O2 Academy Birmingham

Fantastic as always, such a great way to celebrate twenty years(!) of the release of their debut album! They played one or two unexpected tracks from the vault along with the crowd favourites, plus a few more recent bangers. The energy in the room was electric and the band just fed off of that and gave it their all. Loved their touring members on bass and keyboards too, and the band gave some of their old songs a couple different twists and touches that sounded excellent. Here’s to another twenty years of Maxïmo!

Great album to play (Telekon) live. Music on point, vocal generally good although always think you need a strong start! It wasn’t could hardly hear the line ‘ and what if gods dead!?’ Had hoped the gig would be padded out with ‘On Broadway’ given it was on the flip side of Remember I was Vapor! Not to be! Such a shame as the icon synth rift is one of the best of all time! Photograph was great to hear, B film not so good!! Could do without the theatric’s Must prefer the old glares and poses to the head banging a theatrical arm gestures!

The way I danced with my friend at this show is absolutely unparalleled- we had the best time watching this incredibly talented man sing dance, and the venue (which I've been to several times in the past) made it even better, being lovely and handing out water during and after the show, making sure everyone was okay and cared for. The highlight of my year!

Totally brilliant. Finneas was so connected to the audience. I love the size of the venue because you actually feel like you’re in the same space as the artist, unlike arena or stadia where you’re basically watching a tv screen. This was awesome and it felt like a rare privilege as I’m sure Finneas will be selling out all the massive venues when he tours again.

The best experience of my life they were absolutely perfect in every way best band ever they were so kind and caring for everyone aswell couldn't of gone better other then if a could of managed to get a VIP ticket the site soundrink wasn't great if am totally honest but everything with motionless in white couldn't fault them they were absolutely amazing am really hoping to see them again soon would highly recommend 1000 out of 1000

MIW are amazing and overall I thoroughly enjoyed it. I don't know about everyone else, but I thought the dancers were unnecessary and a bit tacky. The band have a strong enough stage presence and don't need that. It doesn't add anything, it just distracts from what we all really want to see. The white flashing lights were also way to strong and partially blinded me, so I couldn't see very well. The venue was way too packed and felt claustrophobic. There should be more space at the back. The staff were lovely and did their very best to make sure everyone was ok and to accommodate any extra needs. When my sister needed a seat, as he back was hurting, they found one for her. Overall it was great.

Was a great gig,we thoroughly enjoyed it 🤘🏼! Plus it was their 1st playing the 02 academy, Bham as a headline band. They were tight, the setlist excellent & we got a mystery song - Contemptress., The stage show was what we'd expect from MiW lol; fun, innovative, loaded with effects, pyrotechnics, screen effects, extravagant, loaded with innuendo, totally & utterly MiW at their best. We had a great view from the disabled viewing area, the pit never stopped & the show was sold out. It was very closely packed in standing. There was an incident towards the end, when someone in the pit went down. Chris noticed and was checking that the person was OK before they carried on. They brought a load of merch with them, so I suspect everyone left with what they wanted! Great night, but the parking by the venue s***s!

Despite it being my first concert, these lads ensured everyone had the best time. I also paid for the M&G, and they are one of the most humble people out there! It not only made my experience memorable, but as I have been a fan since their Nickelodeon days it was nice having them finally perform in Birmingham. I hope to see you lads again in Birmingham soon! 😎

It was the best, I was very happy and proud to see them because it has been my dream to see them and now my dream have come true. So thank you BTR. And I’m so happy to be a OG cuz I have watched them since the show in Nickelodeon and after the show it was sad cuz I wanted more and after a few years I got more. BTR will always be in my heart no matter what❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Had an excellent experience watching these guys at the 02 Birmingham. Their musicianship and technical prowess were second to non. All three band members were enjoying themselves and there was banter going back and forth throughout. The crowd who knew the lyrics to all the songs Enjoyed the craic and everywhere I looked there were goofy grins and nodding heads along with some drum solos being reanacted. Would definitely see them again Superb

Skindred are always super amazing live! I love how benji gets us all pumped up and joining in making us laugh too! The guys in the band are really friendly and so down to earth. The O2 Academy Birmingham was ok, no different to the O2 institute, really, except it been a little bigger, especially up on the balcony, which was nice and the coming out at the end isn't as crowded at the Academy like it is at the institute. I did buy a VIP ticket, which sadly got cancelled not sure why as it wasn't mentioned so I wouldn't mind knowing why as I was really looking forward to meeting them again and having a proper picture with them and good old chat and laugh but hopefully there will be another chance for that when they come back to Birmingham. If you have been thinking shall I go see them just do it you will not be disappointed you'll be leaving wanting more 😆🤘🏽

As my first ever concert experience, this was the absolute best I could ever ask for and more. It still feels like a dream as I’ve been waiting over 2 years to see these guys live. I’ve been following the lead singer for a long time and finally being able to go to a Lovejoy concert had absolutely changed my life, I’m not afraid to admit. The people were absolutely lovely and everyone was to considerate and caring toward each other. The only thing I’d complain about is the venue, not handing out tap water for free and making the band pay the tab, which they are absolute sweethearts for doing. If you’ve been wanting to go to a Lovejoy concert, my only advice is to just do it. I promise you’ll have no regrets!!!

The show was great, from the band side. Playing, interacting, atmosphere, caring The venue staff was amazing, polite, helpful, supportive every single minute especially for some of us queuing outside for hours, making the experience really memorable and unique!! The singing sound was too lower than the instruments, I can barely hear Brian’s voice when the guitars were rolling during some songs, as I was standing at the middle, second row.

I’ve listened to keshi since I was 13, im reaching 18 now and I can honestly say he will never fail to make me feel like the happiest person. I saw him live for the first time last night, and it was so healing and beautiful. I listen to keshi every single day, he’s been my escape for years on end when I’ve had so unbearable things to cope with. So I’m very grateful for the amazing experience I had seeing him, and I would definitely do it over and over again. Thankyou Casey, i love you 🖤

Wow! Just amazing! I have been a fan since Overload came out and the first line up always special to me. When they came together as MKS I was so excited and have been waiting for this for so long! I flew over from France and had a night out with my sister and niece. Felt like the crowd was one massive family and the performances were just OUTSTANDING! I hope I see them soon, I can't wait another 20+ years - but I would for these ladies! My favourite track was 2 HEARTS, especially the strings at the end, I stood there in a complete trance!

What an amazing show. Been following these guys for a while now so great to finally see them live. Just a fantastic show that had the crowd going from the first chord to the end. We screamed ourselves hoarse cheering them on & clapped our hands sore. It was the perfect size venue for a brilliant gig (don't ever start playing arenas). Great atmosphere & just a terrific band. Let's hope it's not too long before they play Brum again.

Jake Burns and SLF played an amazing set at the O2 Academy. After being warmed up by TV Smith (The Adverts) and the Professionals (Paul Cook, Ex S*x Pistols) SLF opened their set with Suspect Device which set the tone for the rest of the evening. The rest of the set was a mixture of everything from Inflammable Material to new tracks. SLFs humanity shone through with Jake talking to the audience about International Womens Day - to which was dedicated Safe as Houses, depression in men which he dedicated My Dark Places and finally the tragic war in Ukraine, which they dedicated Barbed Wire Love. The set closed with Gotta Getaway and was followed by an encore of Tin Soldiers and Alternative Ulster, which left the audience in raptures. Given that they have been singing and songwriting for 45 years, SLF feel as relevant today as they did back in 1977. Their passion, their music as importantly their humanity shine on brighter than ever in a music scene populated by dross and nihilism. They still have something to say and we are still listening.

A superb performance by the Men in Black. Musically it was one of the best gigs I've seen , not just by The Stranglers but by any band.Crystal clear, you could hear drums,keyboard,bass,lead and vocal clearly and even just concentrate on one. New tracks from Dark Matters plus old classics from the bands first 10 albums and the haunting Relentless were all played at a frenetic pace.The acoustic duo was a great tribute to late keyboardist Dave Greenfield. Hopefully, it WON'T be the last full UK tour as stated. Brilliant

Outstanding gig. Conor’s vocals are out of this world and the band are musical geniuses. The crowd went wild for the huge riffs and sang along with passion. Venue was perfect and the view from the balcony made us feel part of the whole experience. My 12 year old daughter was fascinated by the mosh pit without feeling intimated at all. Perfect night. x x

Great night as usual watching the boys. The two new songs that were played ‘Better Man’ and ‘Hanging Off Your Cloud’ sounded developed and refined already and slotted into the setlist with ease. HOYC was a particular highlight during the solo part of the gig. Couple of songs were dropped due to time constraints but all in all it was a superb, hot, sweaty gig. Special mention to Gerry Cinnamon who blew the roof off as a support. Never seen a support act effect the crowd like that for the best part of the 12 years I’ve been gigging.