Let me set the scene for you. It’s a bitterly cold Friday evening in London, the sun from the day is a distant memory, and you’re at the gorgeous Union Chapel alongside 900 other people here to watch the amazing Joy Oladokun.

Anyway … let’s talk about the night. Yes, it was just as epic as you might imagine. The juxtaposition of seeing them two nights in a row in 2 very different settings was awesome. From Sunday night going from 2,500 people at Portsmouth Guildhall to the 600 cap of Concorde 2 in Brighton. I’ve never had the opportunity to see YM@6 at an intimate show before and it was such an experience, made even more special because it will probably be one of last opportunities. Joe from WarChild explained how YM@6 is one of their top artists to contribute to their shows, having taken part 3 times over the years

So about last night was “the beginning of the end” - Josh Franceschivi stated as they opened for their set. It was the perfect way to celebrate 10 years of Cavalier Youth, which was a tour I saw many moons ago, and I absolutely love the fact that they brought Deaf Havana back to support them just like they had back then.

An evening with The Driver Era aka the boyssss, I guess is the best way to put it. It was the best way to spend a Saturday night, being serenaded by two incredibly talented boys along with 500 other women screaming, dancing and singing along to their beautiful guitar playing.

I went to my very first listening party for Green Day’s new Album - Saviors. Hosted by the lovely Vinilo Records in Southampton. And, one of my favourite things happened…I got free sh*t.

There are a few bands that know how to put on a proper show. It’s something that Bring Me The Horizon does not get enough credit for - they know how to bring an experience to their fans.

"well that was amazing, and really f*cking stupid." - Sam McTrusty after walking on ceiling whilst crowd surfing… ( see photos)

So about last night … It was a mid-summer night fever dream of staging, fire, bubbles and storytelling in the special Pete and Patrick language we were never taught, but always understood. At first, it felt like an acid trip, but in reality, it was as if a child's imagination had envisioned a tour. That is what this tour is all about - bringing us back to the way we were before life forced decisions on us.

At the KOKO in Camden, was the perfect setting for a night of emotionally charged music brought to life by the immensely talented sibling trio, We Three. As the audience gathered in anticipation, it was evident that we were in for a memorable evening of music, and the band did not disappoint.

Royal Blood played to a show sold at Portsmouth Guildhall last night, it was filled with 2000 passionate and sweaty fans, which created an electric atmosphere that Royal Blood shows are known for.

Blink 182 played their first night at the O2 arena, and it was what you would expect…a heavy dose of nostalgia with a thick layer of crude banter which made it feel like we were surrounded by teenagers. If you are not comfortable with lots of remarks about boobs, poo and “your mom” jokes, then this isn’t the show for you. 

Had the opportunity to catch ThxSoMch perform at Underworld in Camden on last night of the UK/EU tour leg before going to the US for three nights and the show was what I expected - over stimulation of the senses with chaotic lights and movements - it was a lot and it was hectic, the crowd was intense and filled with 16 - 22 year olds.

I’m out of the office today - I went back to 2003 and the commute back is a bitch!

Nostalgia was on the menu and it was served in full with plenty left over for seconds. This is Busted’s biggest tour ever, Even back in their “hay day” they weren’t selling out the O2 and now, 20 years later, they are not only selling out the biggest arena tour of 2023 in the UK within 10 minutes of ticket release, but they are also putting on more dates and selling those out within 30 minutes of the ticket release - that's all the proof I need that time and nostalgia are a winning combination.

Games We Play played their first headline sold-out show in a different county aka outside of America. Their show sold out in under 1 minute which is just insane but not surprising as the fans were insane!

I managed to catch You Me At Six at the 02 Academy in Bournemouth as part of their warm-up for Reading and Leeds Festival ahead of the weekend.

BOTF is the definition of a grass root festival - they foster and allow talent to grow into the next superstars of our generation. Something that isn’t always at the forefront of festivals nowadays (god, I sound old). BOTF is very much a family fun festival with a capacity of just 2500 people per day and the option to camp overnight.

Crystal Tides headlined the Engine Room in Southampton. They will always hold a soft spot in my heart as they were the first ever band/artist I ever photographed live.

The night before their set at Download Festival, I saw the Crawlers at their sold-out performance at the London Omeara.