Central Cee Opens Up The UK Leg of The Can’t Rush Greatness Tour In Birmingham
On April 18th 2025, UK drill/rap artist Central Cee played the first show in the UK on his ‘Can’t Rush Greatness’ world tour at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena.
Taking to the stage earlier than most artists, Central Cee began his set around 8:30 p.m., performing a setlist of roughly 30 songs over the course of about an hour and a half. In the past, I’ve often been let down by rappers’ live energy—but this was far from the case with Central Cee. He sounded just like he does on record, frequently engaged with the crowd, and delivered a high-energy, well-rounded performance that kept fans excited from start to finish.
Bilmuri In Birmingham With Support From South Arcade
It may have been a Thursday night but Bilmuri’s Birmingham show quickly proved to this brummy bunch why this whole tour was filled with sold out shows. South Arcade primed the nearly 3,000 strong audience, getting everyone in the room ready for the main event.
The Darkness - Dreams On Toast Tour in Wolverhampton
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?!”.
State Champs' European Winter Tour At The O2 Institute In Birmingham
The penultimate night of State Champs' European Winter tour at Birmingham’s O2 Institute was nothing short of electric, with Broadside and The Home Team setting the stage for an unforgettable evening.
Kicking things off, Broadside delivered a seamless 30-minute set that felt over in an instant, with Ollie Baxxter’s undeniable stage presence keeping every eye locked on him. His quick wit and down-to-earth personality made for effortless crowd engagement, while his soaring vocals proved once again why Broadside is always a pleasure to watch live. Their set was the perfect appetiser for what was to come, leaving the crowd hyped and ready for more.
Set It Off in Birmingham - One of The Loudest and Most Electrifying Shows of 2025 So Far
The energy in the o2 Institute’s main room built steadily throughout the night, with Call Me Amour warming up the crowd before Point North truly lighting the match for the night. Set It Off frontman, Cody Carson, even joined Point North on stage for a song, giving the audience a thrilling preview of what was to come. By the time Set It Off took the stage, the anticipation was at a fever pitch, and their dramatic entrance – featuring a countdown and an extended intro to Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing – set the tone for a lively and chaotic evening to say the least.
Enter Shikari: Live at O2 Academy Birmingham
It was a rather miserable Friday night in Birmingham, on 6th December, when the O2 Academy was set ablaze with the electrifying energy of Enter Shikari. Supported by rising American alt-rock band Teenage Wrist, the atmosphere in the venue was palpable from the second the doors opened.
NOAHFINNCE: Live at XOYO, Birmingham
On November 7th, NOAHFINNCE brought his autumn UK headline tour to Birmingham and the evening proved to be not only an electrifying pop-punk experience, but a celebration of both talent and inclusivity in the music scene, as the show commenced with sensational support from South Arcade and featured special guest Taylor Acorn.
Ice Spice: “Y2K Tour” at Birmingham’s O2 Institute
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.
SOFT PLAY Live at O2 Institute Birmingham
SOFT PLAY's recent Birmingham show at the O2 Institute on 18th October, supported by Wonk Unit and Panic Shack, was an exhilarating night that perfectly encapsulated the raw energy and spirit of live punk music.
Mallory Knox’s Return to Birmingham After 6 Year Hiatus
Mallory Knox's Birmingham show on 16 October was an electrifying return for the English alternative rock band after a six-year hiatus, and the energy in the room was palpable. The night kicked off with HRTLSS, a British rock/emo artist who set a solid tone for the evening, but it was electro-rockers Call Me Amour who followed that left a bit to be desired. Despite their best efforts, including engaging with the crowd from the barrier, the audience seemed somewhat subdued. Perhaps the dreary weather outside had dulled the spirits of the attendees, but it was evident that they were waiting for something to ignite the night.