WORDS AND IMAGES DESH KAPUR
IDLES headed to the iconic O2 Apollo Manchester on their “Love Is The Fing World Tour” for a gig that reaffirmed their reputation as one of the UK’s most electrifying, exciting and politically charged live bands around. Formed in Bristol in 2009. The band consists of Adam Devonshire (bass), Joe Talbot (vocals), Mark Bowen (guitar), Lee Kiernan (guitar), and Jon Beavis (drums).
After spending eight years honing their live performances, the band released their debut album, Brutalism, in 2017 to critical acclaim.Their second album, Joy as an Act of Resistance (2018), increased their exposure significantly, and was followed by their first UK number one album, Ultra Mono, in 2020. The band released their fourth album, Crawler, in 2021. Tangk, their fifth studio album, was released in 2024 and became the band’s second to reach number one in the UK.
The set opened with the a dark almost black stage, Talbot standing almost wrapped around the mic stand as a solidary drum beat rang through the venue followed by the tinkling of a piano a the solitary vocal lament of “IDEA 1” filled the air. Then it punched into life with “Colossus,” setting the tone for an evening of high-octane punk energy.
The band’s raw, visceral sound was punctuated by their fearless engagement with political themes, including chants for “ceasefire now” in solidarity with Palestine. Frontman Joe Talbot connected with the Manchester audience in an especially personal way,
IDLES’ shows are not just about aggressive punk rock—they’re a communal experience of catharsis. Tracks like “Danny Nedelko” were performed with a clear message about immigration and human solidarity, while songs like “I’m Scum” and “Mr. Motivator” turned the venue into a rallying cry against fascism and societal oppression
Guitarist Lee Kiernan’s wild crowd-surfing, Adam Devonshire’s thumping bass and Mark Bowen relentless energy were highlights, demonstrating the band’s commitment to creating an immersive, chaotic, and joyful live experience.
The climax came with “Rottweiler,” closing the night on a ferocious high
An IDLES’ gig whether in large venues or more intimate settings, continue to be life-affirming celebrations of unity, humor, and defiance. Fans leave not only entertained but energized by the band’s call to “love yourself” and fight back against oppression
SET LIST
1/ IDEA 01
2/ Colossus
3/ Gift Horse
4/ Mr. Motivator
5/ Mother
6/ Car Crash
7/ I’m Scum
8/ Roy
9/ The Wheel
10/ Jungle
11/ When the Lights Come On
12/ War
13/ Wizz
14/ Divide and Conquer
15/ Gratitude
16/ Love Song
(Including snippets of Live Forever, Wonderwall, LWTUA, This Charming Man and All I Want for Xmas)
17/ POP POP POP
18/ Crawl!
19/ The Beachland Ballroom
20/ Never Fight a Man With a Perm
21/ Well Done
22/ Dancer
23/ Danny Nedelko
24/ Rottweiler
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My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago
