As Blossoms prepare to release their much anticipated new album ‘Gary’ on 20 September, the Stockport natives first have set about ticking off their largest show to date as 30,000 fans packed in to Manchester’s Wythenshawe Park for a night of pure pop.
Following an incredible line up featuring, The Guestlist, Ttrruuces, Seb Lowe, The K’s, Shed Seven and Dublin’s Inhaler (who repay the favour after Blossoms supported them last year at the 3Arena), the lights finally dimmed as anticipation reached the climatic point for their arrival. And much to the crowds delight there was to be no repeat of their cut-short display last year at Leeds' Millennium Square. This time the only lightening present was from their electric deliverance as the rain miraculously held off for a career defining performance.
With the juxtaposition intro of The Human League's Don't You Want Me fading out to dazzling lights and swirling synth electronics, it's safe to say from the scream of fans, that band were most certainly wanted.
With Tom's cowbell signifying the evening's commencement, "Your Girlfriend" was quick to get the swathes of hands in the air as adorning fans danced in unison.
"I Can't Stand It" and "Getaway" hastily followed as the excitement reached a palpable high as they moved through their setlist treating the audience to a mixture of old favourites and newer hits. Feeding off this energy they wasted no time loosening up their limbs as Josh Dewhurst lead a conga across the stage with Tom and Charlie in hot pursuit as they belted out the funky basslines and catchy guitars to recent single "What Can I Say After I'm Sorry". A true air of confidence that only comes from years of honing their craft and goes to show just how much fun they're having. Something that transcended in to the crowd as Tom turned the mic to face the glowing faces of Manchester as "The Keeper" denoted the biggest singalong of the night thus far.
Tom Ogden’s connection with the audience is a real highlight as he effortlessly balanced between frontman and storyteller, sharing personal anecdotes that gave the show a warm, inclusive feel. So what better time than to bring on long time friend and collaborator Natalie Rose Findlay for "To Do List (After The Breakup)" as he joked about another song with brackets in the title.
With praise to Night & Day Cafe, Ogden took a moment to reflect on the years as he took a trip down memory lane showing gratitude to their journey before the band launched in to their debut single "Blow", a track that was an introduction to the band for many long-time fans who've been around from the start.
Fast-forward to the now and their brand new single "Perfect Me" brought the catalogue full circle as the crowd cheered as the live iteration proved to be even more dazzling with an elongated pause before Tom's pre-chorus croon gave eager anticipation to Josh's exhilarating guitar solo.
The energy remained for "Honey Sweet" as Tom got the crowd to scream before it's intro. And with a snippet of Dancing Queen by ABBA rolled in to "Ribbon Around The Bomb" it was a sure fire way to ensure it never faltered.
Elsewhere, "If You Think This Is Real Life" got an extended percussive outro as the band huddled around Joe, showcasing their musicianship and camaraderie. This was something that was evidently noticeable throughout as the band would regular swoon on one-another with an almost Kraftwerk-inspired scene taking place at one point as Charlie and Tom descended on Myles, each playing keys illuminated by the glowing backdrop.
Alas, sadly all good things must come to an end as "My Swimming Brain", "Blown Rose' and "At Most a Kiss" concluded the main set with a bang. Yet everyone knows the drill as the crowd remained firm footed, like gravity you could say, patiently awaiting the band's encore.
As the cheers came in waves, it was soon drowned out by the sound of sirens as blue and red lights flashed from the stage, the band comically seen rushing a now prized and loveable fibreglass 'Gary' across the set, all the while historically dressed police (keeping with the thematics of their recent videos) armed with flash lights searched for our perpetrators.
With Gary proving a welcomed addition to the band as Josh got comfortable perched in his arms mid song, Tom once again instructed fans to get upon shoulders as they took things back to their early material with "My Favourite Room" gaining a mass singalong from front to back as the band melted in snippets of Babybird' - You’re Gorgeous and Oasis - Half The World Away.
By the time "There's a Reason Why (I Never Returned Your Calls)" gets its airplay, it's surprising to see there's still energy left in the tank for fans who'd been jumping and singing for the full duration, but their solid fanbase and they've been in preparation for this long awaited night. And with good reason too as "Charlemagne's" grand finale got an extended cut as the band gave it one final push over the finish line.
Masterfully orchestrated, Blossoms once again proved why they are one of the most beloved bands of our time, offering a live experience that was as polished as it was passionate as they delivered hook after hook. With an Oasis Teaser revealed at the end of their set and short medley cover, it just leaves the question, where next for Stockport's finest 🤷 One thing's for certain though, tonight is theirs and as they walked off stage, they'll know this will go down as one of the greatest night's of their lives. A night that will stay with fans for a very long time.
Setlist
Your Girlfriend
I Can't Stand It.
Getaway
Oh No (I Think I'm in Love)
What Can I Say After I'm Sorry?
The Keeper
To Do List (After The Breakup) (with Findlay)
Cut Me and I'll Bleed
Blow
Perfect Me
Care For
Honey Sweet
Ribbon Around the Bomb
If You Think This Is Real Life
My Swimming Brain
Blown Rose
At Most a Kiss
Encore:
Gary
My Favourite Room
There's a Reason Why (I Never Returned Your Calls)
Charlemagne
Blossoms’ new album ‘Gary’ is out on 20 September. The full list of dates can be found below.
17 October - Newcastle - O2 City Hall
18 October - Leeds - O2 Academy
19 October - Glasgow - O2 Academy
21 October - Sheffield - Octagon
22 October - Hull - City Hall
23 October - Nottingham - Rock City
25 October - Liverpool University - The Mountford Hall
26 October - Halifax - Victoria Theatre
28 October - Stoke-On-Trent - Victoria Hall
29 October - Lincoln - Engine Shed
30 October - Bristol - O2 Academy 1
01 November - Birmingham - O2 Academy 1
02 November - London - Eventim Apollo
04 November - Norwich - UEA
05 November - Brighton - Dome
07 November - Portsmouth - Guildhall
08 November - Bournemouth - O2 Academy
09 November - Cardiff University - Great Hall
13 November - Belfast - Limelight 1
16 November - Dublin - Academy
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