The Teskey Brothers – Live Review – The Piece Hall, Halifax
By Dan Walls, June 2025
If I were to design my ideal day, it would probably include sunshine, cold beers, pizza, and good company. This weekend delivered on all counts, with Aussie blues-rock band The Teskey Brothers providing the perfect soundtrack as they took to the Piece Hall stage.
Although I’ve been to events at the iconic venue before, this was my first ever gig experience there. My anticipation had been building for weeks, especially thanks to glowing reviews from friends and colleagues who’d been before. Thankfully, the night didn’t just live up to the hype – it exceeded it.
“Relocated to the Deep South”
With the sun beaming down, gritty blues-rock sounds and raspy, soulful vocals filling the air, it felt as though The Piece Hall had been temporarily relocated to the Deep South, rather than sitting in the middle of West Yorkshire.
The historic colonnades, bathed in golden light during sunset, added something special to the whole experience. By the time dusk fell, the stage lighting had taken over, flooding the building with colour and amplifying the atmosphere.
I knew not to expect non-stop dancing and smiles – their catalogue leans towards themes of love, heartbreak, struggle, and hope. But that’s exactly what I came for. And it really delivered.
“The spirit of Otis Redding lives within him”
Despite their huge success and streaming numbers – over 3.9 million monthly listeners – I’d somehow missed The Teskey Brothers until a random playlist shuffle earlier this year. Since then, I’ve been hooked. Josh Teskey’s aching, gravelly vocals and raw lyrics hit hard – it’s as if Otis Redding’s spirit lives within him. His brother Sam on lead guitar brings that bluesy grit that gets you moving without even realising.
When I saw they were playing The Piece Hall, I didn’t hesitate in making sure I was there. And I wasn’t disappointed. Live, they were faultless – every note, every transition, right on point.
“It felt like being part of a gospel choir”
Their closing track ‘Hold Me’ was genuinely moving. As the song faded out, the crowd took over, clapping in time and singing the chorus a cappella:
“Hold me, don’t hold me down. Carry me, but keep my feet on the ground.”
People had their arms raised, eyes closed, totally lost in the moment. For a band whose song titles include “Pain & Misery” and “Crying Shame”, it was oddly uplifting – like being part of something shared and special. And that carried on outside the venue way after the gig had ended, such was the feeling.
“Refreshingly authentic”
In a world full of AI, overproduced pop and disposable hits, The Teskey Brothers are a reminder of how powerful live music can be. Their sound is timeless, but their themes – love, pain, friendship, hope – couldn’t be more relevant.
As a first gig at The Piece Hall, it couldn’t have been better. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on future shows.
And if, like me, you’d never really given The Teskey Brothers a listen – start now. You won’t regret it.
Images: Cuffe & Taylor & The Piece Hall
