The XS Noize team review the latest live shows from bands/artists on tour.
Following in the footsteps of legendary Meltdown curators like Nile Rodgers and Chaka Khan, Little Simz—aka Simbi Ajikawo—faced a daunting legacy. But with a lineup that balanced heavyweight names like The Streets and rising stars […]
The 30th edition of Meltdown Festival opened with a bang, headlined by established legends The Streets. But while their set held nostalgic weight, the night truly belonged to a newer, electrifying voice: Lola Young — […]
Meltdown set the blueprint for artist-curated festivals 30 years ago. In 2024, Charli XCX took that torch and ran with it—outdoors, no less—bringing her Lido edition to Mile End’s Victoria Park, also home to All […]
Now in its 30th edition, Meltdown has long stood as a bastion of artist-led curation — a space where visionary musicians shape their own festivals. With past curators including Chaka Khan and Nile Rodgers, this […]
Djo, the musical moniker of actor, producer, and songwriter Joe Keery (best known as Steve Harrington in Stranger Things), proved he’s no part-time musician with three sold-out nights at London’s O2 Forum Kentish Town. Now […]
This show very nearly didn’t happen at all. Massive Attack have always been not only principled but remarkably forthright in standing by those principles. Of particular relevance here is their long-standing support of the cultural […]
What came first: the band Big Country or their song “In a Big Country”? It was the song. Audiences quickly embraced its rousing energy, just as they did the band’s rugged aesthetic — think Bruce […]
Full album performances are usually reserved for artists celebrating the anniversaries of classic records. Corinne Bailey Rae, however, chose a bolder, rarer path: performing her 2024 fourth LP, Black Rainbows, in its entirety — and […]
The Roundhouse in Camden has long been celebrated for its outstanding programming and its flair for curating innovative, intimate festivals. XS Noize has previously covered its acclaimed In the Round series—an all-seated event that has […]
It’s hard to believe that The Zutons’ history as a headline act began at this very venue back in October 2004. Over two decades later, they returned to a packed Shepherd’s Bush Empire — now as […]
There’s a certain electricity that fills a venue when a full band takes the stage, often overshadowing solo support acts who must wrestle with the acoustics of a large room using only a guitar or […]
On April 3rd, one of the UK’s most electrifying and uncompromising bands, Skunk Anansie, delivered a thunderous, high-octane performance at the iconic Rock City in Nottingham. The sold-out crowd packed every inch of the venue, […]
There’s a difference between being billed as a support act and a special guest. Kula Shaker, with their established reputation and singular style, made it clear they were the latter. From the moment the stage […]
On the opening night celebrating 25 years of concerts in support of Teenage Cancer Trust, the Royal Albert Hall witnessed the powerful impact of this unique charity. Through its specialist care in tailored environments, young […]
This year marks 25 years of spectacular shows in support of Teenage Cancer Trust, a charity at the forefront of providing specialist care in environments tailored for young cancer patients. Each teenager’s battle with cancer […]
Dom Harrison, better known as Yungblud, moved to London at just 16 and, much like Amy Winehouse, fell in love with Camden’s raw, electric energy. His genius lies not just in his genre-blurring approach—fusing rock, […]
XS Noize has had the privilege of covering benefit gigs that showcase artists in a mesmerising new light, raise awareness for important causes, and provide vital fundraising. One often overlooked aspect of benefit gigs is […]
According to the band, Doves hadn’t played this London venue since November 2000. Reflecting on that night, they recalled nearly getting kicked out—though they left the details to the imagination—before apologising to the bouncers on […]
There’s nothing quite like a Snow Patrol homecoming gig, and last night at Belfast’s SSE Arena, the band proved exactly why they remain one of Northern Ireland’s most cherished musical exports. With an electric atmosphere […]
Have you ever wondered how artists pick their support acts? Frank Turner’s choice of Ben Brown comes with a hilarious backstory. Picture the scene: Turner is at a barbecue, drinks are flowing, and the vibe […]