Brum Shots

It’s the first night of two for Idles at the o2 Academy Birmingham and the venue has a buzz that only a sold out gig can bring.

Cheeky chappy Willie J Healy is on first. His infectiously happy makes it impossible not to grin as he skips onto stage, and he isn’t afraid to tease the quickly growing crowd, some of whom seem more interested in their own conversations. He seems to win many over in his 40-minute set, but the second he leaves stage, the moon in the room changes to anticipation.

Idles have jumped from strength to strength in the past couple of years. Often tipped as one of the country’s best live bands, this summer has seen them headline several large festivals. At this rate, this tour could be the last in venues of this size.

The set starts slowly with ‘IDEA 01,’ the opening track from their latest album. The lights are low, the music is building. But the buzz of the room is already at the sheer maximum. And by the time we reach ‘Gift Horse’ the whole show feels unstoppable.

The floor literally shakes in what seems to be more than just a gig, but a unifying experience. ‘This is an anti-fascist song.’ lead singer Joe Talbot introduces several songs with this, and the cheers from the crowd only get louder each time.

It’s safe to say that each band member is something spectacular to watch. Whether it’s drummer’s frantic style or bassists groovy dancing. Or guitarist or guitarists frequent dives into the middle of the crowd. They entertain with a medley of songs that you might not expect to hear from this bunch, but featuring a couple of nods to Brum (Red Red Wine & War Pigs), it’s difficult for them to go wrong.

The last few tracks are undoubtedly the loudest of the night – their diversity anthem ‘Danny Nedelko’ is as powerful and uplifting as it was when released in 2018.

You leave gigs like this with a buzz – feeling elated and ready to spread their message of positively and inclusivity. If only the world was more like an Idles concert.