https://www.chrishighreviews.com/whats-happening-in-music/gig-review-xander-the-peace-pirates/
Xander & The Peace Pirates.
Support: Reid Anderson.
Thornton Hough Village Club.
Friday, August 8th 2025.
There are many mysteries in life, with one of which being: how the hell aren’t Xander & The Peace Pirates more widely
known? A more skilled, talent-laden, and freakishly nice band there could not be. Added to that, there’s a following that’s passionately ardent, fervent, and loyal, as is testified by the sold-out environs of the deliciously intimate Thornton Hough Village Club.
The venue is home to the Wirral Blues club, amongst other music genres — Chris Difford and Ian Prowse are regular performers, which makes this a stand-out music spot for young and old alike. Added to this, the friendly atmosphere, the real ale, and fabulous acoustics offer an intimate, appreciative, and chilled vibe that is so often missing elsewhere.
First up is Liverpool-based Reid Anderson. With a gloriously rich voice, his talent drips empathy and understanding with every nuanced syllable, and, backed by gently haunting guitar, the audience sits with breath bated and attention unflinching.
Among the highlights, We Would Have Noticed the Moon, Golden Days, and a beautiful rendition of Tonight You Belong to Me. Such is the chilled manner Anderson exudes, it is almost possible to envision mist rolling around the stage in an ethereal glow as warm as an eider-coated blanket.
Xander & The Peace Pirates are a phenomenon. Keith and Stu Xander were discovered on YouTube by former Gibson Brands CEO Henry Juszkiewicz. During their subsequent performances for the company at numerous international events from LA to Dubai, the band caught the attention of not just an ever-growing collective of fans but also industry legends such as Eddie Kramer (Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Kiss, Rolling Stones) and Rick Allen (Def Leppard).
Defying all expectations, lead singer and guitarist Keith was born without a right arm below the elbow and plays his guitar using a prosthesis and hook with a pick attached at the end. Although many who have seen Keith play believe him to be an extraordinary guitarist in light of his perceived ‘disability’, he is a virtuoso musician in his own right, and
his playing rivals the best in the industry.
This ability is evident this evening. From the moment the band takes the stage – Keith, Stu on acoustic, Mike Gray on rhythm guitar, Joel Goldberg on bass, and Chris Maas on drums – the audience is enthralled. Mindscape, a deeply vibrant Rain, Dance With the Devil, Fire, and a quite stunning Dream On Dreamers would have satisfied most bands. Not these guys, however. Highlight of the evening being reserved in no small measure for a breathtaking cover of Prince’s Sign O’ the Times left those watching on in awe and a sadly late genius undoubtedly smiling down.
Xander & The Peace Pirates are an exceptional band. Tight, soul-infused, and so damn nice, whenever they are performing – wherever they are performing – I recommend snapping up a ticket as soon as you are physically able.
