WPGM Reviews: Bradley Simpson Live At O2 Institute Birmingham (In Pictures)

From just over a year-long release cycle of singles, culminating in his debut solo album, Bradley Simpson has been tearing up and down the country on his album release tour.

Starting with an acoustic run of shows at the end of February/beginning of March he’s now launched into a full throttle run of shows throughout May. If every show was as impactful and high energy as his Birmingham show at the O2 Institute, then it’s been an incredible debut run of shows.

With a delightful set from up and coming singer-songwriter Nieve Ella, based on the crowd’s reaction to her stepping out on stage, you could’ve fooled anyone into thinking she was the headliner. From self learning guitar in 2020, to now performing at one of the venues she used to visit when she was younger, the sense of occasion wasn’t lost on Nieve as she thanked the crowd for being there and supporting her.

Starting her set out strong with a double whammy of her hits “The Things We Say” and “Car Park”, she smoothly transitioned into “Sweet Nothings” and “Anything” from her most recent EP Watch It Ache and Bleed. Swiftly after this she performed a cover of Lizzy McAlpine’s “Spring Into Summer” before finishing as strongly as she started with “Sugarcoated”.

Nieve performed a delightful acoustic set with her stripped back band – just an additional guitar player – until the final run of shows in London, which I personally think added to her performance.

There was a brief moment of respite before Bradley took the stage, and as soon as he did, any questions I had about who they were here to see was washed out. He came out bouncing and grinning ear to ear to a rapturous applause, with a boyish glint in his eyes as must have knew the show he was about to perform was going to be stellar.

Performing his debut, number 1 album in full as if on shuffle, Bradley instantly captivated the crowd with his energy that he’s become renowned for. Starting his set with “Getting Clear” and “Picasso” before pausing briefly to thank the hometown crowd and tap into a similar sentiment to Nieve, reflecting on his journey from visiting the O2 Institute to watch artists to now being a headliner on his debut solo tour.

Continuing his journey through the album, Bradley transitioned into “Not Us Anymore” before bringing out Nieve to perform their newly released, duet version of “Favourite Band” which had the entire institute bouncing.

Following this incredible duet, the show slowed it’s pace down with an incredibly intimate interaction where Bradley bravely stepped into the centre of the crowd, guitar in hand and performed “Bands Not Breaking Up” directly in the middle of the crowd – sans microphone – to a crowd who were silently captivated and hung on his every word.

A truly touching moment between artist and fans which I’ve never been witness to so I felt very privileged. It wasn’t just me that was caught up in the moment as Bradley, by his own admission, said this was his favourite interaction so far on the tour.

Slowly cranking up the atmosphere again, Bradley performed a cover of Arctic Monkeys “SOS”, followed by “Always Like This” with a twist. For the final 30 seconds of the song, he requested that the crowd put their phones away and be solely present in the moment to party with everyone in the room. Whilst the majority of the room complied, the sheer joy and party atmosphere in the room was incredible.

Before his final song (“The Panic Years”) Bradley took a moment to reflect and spread a message of joy and reassurance that ‘it’s okay if you’re in your 20s and haven’t figured it out yet’ which is no doubt music to many people’s ears in our modern society.

After a very short respite and outfit change, Bradley came out for his encore, reiterating his message from “Always Like This”, asking the crowd to put their phones away and enjoying having a good time for his encore of “Daisies” and “Carpet Burn”. The crowd complied and they were dancing for those final 10 minutes, getting on each other’s shoulders and just having the best time.

It was hard not to get swept up in the sheer joyful atmosphere of the show as well as the excellent psychedelic, surfer, indie rock musical stylings that accompany Bradley’s – in my personal opinion – excellent debut album.

It’s no wonder that he’s toured up and down the country with a fan base that’s so devoted and joyful to be in the crowd with. All in all, it was an excellent show that further echoes his excellent debut album, and I only wish I could have gone to every show for the energy and joy he brings to the stage.

Words + photography by Sam Huntley

The post WPGM Reviews: Bradley Simpson Live At O2 Institute Birmingham (In Pictures) appeared first on WE PLUG GOOD MUSIC.