After a busy day, I eagerly headed down to Birmingham’s o2 Academy for my first gig of the month, none other than one of the UK’s most important bands of the last decade (at least to me), IDLES. Alongside them was English singer-songwriter Willie J Healey.
The venue got everyone in from the elements, and the room quickly filled up for the band’s second sold-out show at the venue in two days, and anticipation built for the night to begin.
The lights dimmed, as Willie J Healey headed into the stage for his set. The BBC Radio 6AOTY nominee hit the stage with a calm, tight set that the crowd definitely seemed to enjoy. The performance was tight from start to finish and was a great time overall.
Despite the band not being to my personal tastes, I still found myself within the crowd after taking my photos just absorbing myself into the set, with my personal highlights being She Feels Good and Heavy 94.
Photography: Dan Stapleton
While he wasn’t the support act I was expecting for a band such as IDLES, it was a great set with a lot of heart and passion, and that’s never a bad thing to see. A great warm-up for the night. After a half-hour changeover, IDLES hit the stage. The performance immediately became the sole focus, with the band’s stage presence being immense.
The set covered the band’s five-album discography, pulling out a range of fan favourites(including my favourite track, I’m Scum), and each and every moment of the performance showed exactly how IDLES have become the powerhouse they are today.A great juxtaposition formed quickly from the band’s aggressive, in-your-face sound alongside the joy and safety to be found within the crowd of the show, with everyone treating each other respectfully and capturing the band’s message of unapologetic love
The highlight of the set for me was a moment between songs, where Joe Talbot stood onstage talking about the importance of putting positivity into the world, and that it will inturn be returned to you in ways you can’t imagine. This message is more important than
ever in the modern day cesspit of social media and individualism, that has noticeably impacted community.
What IDLES have done to combat this impact, is create a community, one that is trulyrepresented by the community behind them. Pair this with incredible music and you geta show truly like no other.
This gig will definitely be one I carry with me for a long time, and so will all those who were there.
Photography: Dan Stapleton
