Last night at ‘16 Toneladas’ in Valencia, punk icon Hugh Cornwell delivered a masterclass in stripped-down, razor-sharp rock ‘n’ roll. Performing as a trio—Cornwell on guitar and vocals, backed by a tight and muscular rhythm section comprising bass and drums—the set was a distinctive journey through both his solo material and select gems from his days with The Stranglers. The evening kicked off with Coming Out of the Wilderness, setting the tone with its gritty groove and Cornwell’s unmistakable vocal drawl. Too Much Trash followed, carrying the same raw energy. The crowd truly lit up when the band launched into Nice ‘n’ Sleazy, the first of several classic Stranglers tracks peppered throughout the night.

Looking about 10 years younger than his 75 years on earth, Hugh Cornwell made sure that  his solo work took centre stage for much of the set, showcasing his continued evolution as a songwriter. Tracks like Wrong Side of the Tracks, Delightful Nightmare, and Moments of Madness pulsed with swagger and wit, while Golden Brown by The Stranglers—played with a minimalistic but hypnotic arrangement—was met with enthusiastic recognition.

The chemistry between the trio was undeniable, with the bassist providing punchy, melodic lines and the drummer delivering tight, propulsive rhythms that elevated every track. Totem and Taboo and Pure Evil were standouts from Cornwell’s solo catalogue delivered with snarl and precision.

The nostalgic highlights came in waves—a very rare live version of The Stranglers track Dead Loss Angeles, Duchess, and Nuclear Device (The Wizard of Aus) thrilled long-time fans, but it was the encore that truly sealed the night. The band’s rendition of Cream’s White Room was a bold, bluesy detour, followed by Strange Little Girl and a luminous take on Always the Sun that had the audience of locals and expats in Spain swaying and singing along.

Throughout the set, Cornwell remained in commanding form—laconic, sharp, and effortlessly cool. No theatrics, no filler—just three musicians delivering lean, intelligent rock with attitude and skill. In a world where legacy acts often rely on nostalgia alone, Hugh Cornwell’s performance was a reminder that real artistry ages with power. The past was honoured, but the present felt just as vital. A memorable night at ‘16 Toneladas’.

Report by ‘24/7 Valencia’ team

Article copyright ‘24/7 Valencia’

Photos copyright Phillip Solomonson/ 24/7 Valencia

Hugh Cornwell set-list at ‘16 Toneladas’(Valencia) 9 May 2025: Coming Out of the Wilderness • Too Much Trash • Nice ‘n’ Sleazy • Wrong Side of the Tracks • Delightful Nightmare • Golden Brown • Totem and Taboo • Bad Vibrations • Dead Loss Angeles (The Stranglers song) • Moments of Madness • When I Was a Young Man • Thank • Pure Evil • Mr. Leather • Nuclear Device (The Wizard of Aus) • Another Kind of Love • Duchess • Live it and Breathe it / Encore: • White Room (Cream cover) • Strange Little Girl • Always the Sun