On Tuesday the 3rd of December 2024 I attended Idles sold out Birmingham show at O2 Academy Birmingham for their ‘Love Is The Fing,’ world tour in support of their Grammy nominated album ‘TANGK.’
I was invited to attend and review the event, and although I am familiar with the venue from previously visiting to watch different bands from a variety of genres, I had only listened to a handful of songs from IDLES. However, from the little I had previously listened to the band I had high expectations and was eager to see how they brought their infectious heavy production accompanied by strikingly unapologetic lyrics to the stage.
IDLES blasted through 24 songs with an almost 2-hour set, not letting the momentum with their flow or crowd halt for any moment. Each member of the band seemed effortlessly talented in their respected roles and definitely exceeded my already high expectations for their live performance.
To kickstart the evening Willie J Healey and his accompanying band set the tone with their easy-going indie rock, paired with their enthusiastic interaction with the crowd warmed up the crowd perfectly for the main act. Throughout their set the songs become increasingly energetic and passionate, filling the venue with greater tension and apprehension for the main act.
Following the brief period of intermission, IDLES finally took the stage with Adam Devonshire on bass, Joe Beavis on drums, Mark Bowen and Lee Kiernan on guitar then shortly followed by Joe Talbot on Vocals. I was expecting to be thrown into heavy punk thrashing of guitars and vocals from the get-go, but the opening song ‘Idea 01,’ from their most recent album provided a moody yet delicate slow burner to string along the audience’s tension for the manic frenzy impending for the rest of their set. From the beginning of the set, IDLES had the audience encapsulated with Joe Talbots brutalist, hard hitting vocals. Highlights from the beginning of the set for me were Mr. Motivator, Car Crash and I’m Scum.
Throughout the set, the infectious thought-provoking lyrics intertwined with the hard-hitting wails of the guitars and explosive drums formed an organized chaos within the crowd. With the band getting into the groove smashing its way through the set, their confidence and passion grew with each song further developed the crowd’s energy as the set progressed. The song ‘Roy,’ provided a well needed breather after the volatile start to the set and allowed the lead vocalist to keep control of the crowd and deliver some powerful speeches about inclusivity and anti-monarchy. These brief breaks were prevalent throughout the entirety of the set, which is testament to the expressive and unapologetic nature of the band.
IDLES blasted through 24 songs with an almost 2-hour set, not letting the momentum with their flow or crowd halt for any moment. Each member of the band seemed effortlessly talented in their respected roles and definitely exceeded my already high expectations for their live performance. This was one of the best punk rock gigs I have had the pleasure to attend in a very long time, and I would definitely recommend coming to see these guys if you get the chance.
Review by Joshua Turner for Grapevine Birmingham.