Only The Poets at Oxfords - The Bullingdon
I finally reached Oxford for a live show — not somewhere I’ve been before, but I’d definitely go back after this. Only The Poets blew the roof off The Bullingdon, a 310-capacity high street venue with plenty of charm and surprisingly punchy acoustics. Doors opened at 19:00, and the band hit the stage at 20:15 sharp. No support acts, no filler — just a focused, high-energy set that gave them full control of the night. This Oxford show was part of their “Going Back to Where It Began” tour, a short but meaningful run through Banbury, Reading, Manchester, Southampton, and Birmingham. It’s a nod to their grassroots origins — revisiting the same venues they played on their first tour, and reaffirming their belief that music should be accessible, intimate, and real.
Will Smith Headlines Depot Live 2025, Cardiff - Wales
The final headline show of Depot Live 2025 in Cardiff was none other than award-winning actor, rapper, and producer Will Smith.
This wasn’t just another stop on his Based On A True Story Tour—it was a celebration of his decades-long career. Will brought positivity, energy, and charisma to one of the coolest live music venues I’ve ever experienced. To see him perform at the historic Cardiff Castle is a night I’ll never forget.
Khruangbin’s Headline Show at Gunnersbury Park in London
Khruangbin’s headline show at Gunnersbury Park felt like an ideal way to spend a summer night in London. The Houston trio, whose name comes from the Thai word for “airplane,” brought their signature mix of laid-back grooves and global influences to West London, and the crowd was more than ready to float along.
Lil Tecca – The Dopamine Experience (O2 Academy, Birmingham)
I’m not exaggerating when I say this was the sweatiest gig I’ve ever attended in my life. I’ve never felt the urge to take my t-shirt off at a concert before, but the heat and humidity were so intense that I had to do it just to try and cool down — and most of the crowd did the same. When I arrived at 07:45 (doors opened at 07:00), the queue was still snaking up the hill and around the corner outside Birmingham’s O2 Academy. This was the final UK date of Lil Tecca’s Dopamine Experience, and fans absolutely embraced every moment of his performance.
Shed Seven’s Triumphant Night in Leeds
There’s something about a summer evening gig in the open air of Millennium Square that feels like coming home, especially with it being the hottest day of the year so far! A crowd thick with 90’s gritty nostalgia, pints raised, and band tees worn like uniforms of loyalty - this was the scene in Leeds at Shed Seven took to the stage for what can only be described as a triumphant homecoming, of sorts.
The Teskey Brothers Bring a Soulful Night to Halifax Piece Hall
Sunday was a perfectly warm July evening as The Teskey Brothers delivered a performance at Halifax’s historic Piece Hall that was equal parts raw soul, musical precision, and heartfelt connection. With the 18th-century courtyard bathed in golden hour light and a crowd ready to feel the love, the Australian band proved once again why they’re one of the most compelling live acts in modern soul and blues.
Noah Kahan Is The First Artist To Headline At The Newly Established ‘Blackweir Live’
The opening event of the newly formed Blackweir Live was nothing short of spectacular, with none other than folk-pop singer-songwriter Noah Kahan’s voice echoing through the streets of Cardiff.
Thankfully, the weather held out and remained dry until later that night, after the show had ended. The turnout was a success, with up to 35,000 people attending the mini-festival in Blackweir Fields. Before Noah took the stage, attendees were treated to performances by two other artists: DJO (Joe Keery of Stranger Things) and Sebastian Schub.
Father John Misty’s Epic Return to Leeds - O2 Academy
Following on from playing sold-out shows at the likes of The Refectory at The University of Leeds, Father John Misty returned to the city on Sunday backed by his incredible 7-piece band.
The back of the academy stage, draped in Mr Tillman’s signature red curtain and host to 6 old Hollywood spotlights, created the perfect intimate atmosphere for his not-so-low-key set.
Pulp’s Return To Birmingham
Pulp’s first return to Birmingham since 2001, with a 13,000 capacity difference, was more than just a gig—it was a celebration, a reunion, and a reminder of how powerful live music can be when done with style, humour, and heart.
Chase & Status at The O2 Arena In London
Chase & Status returned to London in seismic style, selling out the 20,000-capacity O2 Arena and delivering a show that felt as much like a celebration as it did a concert. The duo, Saul Milton (Chase) and Will Kennard (Status), have long been known for blurring the lines between genres and generations, but this show felt particularly triumphant. Following their 2024 Brit Award win for "Producer of the Year" and a historic chart run with four singles in the UK Top 40, their performance confirmed their place at the top of the UK’s electronic scene.