The Kris Barras Band hit all the right notes when it comes to rocking out in classic style, and they’ll come bearing riffs when they hit Newcastle this February.

Ex-MMA/cage fighters don’t carve out too many second acts for themselves, but Kris Barras managed to move on from punching and kicking people in the head to form the thrilling Kris Barras Band. They’re four albums deep into their career now and they’ve really honed their sound, which you might describe as hard rock shot through with bluesy riffs and bags of melody. Last year’s ‘Death Valley Paradise’ was their highest charting album to date and it was replete with anthemic tunes that simply demand to be heard in the live arena. And heard they very much were – by thousands – when the band toured with Kentucky heavyweights Black Stone Cherry, which culminated in a show at the iconic Royal Albert Hall. They’ve also supported The Darkness and Thunder, but this latest tour sees them firmly on headlining duties. They’re a real thrill-ride live and you can find out why when they grab Newcastle by the scruff of the neck this February. GM

Kris Barras Band, Monday 13 February, Riverside, Newcastle, 7pm, £22. riversidencl.co.uk