Tailgunner - indigo at The O2, London — 28th August 2026

Tailgunner - indigo at The O2, London — 28th August 2026

Review by Robert Corich

Opening for Accept were Tailgunner, a band I’d never actually seen before, although there had been enough mutterings and recommendations from colleagues to suggest they were well worth a listen. Turns out the mutterings were not unjustified.

Launching into Midnight Blitz, White Death and Shadows of War, these young chaps wasted little time demonstrating that they’ve got the chops, the attitude and, importantly, the songs to back up the reputation. Tears in Rain and War in Heaven kept the momentum firmly in the fast lane before Barren Lands and Seas of Red, Eulogy and Guns for Hire brought the short but seriously energetic set home.

One particular observation: the bass playing would surely have made the ghost of Malcolm Young of AC/DC sit up, while Angus Young might even approve if he’d been present. The young bass player seems to have spent much of the evening channelling Cliff Williams — keeping it simple, keeping it solid and providing precisely the sort of rock-solid foundation upon which the rest of this racket can surely be built. I look forward to hearing some new, original, strong, vibrant material from Tailgunner that incorporates a little more of that AC/DC inflection — it surely wouldn’t hurt.

They may have been the support act tonight, but Tailgunner certainly didn’t sound like they were merely warming up the room. A very worthwhile first encounter — reputation confirmed.