Simon RushworthLynne Jackaman @Newcastle The Cluny 2, February 12 2026
Quietly tucked away in the top left corner of an intimate venue filling up fast, a singer synonymous with early 90s power balladry at its dynamic best cast a critical eye over a kindred spirit finally back where she belongs.
Lorraine Crosby shot to fame as the female lead on Meat Loaf’s global smash I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That) and continues to collaborate with many of the biggest names in rock.
But on a night off? Mrs Loud loves nothing more than a live gig on her doorstep. Even better if that gig happens to be the long-awaited return of Lynne Jackaman.
“She’s a real pocket rocket,” enthused Crosby. Takes one to know one. Turns out Meat’s mate was a big fan of Jackaman’s former band, Saint Jude, and this special date had been inked in the diary for some time.
Incredibly, it’s more than 15 years since Saint Jude’s bullish blues thrust a generational vocal talent into the spotlight. These days it’s more about the rock and soul — than the rock and roll — but Jackaman’s no less captivating in her current guise.
The decision to play debut solo album One Shot in its entirety was welcomed with open arms by a Newcastle crowd as knowledgeable as it was expectant. Fans had flown in from as far afield as Ireland to celebrate Jackaman’s ‘comeback’ show and the beaming Londoner — resplendent in a sparkly silver catsuit — didn’t disappoint.
Note perfect from note one, did anyone really expect anything less?
Jackaman could have been forgiven for easing herself back into full headliner mode but the opposite was true: pushing herself to the limit, this was a performance as passionate as it was powerful.
Nobody’s Fault (But Yours), On Your Own and the heartfelt Beautiful Loss never sounded better. For many in the room this was a first opportunity to hear 2020’s One Shot live and an album carefully curated in Muscle Shoals’ legendary FAME Studios captures the true heart of Alabama soul.
Joined by Jamie Evans (guitar), Paul Stone (drums) and Andy Banfield (bass), Jackaman surrounded herself with familiar class and proven precision. However, drafting in Mark Brown (sax) and Joe Auckland (trumpet) was the masterstroke — One Shot’s funkier moments match Fishbone at their most flamboyant, given a timely brass boost.
The true treat for long-time fans? A snapshot of what’s still to come.
2026 is shaping up to be a standout year for Jackaman and a trio of new tunes — including the instantly hummable Lemonade — teased a brave new era for a truly compelling performer.
Think of One Shot as the opening shot. It feels like Jackaman’s ready to pull the trigger on something much, much bigger…
- Read Rushonrock’s exclusive interview with Lynne Jackaman here.
