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.
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!
Coincidentally taking place on American Independence Day, an array of marvellous country musicians gathered at London’s BST Hyde Park for a summery day of entertainment, activities, food, drink and more. In addition to being Wallen’s first BST headline show, the all-day concert also marked the biggest country concert ever held in the United Kingdom, with approximately 50,000 fans in attendance!
Thirty Seconds To Mars, comprised of brothers Jared and Shannon Leto, delivered an unforgettable performance at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham on June 9, 2024, as part of their Seasons World Tour. The two-hour set featured 18 songs, including acoustic renditions, with dramatic pyrotechnics and crowd interactions. Fans, some of whom waited due to rescheduled shows, enjoyed a mix of new tracks and nostalgic hits like "Kings and Queens" and "The Kill." Jared’s close interactions, including a walk through the crowd and inviting fans on stage, made the night special. Highlights included a touching acoustic segment, a crowd-lit rendition of "City of Angels," and a grand finale with fans on stage. This concert showcased the band's humility, engagement, and musical prowess, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
Bronx-born A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie wrapped up his 'Better Off Alone' tour in the UK at Birmingham's Utilita Arena on May 5th, 2024. Accompanied by Philadelphia rapper Fridayy, delivering a high-energy performance complete with live instrumental backing, pyrotechnics, and dynamic choreography, culminating in an explosive finale featuring a t-shirt cannon and cascading confetti.
Tate McRae's concert at The Halls in Wolverhampton was an extraordinary event, drawing extreme dedication from fans who queued up to 12 hours before the doors opened. The venue was filled with the largest crowd the reviewer had seen for a concert in the UK. Despite technical difficulties cutting short the supporting act, Tate's performance was mesmerizing, featuring flawless artistry, skilled choreography, and impeccable vocals. The setlist of eighteen songs showcased a range of energetic tracks and heartfelt ballads, leaving a lasting impression on attendees. Overall, the concert solidified Tate McRae's rising stardom and left fans eager for her future endeavors.
“Actually, I love these songs, I want people to know that they came from me.”