LIVE REVIEW: Bradley Simpson, Nieve Ella, O2 Forum Kentish Town, 23/05/2025
Following the release of his debut solo album The Panic Years earlier this year, Bradley Simpson headed out on a run of shows across the UK closing the tour in London. Just over a year ago the singer-songwriter played his debut live shows in the intimate surroundings of 100 Club on Oxford Street which we were lucky enough to have been at, now in a much bigger setting we had high hopes for what tonight would bring.
As we arrive at O2 Kentish Town Forum, our first reaction was the queue being the longest we’ve seen at the venue but also one of the bubbliest and visibly excited. The time flies as we people watch the groups of friends here to spend their night with fellow music lovers and have a big sing-along!
Due to said queue, we unfortunately missed Neckbreakers set which made our opener Nieve Ella. Having supported across the tour, tonight was the first time it would be a full band set rather than just acoustic, a very wise decision and one which electrified the venue. Performing several tracks from recent EP Watch It Ache and Bleed, the singer-songwriter shines on The Things We Say in particular. Looking around the room, there are a significant number of Nieve Ella fans in the audience, passionately singing back word for word with smiles on their faces and they even know when to do the ad libs, in Sweet Nothings ‘I love the way you say my name’ hears a roar of ‘Nieve!’ in return. A notable mention must go to the band; Matt, Finn and Fran who stay out of the limelight but play an integral role in making the earworm melodies seen on tracks such as sultry Ganni Top (She Gets What She Needs). Nieve Ella has been making waves recently and we have a feeling she’ll be a name on everyone’s lips very soon.
Closing The Panic Years UK tour tonight, there was a vibe of magic in the air as the lights went down and drummer Elena Costa and guitarist James Attwood took to the stage with the arrival of Simpson imminent. Opening with Getting Clear, as the crowd volume increased to a chant for ‘going from okay to alright to fuck yeah it’s my time’, a smile graced the frontman’s lips as it was apparent this was going to be a special night and it really is Bradley Simpson’s time. Specialising in bold, sing-along choruses, brilliant examples of this came with fan favourites Picasso and Not Us Anymore as Simpson looked at home in the packed out London venue.
Taking us on a journey through his number one debut album, it was a musical rollercoaster in the best way – euphoric highs and also a little duet to sweeten the deal. The feel-good fun of sassy Favourite Band, recently revamped with Nieve Ella, saw Nieve and Finn come back out to join the trio onstage. Bringing a whole new dynamic to the track, it’s a sing-off between the two vocalists, singing their conversation and bouncing around the stage living their best lives at the same time.
Playing the album in full, there were chances for slower reflective moments such as the simply stunning Holy Grail, we looked around to see loved ones embracing and an air of calm, love whether romantic or friend-wise filling the room. An acoustic take on The Band’s Not Breaking Up, grabbing the trusty acoustic guitar and heading to the venue’s side balcony, a single guitar and spotlight made the venue silent for the first time during the night. Times like this are when we truly hear Simpson’s vocals shine, emotive and believable and we manage to forget how many other people are in the room, until an unfortunate over the sound microphone cut-in from sound engineer Scott. Brushing it off and back to the tender moment, it then saw the crowd return to round off the track with a delicate sing-along upon Simpson’s request.
Having performed Chappell Roan’s Hot To Go! On his previous UK tour, much to our delight it made another appearance on tonight’s setlist. It was fun, feel-good and got us even more warmed up as we perfected our dance routine with those around us, where else would you want to be on a Friday night?
The beauty of all the songs performed being released tracks means lot of the crowd know the words, have their favourites and will go extra crazy for them. The perfect moment for this came with Always Like This, asking the audience to put their phones down for part of the song (which they all happily obliged) the venue was jumping in unison, letting go of all their worries and watching on as Attwood and Simpson let rip on their guitars with an electrifying light show to match. As the crowd cheers, Simpson joked ‘you make me want to play the last song again’ and chants begged for round two of Always Like This, that’s exactly what they got. Clearly taken a back, Simpson took the time to thank the crowd and those who have supported him on this journey which has led to him getting reactions like this so early in his solo career.
Heading towards the end of the set, Bradley opened up about the stories behind the songs on the album in particular the title-track. The ten years of panic and experiences during his 20s which shaped, changed and paved the path to where he has got to today. On a personal level, it also gave us a chance to look back on the last ten years of our lives and the new journeys we’ve embarked on along the way, the places visited and the changes experienced. The relatability of Simpson’s tracks are part of the reason so many people whether they were there for his time with The Vamps or new with his solo journey find his music so relatable.
A power duo of tracks soon followed for the encore. Summery anthem Daisies, complete with a shower of daisies from the fans towards the front of the crowd saw the venue from front to back and side to side bopping along. It’s pure fun, feel-good and if it doesn’t get stuck in your head every time you hear it then you’re lying. Closing the show with Carpet Burn, ‘This one was carpet burn from fuckin’ in my first car’ was singlehandedly the loudest singalong of the night. This was a night of happiness, joy and living up to the track’s lyric of ‘I’ll take every moment I get’ to enjoy live music.
Tonight was an incredibly well-polished live show and Costa and Attwood were also outstanding throughout, never missing a beat bringing together the whole Bradley Simpson experience. As the trio took their closing bows and walked off to the stage, pulling each other into a hug, the friendship, support and brilliant musicianship was clear. Since the first show at 100 Club to now, a lot has changed but one thing which remains is that Bradley Simpson knows how to put on a show; being confident, domineering that stage and absolutely owning it in the process. With him being early on in his solo career, the sky is truly the limit and we can’t wait to see where this journey takes him.
Written By: Nicola Craig
