Ronnie Romero – O2 Academy Islington, London — 11th March 2026

Ronnie Romero – O2 Academy Islington, London 11th March 2026

Review by Robert Corich

It had been a few years since I’d last seen Ronnie Romero, the last occasion being with Rainbow in Málaga in those glorious pre-Covid days — and on that night he was, quite simply, epic. So there was plenty of anticipation as he walked onto the O2 Academy Islington stage to open proceedings for Primal Fear.

Romero wasted little time reminding us exactly why he has become such a sought-after voice in the world of hard rock and metal. Opening with “Backbone”, he immediately hit the ground running, his powerful and distinctive vocals filling the room with that unmistakable Ronnie sound.

The set mixed his own material with a couple of nods to the Rainbow legacy, with “Stargazer” and “Kill the King” inevitably raising the temperature. Having witnessed Romero front Rainbow in Málaga, I know just how extraordinary he can be when everything comes together, and there were certainly glimpses of that magic here.

But for me, the real highlight came with “The Battle Rages On” — the Deep Purple classic. Now, I know that particular album often gets slated by the Purple faithful, but I have to admit I’m rather fond of it. Perhaps that shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise, given that I actually caught both a UK and a European date on what turned out to be Ritchie Blackmore’s final tour with Deep Purple. So hearing Romero take on the title track was always going to push a few buttons with me.

And it certainly did. There is something about the song’s combination of power, drama and sheer vocal intensity that suits Romero perfectly, and it was the moment of the set that really grabbed me.

The only real disappointment was that the set was simply too short. But then, that’s the problem when you’re the opening act — you get the stage, you get the crowd, give them a taste and then you’re gone just as you’re getting warmed up.

Still, Romero made an impression. His voice remains a formidable instrument, and he has the confidence and presence to stand in front of a room and make it his own.

Having seen him with Rainbow in Málaga before the Covid years, where he was genuinely epic, it was great to catch him again. Hopefully next time we get considerably more than a support slot — because Ronnie Romero deserves the opportunity to deliver the full show.

For now, though, “The Battle Rages On” was the battle cry that won the night for me.