The Driver Era: Live in Edinburgh for their ‘X Girlfriend’ Tour

On a warm October night, The Driver Era rolled into O2 Academy Edinburgh for what would prove to be a memorable concert filled with electric energy, intimate moments, and unexpected twists. Headlined by brothers Ross and Rocky Lynch, the band is known for its genre-blurring mix of alternative rock, pop, and funk, but the show was much more than just a musical performance. With fantastic support from the openers, almost monday and Your Favorite Color, the night was an immersive experience that showcased not just the headliners, but the collective talent of everyone involved.

The night began with Your Favorite Color, an indie alt-rock band emerging from Huntington Beach, California. Don’t be fooled, though, Your Favorite Color (YFC) isn't just another indie band — they're a punching force in the indie alt-rock scene with a penchant for delivering hard-hitting, electrifying rock anthems. Known for their punchy, raw sound and dynamic stage presence, YFC combines high-energy alternative rock with a modern twist, driven by heavy riffs, pounding drums, and powerful vocals.

Next up was almost monday, whose upbeat, indie-dance sound took the energy up several notches. Their vibrant performance of songs like “sunburn” and “can’t slow down” had the crowd fully engaged. Lead singer Dawson Daugherty's infectious enthusiasm spread throughout the room, and by the end of their set, Almost Monday had succeeded in transforming the 02 Academy into a full-blown dance party. A special moment came when they covered Franz Ferdinand's “Take Me Out”, a song with deep roots in Scotland's own indie-rock scene. The audience erupted with excitement and pride, as almost monday paid homage to the legendary Glasgow-based band, giving the night a distinctly local flavour. The pulsating rhythm and instantly recognizable guitar riff sent the crowd into a frenzy, setting the stage perfectly for the headlining act.

As the lights dimmed and anticipation built, The Driver Era opened their set with an unreleased track titled “Touch”, which immediately captured the audience's attention with its synth-heavy, atmospheric intro. Ross Lynch, the charismatic frontman, wasted no time in getting the crowd hyped, his magnetic stage presence drawing screams and cheers from fans as the song built into a powerful crescendo. Rocky Lynch, the quieter but equally talented counterpart, brought his signature style on guitar, complementing Ross's energy with precision and flair.

From there, the band launched into “You Keep Me Up at Night” and “Back to You”, both crowd favourites, which blended smooth melodies with irresistible beats that left the crowd screaming every word. Ross effortlessly switched between singing and engaging the audience with his natural charisma, joking with fans between songs and even pausing for a moment to thank Edinburgh for its enthusiastic reception. As the night went on, it became clear that The Driver Era wasn’t just there to perform; they were there to create a long-lasting connection.

The setlist was packed with fan favourites, but the band also threw in several surprises that elevated the night from a typical concert to a genre-defying experience. The first major surprise came early on with an unexpected cover of Michael Jackson's “Thriller”. As soon as the iconic bassline dropped, the crowd went wild. Ross did his best homage to the King of Pop, not just vocally but with some impressive dance moves, drawing massive applause from the crowd. The performance was both nostalgic and fresh, a perfect balance that paid tribute to the original while adding The Driver Era's unique flair.

Later in the set, the band launched into a thrilling medley that combined “Low”, “Nobody Knows” and Destiny's Child's “Say My Name”, flowing effortlessly into The Black Eyed Peas' “I Gotta Feeling”. This mashup brought a festival-like energy to the venue, as the audience danced and sang along, creating a euphoric atmosphere. The unexpected covers and mashups were masterfully executed, and the seamless transitions between songs showed off the band's versatility and willingness to play with genre conventions.

Another standout cover was their version of “Summer Nights” from Grease. Ross took on the role of Danny Zuko with cheeky charm, while the audience happily filled in for Sandy, singing along to the catchy classic. It was a playful, light-hearted moment that brought smiles to everyone's faces, showcasing the band's ability to inject fun into their performance.

While much of the set was upbeat and energetic, one of the most powerful moments came with a stripped-back, acoustic rendition of “Heart of Mine”. The band gathered around a grand piano, creating an intimate, almost unplugged setting in the middle of their otherwise electrifying set. Ross sat at the piano, playing the tender opening notes, while the rest of the band harmonized around him, their voices blending beautifully.

This acoustic performance allowed the band to show off their vocal talents and emotional depth. The crowd, previously buzzing with energy, fell silent, captivated by the simplicity and raw emotion of the moment. As the harmonies filled the room, it felt like a shared, intimate experience—one where the audience could feel the vulnerability in the music. It was a masterstroke in pacing, giving the set a much-needed emotional core that grounded the performance in something more personal and reflective.

In addition to the surprises and fan favourites, The Driver Era used the night as an opportunity to debut some new, unreleased tracks, giving fans a taste of what's to come. “Don't Walk Away” and “I'll Be There” stood out as potential new hits, with their polished production and catchy hooks hinting at the band's evolving sound.

These unreleased songs fit seamlessly into the setlist, maintaining the energetic vibe while offering something new for long-time fans to chew on. The live debut of these tracks was met with enthusiasm, as fans eagerly absorbed the fresh material, which clearly showcased the band's continued growth and experimentation.

As the set built towards its climax, the performance of “Preacher Man” was a standout moment of pure, unbridled energy. The band extended the track with a prolonged instrumental jam, giving each member a moment to shine. Ross, pacing the stage with an almost preacher-like intensity, had the crowd fully in his thrall. The song's driving beat and catchy chorus created a live experience that felt larger than life, pushing the energy in the venue to its peak.

The encore began with Ross returning to the stage alone, performing a heartfelt version of “On My Own”, a solo track from his earlier career. This intimate moment gave fans a personal glimpse into Ross's journey as an artist, and his emotional delivery was palpable. The rest of the band then rejoined for a rousing rendition of “Feel You Now” before closing the night with the infectious anthem “A Kiss”. The final moments of the concert were a blur of dancing, singing, and pure joy, with the crowd refusing to let the night end. As the last note rang out, it was clear that the connection between the band and the audience had been truly special.

From the infectious energy of almost monday’s Franz Ferdinand cover, to TDE’s intimate acoustic rendition of “Heart of Mine”, the night was filled with spectacular moments which highlighted the versatility of each performer. The Driver Era's ability to surprise, entertain, and connect with their audience proves that they are a force to be reckoned with in the live music scene. For both long-time fans and newcomers, this concert was an exceptional night that will certainly be talked about for years to come.