The City of Burning Spires show is performed by Phoenix From The Ashes. It features a full live rock band and audio visual effects to create an immersive theatrical experience.
The band is made up of a talented group of Coventry-based musicians and singers lead by Simon Gibbons.
The Rock Opera is based on Simon’s family history and the stories of the Coventry Blitz of 1940. It combines events from both sets of his grandparents to tell a story through 30 original songs in a range of different styles from folk and blues to rock, reggae and ska.
The project has been a labour of love for Simon. He started writing the music and lyrics six years ago after the death of his father.
Simon discovered unseen family photographs and memorabilia in his father’s house in Coventry relating to family events of the Blitz and the Second World War. These were the catalyst for this very personal project with the storyline following the life-changing events of the main characters Jack and Doll and Fire Fighter Randolph .
Yasmin Butt is the creative stylist for the production and designed the costumes for the band .
It was hoped The City of Burning Spires would have premiered in 2020 for the 80th anniversary of the Blitz but due to lockdown, it was delayed by a year.
The rock opera was first performed at the Arches Rock Venue in Coventry in 2021.
Building on this success, The Phoenix From the Ashes band have performed several showcase gigs around Coventry including Millsy’s bar and The Platform at the Arches Venue . These gained the band its first theatre production of the City of Burning Spires at the Criterion Theatre in February 2024 selling out both nights.