Welcome to The Concert Club!
A collective of experienced photographers and reviewers whose primary aim is to showcase the exceptional art of live performance. Whether you’re here as a fan, to read reviews of your favourite artist or band, or perhaps you’re keen to find a recommendation of a new artist to see live, this space has something for everyone. We are major music lovers and avid gig goers first and foremost, and it is this passion which inspired us to create a concert-loving community which we hope you’ll become a part of.
From the moment The Darkness hit their first note, it was obvious that frontman Justin Hawkins was in full control as he had the audience eating out of the palm of his hand. Proving this point especially during ‘Get Your Hands Off My Woman’ where his playful antics with the song’s lyrics provoked the exact bewildered reaction he was aiming for as an audience member screamed “what the f*ck?!”.
Limp Bizkit stormed into Glasgow to launch the UK/EU leg of their Loserville Tour, delivering a set packed with fan-favorite anthems and pure nu-metal chaos. Taking the stage at 9:45, Fred Durst and company wasted no time in igniting the crowd, opening with the explosive “Break Stuff”—a track that immediately sent the sold-out, jumping OVO Hydro into a frenzy. Following up with “Hot Dog” and “Take a Look Around”, the band locked into their signature mix of aggression and groove, with Wes Borland’s crushing riffs and John Otto’s thunderous drumming shaking the venue to its core.
On the wet and windy evening of Sunday 23rd February, British singer-songwriter Myles Smith played to a sold out O2 Academy in Bristol. The treacherous weather however, did not stop his hardcore fans from attending the gig and lining the streets in the pouring rain.
James Bay put on a fantastic show at Glasgow’s O2 Academy as he performed to a packed crowd with a full band. He took the stage right on time at 9 PM and delivered a set full of fan favourites and new material.
Icelandic rockers KALEO took to the stage at the O2 Academy Glasgow on 18th November, delivering a powerhouse performance to a sold-out crowd. From the first chord, the band’s signature blend of blues, rock, and folk kept the buzzing audience spellbound.
On the gloomy autumnal night of 6th November, Sam Tompkins graced Bristol’s SWX with an aura of blessed light, illuminating his audience’s hearts with his heavenly vocals and healing lyricism. Named after his phenomenal debut album, the Brightonian artist’s “hi, my name is insecure tour.” is sizably and vocally his greatest yet, beginning in Manchester, embarking across Europe and eventually culminating in Paris in December. With support from the remarkable Kerr Mercer and the magnificent Martin Luke Brown, Sam’s Bristol show was a stunning celebration of positive masculinity, as the trio of male artists respectively showcased their emotionally rich artistry.
After briefly postponing the date and switching venues, Ice Spice brought her energetic energy and catchy hits to Birmingham’s O2 Institute on 5th November for the final show on the UK leg of her “Y2K World Tour”. The concert was originally supposed to take place nearby at the O2 Academy but, due to the rapper having to change plans and attend a Fortnite event in her hometown of New York City, the venue was altered. The venue change was not an issue for me personally, as I always appreciate how much character the venue possesses and how grand the interior feels, and the alteration meant I could experience the main room of the O2 Institute after first attending an intimate gig in the venue’s ground floor room earlier this year.
There are artists you like, there are artists you love, and then there are those artists who are so intrinsically woven into the fabric of your day-to-day life that you feel a personal sense of gratitude toward them. For more than ten years, Lindsey Stirling has unknowingly ridden life’s rollercoaster with me. She has been my go-to artist when I’ve felt unbridled joy, desperate sorrow, crippling anxiety, or total serenity.
The atmosphere on Wednesday night in Manchester’s O2 Apollo was electric as fans eagerly awaited the return of British pop band, The Vamps, who last performed in Manchester almost two years ago, in November of 2022. Formed in 2011, and consisting of singer/rhythmic guitarist Bradley Simpson, lead guitarist James McVey, drummer Tristan Evans and bassist Connor Ball, the band rose to stardom in the summer of 2012 after posting covers of various songs, including One Direction’s ‘Live While We’re Young’, to their YouTube channel. Now 10 years on from the release of their debut album, Meet The Vamps, the boys are knee deep in a reunion tour which has resulted in a wave of nostalgia among fans across the UK.
Celebrating the release of their debut album 1, bby invited fans to a very limited capacity venue in East London. The band’s HQ, State51, hosted a bring-your-own-drinks party, creating an intimate atmosphere where fans could meet new people and enjoy great music. Early arrivals were even treated to a free barbecue! The BYOB policy, paired with a live DJ, encouraged guests to enjoy the summer heat in the venue's outdoor space. For a Thursday night, the turnout was incredible!
“Actually, I love these songs, I want people to know that they came from me.”