Part of the Band

So last night (February 21st 2024) me and a couple of friends went to watch The 1975 in Birmingham.

Taking to the stage for the last leg of the UK section of their ‘Still at Their Very Best tour.’ It acted as the final show of the ‘Being Funny in a Foreign Language’ era of the band. In the UK at least.

It’s safe to say they did not disappoint. A 25 song set that saw them dip into a vast back catalogue as well as give their latest record a good outing.

Opening with ‘The 1975’ and continuing the theme of ‘Being Funny in a Foreign Language’ with ‘Looking for Somebody to Love’, ‘Happiness’, ‘Oh Caroline’ and ‘I’m in Love With You.’

The bands newest album was given a real run out and fans lapped it up. These songs have become some of the most well known songs by the band, and in turn some of the most well loved. A mix of genres, themes and sounds. Keeping the thousands of people in attendance on edge. From the status update on the state of the world in ‘The 1975’ to the danceable 80s banger of ‘Happiness.’

There was something for everyone. I think the stage presence of the band as well as the stage design really adds to the show. Performing in the house, complete with props adds to the show in more ways than one. It’s an intriguing watch and grips fans. This is more than a concert it’s a performance, in more ways than one.

In between songs from the bands latest studio effort. Old favourites ‘A Change of Heart’ and ‘Robbers’ were slotted in and fans lapped it up. ‘Robbers’ got one of the biggest cheers of the night. 

Those songs have become ingrained within fans lives and believe me if you were there you’d have known. I’ve been in many crowds and watched many big bands, last night was the loudest I’ve ever heard a crowd. It’s not even close. The 1975 have a committed and devoted fan base, even the most casual fan would have been gripped.

A middle section which included an obscure cut ‘So Far it’s Alright’ a late addition to this tours set list. A beautifully sung version of ‘All I Need to Hear’ sung by Matty’s dad Tim. Led into one of the best songs of the night ‘About You.’

Where the whole room stood and watched in awe. ‘When We Are Together’ brought this first half of the show to an end, a real slow song which saw the band leave the stage leaving Matty alone. To sit and watch one of the many TV screens in the house, videos of Holly Willoughby, Huw Edward’s, King Charles, Andrew Tate, Noel Gallagher flashed up. Providing a mass of information and opinion. From Noel calling the band shit, to a king being crowned. It was odd to say the least. Even weirder when Matty crawled through that same screen a few moments later. Thus beginning ‘Matty’s Nightmare’

A two song section, of ‘I Like America and America Likes Me’ sung by Matty on the b-stage, out amongst the audience. As well as ‘Jesus Christ 2005 God Bless America’ sung by Polly Money one of the bands backing singers on the main stage. It’s a very different part of the show, but it weirdly didn’t feel out of place and it set us up for a big finale.

This of course is..

After teasing us with the classics earlier. This really is the band at their very best. From ‘If You’re to Shy Let Me Know’ to the last song ‘People’ fans were treated to.

The trippy auto tune dance banger ‘TooTimeTooTimeTooTime’ the 80s pop bombast of ‘The Sound’ where the band made 15,000 people jump in unison. Even the seating section was bouncing. 

Through to the Britpop and Radiohead indebted ‘I Always Wanna Die Sometimes’ a real highlight of the show for me, it’s one of my personal favourites. 

‘Give Yourself a Try’ was built for venues like this, it is a live staple and should always be in the bands set. With its Joy Division like riff. It fits perfectly into what the band are doing as well as who they are. ‘Love it If We Made It’ was relevant back in 2018 and is arguably more relevant now than ever. A pop song that highlights what’s wrong with the world and yet still makes 15,000 bounce, bounce but also stop and take notice of what’s happening. 

Ending with one of the bands first ever singles ‘Sex’ and then stepping out onto the B-Stage to perform ‘People’. This is a band operating at the highest level, a band with an arsenal of great songs, a collection of brilliant musicians and an army of loyal devoted fans.

Watching them on the last two tours has been spectacular. I’ve been to some good gigs last night was one of the very best. 

It was something special, from the set list to the stage design even to the little nods to the past. The show is for the fans, it embraces both the old and the new. Highlights the important things but also pokes fun, jokes, and really really embraces friendship.

I’m not sure where the band go next or what they do. I’m just glad I got to watch them whilst they are ‘At Their Very Best.’

Thank you for reading x