As the year draws to a close, we thought it was time to look back on some of our top shows of 2016.
From acoustic sets to arena shows, we’ve packed in plenty of gigs this year and what better way to celebrate than sharing some of our favourite moments…
Brian Fallon and The Crowes | Newcastle O2 Academy | Kieran Dellow
“Didn’t catch the opener, but with support from Chris Farren, Fallen and The Crowes managed to make me feel happy after what has been a pretty shoddy year. With songs like ‘Smoke’ and ‘Red Lights’ to sing along to, he also played slower jams like ‘I Witnessed A Crime’ (The Horrible Crowes) and ‘National Anthem’ (Gaslight Anthem). It also helped me see a few friends I hadn’t seen in a while – all in all, my favourite gig of the year.”
Foals | Leeds Festival | Gregor Thomson
“The atmosphere they created, even in the rain, was incredible. You could tell the reception they received from the crowd was important to them and they returned the favour with an outstanding performance.”
Bastille | Nottingham Arena/O2 Arena | Claire Rollins
“Having adored their first album ‘Bad Blood’ and now their second ‘Wild World’, I was so excited to finally see them live at their own headline shows and they certainly didn’t disappoint. Dan Smith’s vocals absolutely blew me away and every song came to life perfectly on stage. The crowds on both nights were absolutely buzzing and it created the most incredible atmosphere. For a band who play sold out shows across the world, they still seem so humbled when everyone sings along. I’m just sad I didn’t go to more than two shows!”
The Wonder Years | Swansea Sin City | Gary Willerton
“The fragility and emotiveness of Soupy’s lyrics combined with the conviction of his vocal delivery sets TWY apart from almost any other band on the planet. Throw in a cramped, overwhelmingly hot room, jammed to the rafters with a few hundred adoring fans, screaming back every word, and you’ve got a very special night.”
Blossoms | Edinburgh Liquid Rooms / Morrissey | WIN Entertainment Centre Wollongong | Richard Cobb
“Blossoms at Liquid Rooms and the most Morrissey of Morrissey gigs in Wollongong were great gigs for different reasons. Blossoms played a great set and the crowd loved every minute. Morrissey, on the other hand, had an angry vegan that nearly derailed the whole gig three songs in by punching some poor soul in the front row, but The Vines hometown show in Sydney really blew the others out of the water. They’ve had more than their fair share of problems and lineup changes over the years, but as someone that’s wanted to see them since 2002 (they haven’t played a UK show in 10 years after singer Craig Nicholls was diagnosed with Aspergers syndrome), they certainly didn’t disappoint. Nicholls and Co smashed their way through 18 songs including fan favourites ‘Get Free’ and ‘Ride’ in the space of 45 minutes. Nobody felt short-changed though, The Vines poured everything into that set and I’m still buzzing I got to witness it.”
Have Mercy Las Vegas, Buffalo Skinners, Miracle Glass Company | Edinburgh Voodoo Rooms | Jenni Flett
“This was a relatively low-key gig – I think only £7/8 a ticket but some of the best new talent I’ve seen in a long time. HMLV are a Glasgow based band with plenty of foot stompers and tremendous energy. Miracle Glass Company are an Edinburgh band made up of well-seasoned musicians. Their melodies are right on point with some very catchy rock tunes – classic in style but definitely something to get excited about! Buffalo Skinners are a song writing collective who swap instruments and lead vocals, mixing up styles but consistent in quality. Altogether a bluesy rock affair that had me in awe of the talent in front of me – all songwriters with conviction and a clear passion for making original music.”
Bring Me The Horizon | Glasgow SSE Hydro | Claire White
“I had high expectations for this show and it certainly did not disappoint. From start to finish the BMTH boys put on an outstanding show with some of the best stage production I’ve ever seen. With a great blend of old and new tracks and top support choice slot with Don Broco, it was a night to remember.”