Their Kingdom Reigns

On Friday (November 1st 2024) we headed into Birmingham to see Blossoms on their most recent tour. The three of us headed to the O2 Academy, to watch the band for the second time this year. After seeing them in the summer at Wythenshawe Park.

This one definitely had a more intimate feeling though, with 3000 punters in attendance compared with the 30,000 in Manchester back in August.

Before the main event, Red Rum Club took to the stage. A band me and my friends have become familiar with over the last couple of years. The boys from Liverpool have become one of our favourite bands. With catchy songs, quick witted lyrics and a trumpet player. What's not to love. 

Playing an eight song setlist that featured some of the bands best work, including 'Eleanor' and 'Would you Rather be Lonely' they were the perfect warm up for Blossoms. I think they definitely had a few new fans by the end of the set.

Next came the main event. Opening the show with 'Your Girlfriend' and then dipping throughout their discography throughout the evening. Blossoms proved to the Birmingham faithful just why they are one of the best live bands in Britain today. 

Backed up by three additional musicians and a whole host of musical equipment. The band upped the ante with this show.

(Photo by  https://x.com/atmostonetour)

The 20 song setlist saw the band play a lot of the latest album 'Gary' with 7 songs off that record being played. Including all four singles. With the bands other records all getting a run out. 

Although 7 songs from the new album were played, they all fitted into the setlist seamlessly. From the jangly indie synth pop of "Perfect Me" 

To the Jungle inspired "Nightclub" which was one of the highlights of the evening, with Blossoms becoming a cross between a dance outfit and a marching band!

"Mothers" allowed the band to be introspective and embrace the friendship they have, it was a typical Blossoms moment. 

The band played all of the hits to, embracing everything they have done in their career. The jangly indie gem "Honey Sweet" got one of the biggest reactions of the whole evening, no matter how many times you hear it, it is still one of the very best live moments at any gig.

Its amazing to watch them play and see the range of songs, everyone feels different and with the addition of additional musicians. They all take on a new life live. 

In more recent years and on more recent tours. The band look a feel more confident on stage and Tom has become quite the front man. It's been quite the journey for them

An four song encore ended the show, with new fan favourite "Gary" a brilliant version of "My Favourite Room" 

Blending the old and the new perfectly, this is Blossoms at their very best. 

Ending the show was "There's a Reason Why (I Never Returned Your Calls) and finally "Charlemagne" not before we had a little celebration. November 1st happened to be Joe, the drummers birthday so of course we sung Happy Birthday and watched him blow out his candles. 

This was one of the most fun Blossoms gigs we've ever been too, the band are in a great place. With an arsenal of great songs. You can see watching these concerts that it is five friends having fun. 

If you've not seen them before. I urge you to go and watch them.