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.
An Evening with They Might Be Giants: “Flood, Book and Beyond” Tour at Belfast’s Mandela Hall
After a few years off touring, They Might Be Giants returned with a vengeance, delivering one of the highest-energy shows I've ever seen. The band was constantly jumping around and improvising different parts of their sets. That's right—"sets." This show consisted of TWO sets with a short intermission between them. Each set lasted around sixty minutes and was entirely new each night. You could follow them for the whole tour and never see the same set twice. With a total of twenty-three studio albums, the band has a vast repertoire to choose from, making each night different and exciting.
Sam Tompkins Brought his “hi, my name is insecure tour.” to SWX, Bristol
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.
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.
Good Neighbours: Live at The Joiners in Southampton
For their penultimate show of the UK stretch of their world tour, Good Neighbours performed at The Joiners in Southampton; previously recognised as NME’s Best Small Venue in 2013, this establishment certainly lived up to its positive reputation. The venue, which happened to be the smallest of all the band’s stops in the UK, with a cosy 200-person capacity, treated fans to an incredibly intimate and memorable experience.
bby’s Album Release Party At State51
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!
Hozier at Finsbury Park
On Sunday 7th July, 45,000 fans made their way to Finsbury Park for Hozier’s sold-out headline performance as part of his Unreal Unearth Tour. The Irish singer-songwriter first found popularity in 2013 with his debut single, 'Take Me To Church'. Over 10 years later, Hozier’s third album, Unreal Unearth, is Hozier’s first UK Number 1 album.
Mika at Warwick Castle
The stage was set for an unforgettable Sunday evening at Warwick Castle and Mika delivered on every front. For those who haven’t been lucky enough to visit the castle during it’s summer events, the historic grounds are transformed into a vibrant mini-festival ground; street food and cocktail vans line the grass and offer a feast for the senses as you walk through the ticket gate.
BST Hyde Park 2024: Headlined by Morgan Wallen
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!
BS3 LIVE in Bristol 2024
On the penultimate Saturday of June 2024, Bristol’s beloved stadium and concert venue Ashton Gate presented the very first BS3, a one-day festival of phenomenal musical talent proudly named after the area’s postcode. According to their website, the creators of this captivating concert experience claim that the show’s purpose was to display “deep-rooted pride in our community and our commitment to delivering an event that reflects the diversity and artistry that the city is famous for” and it is this unapologetic celebration of the south-west city’s culture which makes BS3 such an excellent new addition to Bristol’s marvellous music scene.