The O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, with its intimate 2,000-seat capacity, became a battleground for over 50,000 fans clamouring for tickets to see Bastille—a band more commonly associated with arena-sized venues like the O2 Arena.
Given the demand, the stakes were high: Could Dan Smith from Bastille captivate a crowd while daring to play all 14 tracks from their latest album, &, in full? For a band of their stature, this was a bold move, especially since Germany’s ZDF television network was broadcasting the performance and Dan was performing with guest musicians, not the longstanding Bastille band line up who are currently on an annual sabbatical.
The night began with an unassuming yet memorable opening act: Glasgow’s Kerr Mercer, a solo artist playing his debut London show. Despite not releasing any original music yet, Mercer won over the crowd with his haunting, melancholic melodies, including a poignant cover of Tom Odell’s “Another Love.” It was a promising introduction to a new voice in the indie scene.
The atmosphere turned electric as Bastille, performing as a ten-piece ensemble, took the stage to rapturous applause. These tickets were as coveted as those for an Oasis reunion, with only 2,000 fans lucky enough to secure a spot. Frontman Dan Smith, known for his engaging and relatable stage presence, spoke candidly with the audience, making the packed venue feel like an intimate gathering.
Bastille launched into “Intros & Narrators,” the opening track from &. The band continued with new songs, including the moving “Drawbridge & The Baroness,” where melancholic strings melded seamlessly with soothing xylophone notes. By the time they reached “Seasons & Narcissus,” the string quartet had visibly moved the audience, some already wiping away tears. The emotional intensity was momentarily lifted with a stripped-back, piano-led rendition of their classic hit “Pompeii,” providing a brief moment of nostalgic relief.
While Bastille may not be a boyband, the crowd’s enthusiasm was palpable, with fans waving placards—one even inviting Dan Smith to their wedding. Smith introduced the new tracks with fascinating anecdotes, avoiding specifics about the song’s inspirations but dropping intriguing hints, like noting that “Zheng Yi Sao & Questions for Her” was about a legendary pirate queen and “Mademoiselle & the Nunnery Blaze” honoured a 17th-century French opera singer and swordswoman, complete with Smith singing a verse in fluent French.
The set continued with highlights from &, including “Orpheus & Eurydice,” featured in the Netflix series Kaos. “The Soprano & Midnight Wonderings” saw the soulful Bim join Smith for a stunning duet. “Marie & Polonium,” a tribute to the brilliance of Marie Curie, evoked the emotional depth of Damien Rice’s best work, adding a touch of reverence to the evening.
As the set drew to a close, Smith’s upbeat demeanour faltered slightly when he announced there would be no encore, owing to the complexity of the band’s expanded lineup and the array of instruments on stage. However, the energy never waned. The penultimate track, “Good Grief,” lifted the crowd’s spirits again, setting the stage for a daring choice to close the show with a new song. “Blue Sky & the Painter” defied expectations, its euphoric, distorted guitar climax providing a perfect, triumphant finale.
Bastille didn’t just sell out a show with overwhelming demand—they took a risk few established bands would dare, performing an entire new album front to back. Instead of receiving skeptical glances, they were met with beaming smiles and thunderous applause. Bastille proved that & deserves every bit of its critical acclaim, and fans left knowing there’s even more to look forward to from this ever-evolving band.
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