. The crowd, a mix of long-time FLC fans, curious newcomers, and a few Americans make up the crowd who are all buzzing with anticipation from the outset.

Kicking off the night were The Bad Actors, a Sheffield based two piece who delivered an explosive 25-minute set filled with funk infused rock. Dressed in eye catching matching orange suits, they had both style and substance. Musically, they brought to mind the bold genre blending of Living Colour with a modern twist. Their tight playing, powerful stage presence, and rhythmic urgency made them refreshing and a sign that funk-rock isn’t just surviving, it’s thriving in new hands. If you get a chance to catch them live, grab it. They set the tone perfectly for what was to follow.

There’s something magnetic about Huey Morgan that has never faded. Whether it’s his trademark Bronx vocals or, his laid-back swagger, or his ability to tell a story in every line he sings, he remains one of music’s most effortlessly cool performers. He walked on stage like he owned the place, not in a showy way, but with the quiet confidence of someone who knows exactly who he is and what he brings to the table.

From the first notes of The Fun Lovin’ Criminal, the set unfolded like a journey through the collective memory of fans who’ve been there since the beginning. What followed was a perfectly crafted 21-song set that blended classics, deep cuts, and a few unexpected surprises. It’s a rare thing to keep a crowd fully engaged for over 90 minutes without a single lull, but that’s what Huey and the band managed. And it’s not just the hits, they dug deep into Huey’s 2012 solo album Say It to My Face, pulling out four tracks that slotted seamlessly alongside FLC’s and Huesy’s best known anthems.

Their encore finished with All the Time in the World which brought a heartfelt moment of reflection, while Scooby Snacks the one everyone had been waiting for was an all-out singalong that had the entire room bouncing. But the setlist also made room for more introspective numbers like Methadonia and Korean Bodega, proving that FLC’s and Huey’s catalogue isn’t just about groove; it’s about grit, nuance, and storytelling.

All five members played with tightness, energy, and, most importantly, joy. They weren’t just there to do a job, they were there to connect with the audience. Every member had a moment to shine, from intricate guitar licks to funky basslines. Huey’s chat between songs added a dose of humour and humanity and at one point even acknowledged a couple of fellow Americans in the crowd with classic New York banter. That connection artist to audience is what live music is all about.

It’s easy to forget how long Huey Morgan has been in the game, 30 years and counting but what’s remarkable is how little his voice, energy, or authenticity have faded. He’s as relevant as ever, and that’s no accident. In a world that often favours flash over substance, Huey’s enduring appeal lies in his refusal to conform. Whether it’s through his BBC 6 Music show or his solo work, he continues to champion musical diversity, authenticity, and heart. He’s never chased trends he’s made his own.

As we filtered out into the Lincoln night, there was a palpable sense of euphoria. Strangers were smiling at each other, chatting about their favourite tracks, or humming melodies as they walked. That shared joy, that community of sound is something no streaming service or playlist can replicate. It’s why live music will always matter.

Huey Morgan at The Drill wasn’t just a performance; it was a celebration of timeless music, delivered by a master of his craft and a band that brought it to life with skill, soul, and joy. For fans old and new, it was a night that reminded us why we fell in love with music in the first place.

Let’s hope Lincoln won’t have to wait too long before Huey returns. I, for one, will be there, front and centre just as ready as ever to be swept up in the cool.