Blues rockers Rival Sons wowed the Picturedrome last night as they kicked off their world tour.

The Californian band played a free, one-off gig at the Holmfirth venue last night — a stark contrast to their previous sell-out shows around the world, from Johannesburg to Tokyo.

The event was part of a campaign by Jack Daniels, called Jack Rocks, who wants to bring rock ‘n’ roll out of the big cities into smaller surroundings and gave away 650 tickets for the gig via their website.

The Examiner also ran a competition giving away a further 25 pairs of tickets for the show.

Here's what the fans thought:

Jane Greenwood: "Last night the Californian band Rival Sons rocked Holmfirth, a town, in their words ‘full of good people’. The Picturedrome venue complemented the polished to perfection performance from the proficient players. Quirky beards, hair and moustaches complemented the idiosyncratic resonance that reverberated through the eclectic audience. I believe we were in the presence of prodigies…"

Andy Foody: "The band rocked, the crowd grooved and the alcohol flowed. A great live band in the intimate surroundings of the Picturedrome! What's not to like! Great gig!"

Richard Walker: "Thank you Examiner, what an amazing gig. Best live band I've seen in ages. Can't wait to then again in Leeds on Saturday."

Simon Clegg: "Wednesday morning and my ears are still ringing from the power of Jay Buchanan's voice. A brilliant gig in a fantastic venue - can't wait to see them in Leeds on Saturday now."

Elliott Hiinchliff: "Sounded ace but no stage presence. Great support acts."

Gill Halliday: "Had a great time. Great atmosphere and both bands (was a band on before Rival Sons) were well worth watching. Not the sort of music I would normally listen to but thoroughly enjoyed it."

John Taylor: "My favourite venue and a brilliant concert all round, from the two support bands and the headliners, Rival Sons."

Sue Cooper: "A great great night out in Holmfirth, Jack Rocks was terrific with free shots of whiskey and Rival Sons on magical form, everybody left with big cheesy grins, fantastic."

At an exclusive Jack Daniel’s after party, Radio 1 DJ Clara Amfo took to the decks alongside The Coral’s Nick Power. Clara Amfo will take over from Fearne Cotton on Radio 1’s Chart Show from 25 May.

Rival Sons flew in to Holmfirth by helicopter yesterday, welcomed by members of Holmfirth Cricket Club and Picturedrome owner Peter Carr.

They will spend today and Thursday recording a new music video high up on the surrounding moorlands before taking their world tour to stages in Britain, Europe, Brazil and North America.

Click below to watch their dramatic entrance:

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