The Vamps: Live in Manchester for their ‘Meet The Vamps’ Anniversary Tour

Date: 25th September 2024

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.

The night began with lively support from SOAP, a four-piece band, who have previously opened for the likes of Busted, and from Talia Marr, who delivered an incredible performance of songs like “Stay the Night” that highlighted her vocal talent. Both acts incorporated covers into their 30-minute sets that had the whole crowd singing along with them. SOAP performed their iconic pop rock cover of ABBA’s “SOS” whilst Marr opted for “Cruel Summer” by Taylor Swift — accompanied by Taylor-esque poses — and “No Scrubs” by TLC. Before the headliners took to the stage, fans were also treated to a surprise three-song acoustic performance from pop sensation Henry Moodie, much to the crowd’s delight.

The boys began their set with “Wild Heart”, a high-energy track that injected everyone in the 3500-capacity venue with a huge boost of energy. After revealing that the night was a special one because James’ grandmother – aka “the Queen” – was in attendance, they followed it up with a setlist comprised of every song from their 2014 album along with some fan favourites like “All Night” and “Married In Vegas”, and even an unreleased track called “Jack”! The show featured both acoustic and full band performances, which was particularly special as the band shared that their album was originally written acoustically.

A standout moment of the night was during “Can We Dance” when Brad made his way to the barricade, engaging directly with fans and demonstrating the bond that they share. Another highlight was during “All Night” where, true to form, the singer climbed up to the very top of the speakers on the left-hand side of the stage to perform the song from an unconventional spot. “Chemicals” was Tristan’s time to shine, with a three-minute-long drum solo, during which the crowd was able to appreciate his raw talent and get a proper look at his drum kit, which had been adorned with Sesame Street teddy bears.

Band introductions came before the acoustic set and were accompanied by fans enthusiastically chanting each member’s name. In a playful moment, the audience were encouraged to grab their left shoe and raise it in the air, with the boys joining in the fun and Brad noting how he admired a woman in knee-high boots who took hers off. Some took this moment as a sign to prove their dedication, with trainers being launched onto the stage and narrowly missing security guards, and with left shoes being held up for the remainder of the concert.

The show culminated in a five-song encore following chants of “we want more” after the band’s brief exit from the stage. It was then that “Risk It All”, a song that the band said holds deep significance for them despite never being released as a single, was played. For the final song of the night, “Somebody To You”, Brad made a special request that everyone put their phones away for the last four minutes, encouraging everyone to fully immerse themselves in the moment.

A true celebration of The Vamps’ decade-long career, the night seamlessly blended nostalgia with fresh energy. From the engaging opening acts to the band’s dynamic performances, every moment clearly resonated with the crowd. The entire show was a testament to the boys’ amazing stagecraft and their ability to create lasting connections with their fans, making it clear that, despite exploring their own solo projects, their journey as a band is far from over.

SOAP (Support)