Tag Archives: live music

NOSO @ Band On The Wall, Manchester. 19th February 2026.

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Nearly 3 years ago (March 2023) I saw NoSo play their first ever Manchester show at Yes. Last night, they played Band On The Wall and let me tell you, THAT was some experience.

It’s pretty obvious how much I adore NoSo’s music and the way they capture every emotion possible. What leaves me in awe even more so, is how Baek and his band just take the songs to the next level in the live setting. There is only one flaw to a NoSo show- they aren’t long enough. I know we’ve only got 2 records but play them on repeat a few times ha! But in all seriousness, it’s not just the beautiful tone to Baek’s voice, it’s the way they play guitar. I think I spent most of the set just watching them play the guitar and not taking everything fully in. Criminally underrated guitar player and certain songs definitely show you how wonderful they are. I could watch Baek play Sugar and I Feel You ALL day.

The set is a beautiful mix of songs from Stay Proud Of Me and When Are You Leaving? During the set I text my mum to tell her I was out, and I told her what show I was at and she replied with that she had just listened to Nara and loved it. NoSo is for everyone- especially the mums! It was really beautiful to see such a lovely mix of people in the crowd, and in front of me were a (I think a couple) and one of them just danced all the way through and was having the time of their life. That’s what it’s about, and when you can see how much it means to other people and you can see it means the world to them like it means the world to you- you kind of have some hope that maybe it will all be okay.

Baek has a gentle and shy presence on stage and truly lets the music do all the talking. The way Baek and their band play their hearts out and, in a way, mend yours, is just a joy to watch. If I could be at a NoSo show every night I’d be happy and I’d probably be super calm too! There are many highlights of the set but for me it was Suburbia and Let It Die. Let It Die is a sheer euphoric moment from the new record, and I just knew it’d be something really special live. When you see certain songs live, it can change how you feel about them and it just make me love the song a hell of a lot more. I honestly thought I was going to cry at some point during the show just because of what Baek’s music means to me and how their music feels like home, but I was all okay. Or maybe it’s because the one song that would break me wasn’t played! Either way, it was just a beautiful show and to see how loved NoSo is in the UK gives me some hope that we may get more shows and not have to wait 3 more years! But hey, it was absolutely worth the wait, and I strongly advise that if you are ever able to get to their shows- you go. Grab that opportunity and experience something so ethereal and gentle.

For the encore we very nearly got a cover of Hot To Go but settled on Who Made You This Sweet? Lyrically the song will rip your heart out, but when you see it live, you just appreciate the beauty within in. I first found Baek’s music in late 2021 and round about then I was working out stuff and realised I was Non-Binary. It was rough, it was lonely and it was something I mentally had to go through alone. I was using music as a way to navigate my way through, and NoSo’s music felt like someone was holding my hand through it. When you get to see the songs live that were your crutch, it just means a hell of a lot more doesn’t it? You find your home wherever you can, wherever you want and in your own time.

There are certain shows you go to where you feel like you could stay in that moment forever and I absolutely got that last night. I just utterly love NoSo’s music and experiencing it live is something that goes beyond the words I’ve written or could ever write. My words do not do it justice at all but know that once you go to a NoSo show, your heart and soul will never be the same again.

WAVVES @ YES, Manchester. 17th February 2026

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Last week over 20 years of waiting, I finally saw Deftones and last night after waiting since 2009 to see them live, I FINALLY saw Wavves. I had tickets for a show in 2015 (I think) but couldn’t make it in the end, I was beyond upset so after YEARS of waiting, it finally happened. Was it worth the wait? It absolutely was. Did I leave the gig unable to hear anything? Again, yes!

Yesterday I wrote about the support act WHTVRMNS, and even though they only have 2 songs up online- I just knew that their live set would be something magical. I wasn’t wrong- they were perfect and it felt like they were playing the headline set at YES. In time (soon), they probably will to be honest because a band like that are destined for it. A gorgeous set which was a real joy to see. The way they play together on stage is a thing of beauty too because you can not only tell they love making music, but they totally adore each other too, and that’s part of why you cannot help but love the band.

Wavves hit the stage and part of me feels I’ve made a daft decision by standing SO close to the speakers- it’s a future me problem. The set was a strong mix of old and very new songs, and every single song was pretty much yelled back at the band. Pints were thrown, cigarettes and glasses (not the drinking kind) ended up on the stage. A bunch of crowd surfing too happened- all of which made this Tuesday night pretty damn special. Now if I’d ever seen Wavves live before, I’d have declared this as the best I’d ever seen them but sadly, I cannot declare that. I can, however, say that this was one of the most exciting shows I’ve ever been to. I knew it’d be rowdy and pints would be thrown in the crowd, but you know what? People weren’t arseholes about it. Everyone here bloody loved the band and was there for THEM and to not be total idiots. I’ve seen it happen a lot, but thankfully people were pretty cool last night.

For me, it was always going to be Green Eyes that would own my heart BUT the band played So Bored which was one of the first ever songs I heard by Wavves and it’s the song that got me hooked. Of course, King Of The Beach got one of the biggest reactions of the night but even new songs like Bozo and Goner were screamed back. Afraid Of Heights was right up there as one of my highlights for sure- lyrically this song has always owned a piece of me, and to see it live was such a great experience. Post Acid was a riot too- and everyone went nuts to this. It’s one of the best Wavves songs but seeing it live makes it mean so much more. Fucking incredible. Demon To Lean On claimed and owned my heart too. Man, it was such a joyful night. I’d love to be at a Wavves show every night. I mean, my body may hate me for it but the energy on and off stage was just beautiful. Definitely one of my favourite shows of any band I’ve seen in Manchester.

Proper Mancunian (or just delightful Northern humour) shone through when Alex was doing soundcheck, a few yelled to him that his fly was undone on his jeans which led to chants of “take it off!” Nathan also commented during the set that the zipper had been causing issues. Fly up or down, Alex is one of the loudest guitarists I’ve heard and is probably responsible for me not being able to fully hear today. Always worth it.

Nathan, Stevie, Ross, and Alex play like a bunch of kids in school who are best friends and living out their dream- and that’s why they are a joy to watch and listen to. For years and years Wavves have been a comfort band for me. There have been shitty times where I’ve used music as a crutch and their music has made it all a little better. Getting to see the songs that got you out of a rut live is always worth it. Especially when you’re stood right by the speaker and can’t hear well the next day. That’s always the sign of a good night! I really hope they don’t leave it so long for the next tour because THAT was some bloody show!

TURNSTILE @ Depot Mayfield, Manchester. 3rd November 2025.

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I think the happiest place on earth could well be a Turnstile show. Now, I’ve waited a ridiculous amount of time to see them live, and I’m just glad the venue wasn’t the Victoria Warehouse. If you ever make a list of shit venues- that one should be top. Anyway, the venue was alright last night. Stood at the back on a platform with a pretty much perfect view. The sound was solid, but the band were truly something else. Part of me wanted to cry because I was just so happy. But all I could do was stand and stare and just be in awe of one of the best bands around. They could easily sell out arenas over here, and maybe that’s next. But for now, these decent sized venues are it.

Turnstile start the show with Never Enough, and for the next hour and a half- the crowd are theirs. They are ours. Everything is alright in the world. The set is mainly the new record, but they through some gorgeous oldies in there, and it’s pretty much a perfect setlist. In an ideal world, Generator would be in there but who cares?! When you’ve waited what seems like an eternity to see a band you adore live, you don’t care what you see so long as you’re there. Every song played is screamed back from the crowd, and there’s not a still body in the crowd (apart from the person stood next to me for a bit who was with her partner- he was having a great time, but she was having none of it!) As far as crowds go, this one felt utterly safe and just full of love. You could really feel how much everyone loves the band, and every song just meant the world. You’ve got a band right up there in front of you, playing with everything they have and to see everyone around you give that same energy back was just divine.

Much like Amyl and The Sniffers set up- the projector on the screen shows the crowd on stage, and also the band. To see the amount of love and joy on everyone’s faces was just beautiful. I know some have said it was a shit venue, but maybe we got lucky from where we were stood. I think Turnstile may just be up there as one of the best bands I’ve ever seen live, and last night’s show is definitely in my top 3 favourite gigs of the year. It was just such a beautiful atmosphere, and it felt really safe. That’s all you can ask for (although, it should just be a given!)

The energy the band have is beautiful. Brendan leaps around the stage doing leaps and star jumps, and you just feel how much he loves being on stage. Meg is one of the slickest guitarists around, along with Pat. Franz is one hell of a bassist and Daniel is one of the best drummers I’ve ever seen. Turnstile are made up of the best of the best, and the way they play together on stage is honestly such a joy to watch. The just exude pure love for what they do, and for each other. I genuinely miss them right now and wish I was at a Turnstile show. I think I’m going to carry that feeling around for a long time, and I just know I’m going to get that same feeling next year when I finally (finally!!!) get to see Deftones. I’ve waited over 20 years for that; it’s going to be something else- I don’t think I’ve mentally prepared myself for it. But for now, I’m going to stay in the moment of being at a Turnstile show.

The only bad thing about last night was the cost of merch. A hoodie does not need to ever EVER be £100- especially when they are selling them on their merch online shop for £50. It doesn’t need to be that much at all. I got a bootleg one outside of the show for £30. Come on now, £100 for a hoodie is insane, there’s just no need for it.

Back to the show.

If you ever want to experience sheer euphoria and a sense of freedom, go to a Turnstile show. The crowd were just heavenly, and you could see how much it meant to everyone. Seein’ Stars is a billion times better live, and I feel when I listen to it on record now, I’ll just have to sulk because it isn’t live. Blackout and Mystery were a joy to witness. Closing the show with Birds was WILD. The amount of times I probably annoy my cat but picking her up and singing this to her is a lot! Turnstile are her favourite band. I’m raising her well.

Off the new record, Light Design was the one for me. There’s something about this song that just hits me and to see it live meant the world. Hearing old ones like Pushing Me Away was insane too, and it was just a dream to witness. I genuinely don’t think I can fully put into words how special a Turnstile show is. Like, I can try write about it but it’s one of those things where you HAVE to see for yourself. You can watch all the footage online or on YouTube but being there, being right there is something else.

Holiday saw a group of lads in front of us go absolutely apeshit, and it was wonderful. Just to see a band bring so many people together, and to see how happy everyone was….you can’t define that, ever. All you can do is soak it all up and truly be grateful for the band that mean the world, and so much more to you.

BRUISE CONTROL @SOUP, Manchester. 31st October 2025.

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I don’t think I can count how many times I’ve seen Bruise Control or written about them or told someone to listen to them but, I can tell you that their show at SOUP on Friday was a sight to behold. It was a night to remember because these angels of the north know how to put on a show.

As someone who believes in the mantra, “If I don’t leave a gig even slightly hard of hearing immediately or the day after, I probably didn’t enjoy it” I decided I had to fully commit to this notion on Friday. Was it a wise move? No. Did my teeth hurt from how loud it was? Yes. Was I stood right next to the massive speakers/amps? Yes. Yes, I was. Would I have stood anywhere else? Probably not. Side view of the stage and had ringing in my ears for a little while after (the morning after) was a dream. The show was a dream.

The band came onto the stage with Tommy (drummer) dressed as Richard O’Brien, and the rest of the band were in delightful jumpsuits, as contestants on the Crystal Maze. As the theme tune came on, I turned to my girlfriend and said “Casualty?!” Obviously, she corrected me and I was convinced both theme tunes sound VERY similar. Imagine if it was Casualty they walked onto the stage to? The costumes would have been wild. Tommy even treated us to a little ditty on his harmonica. Then it was show time. Then everybody in the crowd pushed forward and it was carnage from there. Jim had to call out some dickish behaviour in the crowd a couple of times. But that didn’t take away anything from the show they put on. I think Jim went into the crowd a few times, and the first time was a bit too much. People were a LOT. There’s no need to bash into people or touch people who don’t wish to be touched, y’know?

Every time I’ve seen them, they’ve just blown my mind (and eardrums) and Friday night just showed us all why they are one of the best bands around. I don’t think you can fully appreciate how great they are until you’ve seen them live. The way they sound together is just divine anyway, but live it is something else. Truly. The first few songs were played with NO break in between, and I have no idea where or how they get their energy. I was tired just watching them! Also, Tommy’s commitment to the Richard O’Brien costume was next level. I genuinely thought he was going to pass out from it. Obviously, Jim played in his little short shorts. I think it was a wise outfit choice at this point! But their dedication to each other, what they do, the crowd/fans and yes, Halloween outfits, just shows why they are such a joy to watch and to be a fan of. They mean so much to so many of us because they express the frustrations of daily life. Note- the frustration is with the government, taxman, and HMRC. It’s not the person coming to this country for a better life because where they are from is dangerous- it never was, and never will be. It’s those in “power” that are doing the damage and division. Pricks.

Anyway.

Bruise Control totally rip apart SOUP and blitz right through their set. They play some of their greatest hits, and also new one, Gone To Ground and a couple other from a new EP which should be with us next year. Their sound is distinctive and important. They are such an important band, and I urge anyone who gets the chance to see them live, to absolutely take it. Take some earplugs if you want, but go. You could see just how much the band mean to everyone in the crowd, and that’s been apparent every time I’ve seen them. I remember them supporting Amyl and The Sniffers at the Albert Hall a few years ago, and it could easily have been their headline show. One day, they will sell out Albert Show for themselves for sure. They just have something about them that makes them relatable, easy to love and to pretty much become obsessed with them. They are everything the world needs right now, and they go way beyond being a noisy Punk band. They are so much more than that. You can really feel how much it means to the band to have sold out SOUP, and I think it may be the most tickets they’ve sold for a show? I may be wrong, but let’s go with me being right because it’s such a beautiful achievement for them. The love they have and how much it means to them makes it that more important- hometown gigs always are, and that’s the beauty of seeing Bruise Control in Manchester. The crowd just get it more, and we’re all just really, really proud of this beautiful band.

Songs like Taxman and Useless are screamed back to the band, and that just shows the love and dedication Bruise Control fans have. They’re a band that you want to constantly see live because the environment they create at their shows is just beautiful. My hearing is back, and my love for this band remains great. I cannot wait to hear the EP in the new year, and for any shows that follow. They are easily Manchester’s fines

AMYL AND THE SNIFFERS @ O2 Victoria Warehouse, Manchester. 22nd October 2025.

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I first saw Amyl and The Sniffers live back in 2019 when they played their first headline Manchester show at the Deaf Institute, and from being a fan of theirs for a while beforehand- I can tell you that excitement has been there every time I’ve seen them live. Following that show, it was the Albert Hall then it was the Academy last year. And last night, it was probably the worst venue in Manchester (if you like getting squashed and twatted in the face, it’s fine) the Victoria Warehouse. However, as awful as the venue is- it was perfect for the band. The sound was great and to see THAT many people enjoy one of the best bands around was a joy to see. It was one of the most diverse crowds ever, and that shows the power of music. The media will do all it can to divide people, but music does the opposite.

They played 21 songs, and I reckon they could have played 21 more if possible. Imagine if they did Stole My Pushbike or 70s Street Munchies just one more time!! I’d have lost my mind. They opened with Balaclava Lover Boogie which is the only way to open a set. They walked on to the stage to probably the best dance song of the 90s (I was 5 when it came out, and I was obsessed!) Gypsy Woman by Crystal Waters. What a song to walk on to! Everyone was singing along, and I think that pretty much set the tone for the rest of the night.

A large portion of songs came from last year’s exceptional release, Cartoon Darkness and when you hear these songs live you really pick up on how important they are and also, how important this band really is. Every band last night (the support was SO good) used their platform to rightfully speak up about Palestine and how a ceasefire evidently is NOT happening, and we all know why. That’s how you use your platform, and more must do this. What I love about Amy Taylor is that she speaks about politics and how the world is and calls out the unfairness and the shitshow of it all in a way that you connect with. For me, she’s the best around and I think she is someone young people will look up to and start their own band or maybe just think, “Yep- that’s me!”

Every single song is greeted with this echo of noise that makes you realise just how loved this band are. If I could pinpoint a reason as to why I love them so, I really don’t think I could. There are so many reasons. Declan is one of the coolest and slickest guitarists around, Bryce beats the shit out of the drums and the sheer energy he has is a perfect match to Amy’s, Gus is the bass player every bass player wishes they were. They’re all in their own zone but together on stage, and it is such a joy to watch.

They rip through every single song, and it’s met with such love and devotion, and they give the same back. The band have been together nearly a decade (next year is 10 years) and they sound like they’ve been together longer, and with their strong sound and bond- I reckon they’ll be a band like Garbage and tour forever and just get stronger over the years. Their live shows are such a phenomenal experience, and you will always want more. The atmosphere they create is heavenly and you can’t help but be in awe of all their energy. You can absolutely tell they love doing this and they adore each other, and when you see this- it makes you believe in the music even more.

There are tender moments in the set, and it’s when Amy sings Knifey you can really hear every single raw emotion possible. They also play a sped up version of Big Dreams which just gives it more urgency and bite to it. When I first heard this one, it broke me but hearing it like this just makes it bigger in its own way. Seeing people lose themselves (and drinks, clothing, and shoes) to songs like Hertz, Guided By Angels and Chewing Gum is just a gorgeous sight to see, and it just shows again, how loved they are.

They get better each time I see them, and to see them go from playing a venue that holds 260 people to 3,500 is WILD. I know they play festivals etc, but this is them, on their own. Working their arses off and showing us all why Punk isn’t dead, and it will never die. They have such a solid and strong sound, and I honestly hope we get bands come out and say THIS is the band that have influenced them.

Amyl and The Sniffers are easily one the best and most exciting bands of our time, and their live shows are something that everyone needs to experience at least twice in their lifetime, then make it a habit to be fair! Also, having 3,500 scream the words “Wank! Wank! Wank!” during Jerkin’ will ALWAYS be wonderful.

Hearing songs like Maggot, U Should Not Be Doing That and GFY is big venues sounds just as divine as it does in small venues, which just shows that the band can, regardless of the size of the venue, beautifully rip it apart.

So, there you have it, as expected- the show last night was a true masterclass in all a live show should be. My hatred for Viccy Warehouse will always be there but my love for Amyl and The Sniffers will only ever grow. It was a truly special show, and they are so deserving of every ounce of success that they continue to receive. They are kicking open doors for every and anyone and are being the voice for those who may be scared to speak up. I’d happily go to their shows every single night if I could because the energy, they all bring is everything the world needs right now.

PINS @ Oporto, Leeds. 10th October 2025.

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Last night, I think I may have been in the world’s hottest venue. It was also one of the most cramped venues ever too. Was the sweat and small space worth it? Absolutely! PINS are currently touring the 10 year anniversary of their record, Wild Nights. I remember being at the album launch for it 10 years ago, and to hear the songs a decade later and them still feel brand new was so cool! It just shows how great the band are.

Now, I’ve seen PINS play about 10 times over thew years and last night as my first time seeing them play in a venue in the north. Location isn’t everything, but Oporto was a great place to see them. PINS have a sound that’s unlike anything else, and when you see them live you really feel the music and can really appreciate their sound. Sadly, there were the usual pervy men in the front zooming in on body parts and filming the band- especially during the last song when a few of the crowd were on stage. I used to see this happen years ago in London, so it looks like this breed of human sadly occurs everywhere. It’s just wrong, and it makes me so mad. Imagine if someone was doing it to their daughter? Idiots. Anyway, back to how solid the show was!

I honestly don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone on stage with as much energy as Lois. It was so cool to see that same energy from years ago is still there. I really don’t think anyone loves being on that stage as much as she does; a real joy to see. Faith’s voice is as powerful as ever, and on delicate songs like Got It Bad you can really hear the power in her voice. The addition of Abbi on the drums adds some extra loudness to the sound and Kyoko may be one of the slickest bassists around. Is it the best PINS have ever sounded? Of course. The tightness of the band is there and hearing how Wild Nights has developed and got stronger over the past decade is a real joy to witness.

Every song off the record is played along with new single, I’ll Be Yours and the classics- Serve The Rich and of course, Girls Like Us. For me, hearing Dazed By You (which in my humble and biased opinion, is one of the best modern love songs around) live again just made me so happy. I genuinely thought I was going to cry out of happiness hearing it live again but instead, I just sang along and had a lovely time. There is something about a PINS show that leaves you feeling like you can take on the world. There are delicate moments in the set (Got It Bad and If Only) but there are these sensational ferocious parts where you know you are absolutely in the presence of one of the best bands to have ever come from Manchester. I love the rage in Too Little Too Late that I just love so much. You can proper shout a long to this, and I think it’s partly why my throat hurts today! House Of Love and Oh Lord are divine live too. The whole record is just timeless, and I’m so glad they have celebrated it by putting on these shows.

Although this was my possibly 11th time seeing PINS, it really felt like I was seeing them for the first time last night. It’d been too long, and I hope they play more shows now because they are one of the most exciting bands to see live, and I just adore them so much. I love how when you’ve loved a band for so long, you can really hear how their sound has grown- especially in a live setting. The celebration of Wild Nights was a thing of beauty, and hopefully we can celebrate it again in another 10 years. Although, I’ll probably need to be seated for that!

The shows ends with the anthem that is, Girls Like Us. Faith brings a number of people onto the worlds smallest stage for such a big moment. Seeing the love and happiness of everyone on the stage summed up exactly what PINS are about and why, although they are criminally underrated, they are one of the best around. No one will ever do it like PINS and last night totally proved it.

One final thing- they are selling posters on the tour for Kinder Relief to support the people of Palestine. Go to the show and buy a poster or two. Anything left over will be up on their Bandcamp page after the tour.

CROCODILES @Zerox, Newcastle 28th August 2025.

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Thursday night was my 20th Crocodiles show (it was also the bands 100th show with their current lineup) and it was without a doubt; the best I’ve ever seen them. Of course, my view will be entirely biased because I love that band a hell of a lot, but others at the show said the same thing so, I reckon it’s a fair comment!

The night before, my girlfriend and I had been in Edinburgh to see Chappell Roan and that was something else. Getting back to the hotel at 3am was not the same magical experience and we spent most of Thursday asleep. I think the pizza from Scream For Pizza cured me though. Hands down best vegan pizza I’ve had. I’ll probably say this throughout- but Zerox is my favourite gig venue. My heart does belong to the Shacklewell Arms and I think the Brudenell in Leeds is next level BUT Zerox has something else. It has something I can’t quite describe but it was the perfect place to see Crocodiles for sure.

If you’ve never seen Crocs before, then you may not be sure what to expect. However, don’t do what I did and stand right at the front next to the speaker. It’s been 2 days and my hearing in my right ear is slowly coming back. Anyway, if you’ve not injured yourself in some way at a show- have you even had a good time?! Charlie gently placed a Palestine flag on the stage before the band started, and it just reinforced my love for the band. Crocodiles are for the people. They are for those who get overlooked and they will always speak out. Sometimes they speak louder than most, and it’s why I adore them.

The hour and a bit that they are on stage is what sheer joy feels like. They play all the hits such as Wait Until Tomorrow, Love Beyond The Grave and Upside Down In Heaven but for me, it was Brandon dedicating Mirrors to little old me. I didn’t expect it and I felt like a little kid. The last time someone did this was probably around 8 or 9 years ago, and it was Tall Juan covering Chinese Rocks by the Ramones. I felt so cool! That feeling came back around and was the perfect way to make show number 20. There is something so special about seeing a band you adore live, and being able to see them in a new city is always good too (even if you did feel half dead beforehand!)

Since Raz died, I have honestly found it tough to write about music. I’ve got a lot that I probably need to listen to and write about, but I think seeing Crocodiles has slowly brought that love back and the love for writing. They always get me through. Their set was incredible and I’m pretty sure that when I turned to my girlfriend during the start of their cover of 1969, she probably thought something was wrong with me (more than usual!) It was a ripper of a cover and I hope they keep playing it. There was once a video on YouTube of their take on I Wann Be Your Dog but I’ve searched endlessly for it, and it’s gone. I hope their cover of 1969 makes it online somewhere because it is SO good. They ended the night with another cover- Jet Boy, Jet Girl which always goes down well. They sure know how to make classic songs their own. It’s part of what makes them great. The crowd were gorgeous in every way too and it was so good to see people appreciate Crocodiles in a way that they absolutely deserve. They have my heart for sure!

There’s a handful of bands that I love that I could happily watch play every night, and Crocodiles are one of them. It was easily the best show I’ve seen them play and I think maybe part of it was due to the venue and how you could sense a true feeling of community there. The venue wasn’t rammed but it was definitely full of love for the beloved band from San Diego.

Hearing a large chunk of songs from their latest record Upside Down In Heaven (2023) was so good and it’s safe to say that songs like I’ve Become What I Fear Most and Surfing With Death live are unreal. It makes you appreciate the record even more. They’ve released 9 or 10 records, and each one shows just why they are one of the best bands around and you can truly tell they love what they do when they are on that stage and the bond, they all have with each other is just a joy to watch. Seeing Charlie swing that guitar of his around like a machine gun will never ever get old!

I hope they play Zerox again because I will happily use annual leave from my job to travel to see them. An incredible venue.

Also, it’s vital to say that Jade Hairpins were on before Crocs, and they were gorgeous. Jonah from the band donned Charlie’s slick long leather jacket during Crocs setlist and stood at the front which was one of those “you had to be there” moments. If you weren’t there, then you missed out! Jade Hairpins played an incredible set too, but what do you expect when you’ve got members from Fucked Up there, right?!

In short, the show was just a dream. A wild and sweaty dream, and one I’m going to remember for some time.

jasmine.4.t : The Deaf Institute, 31st May 2025.

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Sometimes you listen to a record, a song or find a singer and you just know that they are going to impact your life in a way that will stay with you for a long time. A band in particular for me that first gave me this feeling was Garbage back in 1995. Fast forward 30 years, and I get the same feeling with the Angel of Manchester- jasmine.4.t.

Her debut record, You Are The Morning is an ode and celebration of Queer love and community. She lets us in delicately on her journey as a transwoman, and that is something to truly treasure. I’ve been to a lot of gigs in my time but I can honestly say that Jasmine’s show last night at The Deaf Institute was the safest I’ve ever felt and I’m pretty sure I wasn’t the only one. I want to mention briefly (and I will be writing about them separately soon) the support acts from last night Ether Mech and Lucas Assagba. Both acts were divine, and the perfect way to start the night.

There are many reasons as to why the show was so special last night- but the two worth noting are, it was homecoming show for Jasmine and her band. They sold out The Deaf Institute! One of the most iconic and best venues in our beautiful city and it was sadly drummer Eden’s last show with them. Sadness and joy- the two things I felt a lot of last night! I knew in my gut I was going to feel every feeling possible last night, and being in the eyeline of the setlist made me prepare myself slightly. But the second Jasmine and Phoenix stepped to the stage, any mental preparation I did went right in the bin. I saw a few videos on Instagram this morning of the set, and in some of them you can see my little head just staring at the stage with this ridiculous grin on my face. The show felt like home, and I was SO proud to see Jasmine.

For me, I thought Elephant was going to be the one that broke me but instead, I cried out of sheer happiness. To see a room so full of love, kindness, acceptance, and safety really got to me. It’s awful right now for those of us who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community and it’s extra fucking hard on our trans siblings, and to be in a room for those few hours where how we identify doesn’t mean we are at risk felt like being home. I really hope Jasmine knows exactly what she’s done and keeps doing with her music, because it’s so powerful. It’s beyond music, she’s beyond being a singer.

The set opens with Jasmine and Phoenix stepping up to the stage to play Kitchen, and they then treat us to Bobby (and Alex G cover.) These quiet moments showed just how tender music can be. Jasmine then introduces Eden and Emily to the stage where they rip the venue apart with Guy Fawkes Tesco Dissociation. This live hits you in a way a record cannot touch; it’s also a song I’ve sang/yelled at my cat many a time (I’m so sorry Mary, I do it because I love you.) Skin On Skin and Highfield nearly bloody break me as does Breaking In Reverse, but I kept it together because I was just happy to be in a room so full of love and joy. For me, the tenderness of Roan truly cemented just how gorgeous a musician Jasmine is. It was such a quiet moment, and nobody moved. We all just stood in awe of her. The song is beautiful anyway, but you truly feel how much it means to Jasmine when you see it live.

I think a lot us who went last night will agree that the performance of Woman was one of the most precious moments of the show. Jasmine split the crowd so her gorgeous friend, Bola could dance whilst they sang such a vital song. After the hate and hurt that comes from the UK Supreme Court Ruling (and the world in general being hateful), having the crowd chant “Fuck the Supreme Court” felt GOOD. Another person simply cannot police how you identify. Another person NEVER EVER has the right to make you feel small or make you feel like you should hide who you are. Queer people have ALWAYS been here. Trans people have always been here and they always will be. Non-Binary people have always been here, and we’re going nowhere. I never felt more proud of who I am than I was last night, and feeling secure in that is down to the home I have found in Jasmine’s music.

The band rip through Did U Know (which NEEDS to be recorded) but the set ends with an INSANE cover of Toxicity by System Of A Down. We all know that Jasmine has a delicate voice, but have you heard her properly scream and belt out a song? MY.GOD. I loved Emily’s stagedive during this, and the way she launched herself back onto the stage and play her bass as if nothing happened! Everything was left on the stage last night, and it was an honour to see it. I’m just so proud of Jasmine, and to be there for her sell out homecoming show was just extra special. I feel I could write thousands of words on why this was one of the most important gigs I’ve ever been to, but I think, if you’ve listened to her music- you will really get why it means so much. On record you can feel the emotion, but when you see it live, it feels so different. Songs like Roan live felt different and you could just see the love pour out of Jasmine as she sang this. Everyone on that stage last night (support acts too) gave their all, and in return, they received all the love in the world back.

The setlist I took from the stage last night is now signed, framed, and hangs above my record player in my room. It’s more than a setlist. It’s a sign to keep going and to be proud of who I am. I think aged 38, I’ve finally got there.

Jasmine has just announced another tour for later in the year, so if you missed out this time- you’ve got a second chance. I simply urge you to go see Jasmine live because you will truly know what it means to feel safe and seen. And hopefully there will be more System Of A Down covers.

I cannot write this without mentioning Yulia- Jasmine’s friend. If you follow Jasmine on social media or have been to her shows, you will know who Yulia is and how important she is. She is currently in prison because quite simply, like anyone with common sense, believes in a free Palestine. Please read and support Yulia here: https://www.freeyulia.com/info/ It is a heavy read so please be careful.