Stepping into the already packed Lloyds Amphitheatre, it was clear the midweek buzz had well and truly taken hold. Nearly every hand clutched a well-earned pint of beer or cider – the perfect pairing for a summer evening of live music.
The sound system was in full swing, filling the air with energy, while smiles lit up faces all around. Sure, the skies were grey and a few drops of rain made an appearance, but this is the English summertime, after all. None of it dampened the atmosphere. If anything, it added to the charm of a night where music, community, and good vibes took centre stage – as well as our two bands, of course.
Speaking of bands, let’s get to what we were all really there for.
With only two acts on the bill, it was down to the first – and only – support band to warm up the eager Bristolian crowd. That job fell to the London-based alternative rock six-piece, Sports Team.
Taking the stage with swagger and charm, it didn’t take long for them to get the floor shaking and heads bouncing. Frontman Alex Rice’s infectious charisma lit up the set – not just through his energetic performance, but with his cheeky interactions between songs. Whether cracking jokes or chatting directly with select members of the audience about the average age of a Glastonbury festivalgoer, he and the rest of the band kept the crowd thoroughly entertained and engaged throughout their set – which they absolutely nailed, by the way.
To warm up a crowd like that, especially with a headliner of such stature waiting in the wings, must have been both a dream opportunity and a nerve-racking challenge. But Sports Team handled it with complete confidence and flair, leaving the stage to roaring applause and setting the perfect tone for what was still to come.
Then, the moment we’d all been waiting for.
It was time for our headliners to do what they do best – and boy oh boy, did they deliver. Taking to the stage one by one, hands raised high, the legendary, the mighty, the utterly unstoppable Supergrass were here – and they were here to rock.
This tour wasn’t just another tour either – it marked 30 years since the release of their debut, number-one, platinum-selling album I Should Coco. And to celebrate, we were treated to the entire album performed live, start to finish – a gift in itself. But they didn’t stop there. As the night rolled on, the band served up even more fan favourites, keeping the energy electric until the final note.
From the very first chord, it was clear just how tight Supergrass are live. Their chemistry, honed over decades, radiated from the stage. Each member delivered with precision and passion – true professionals who made it all look effortless. It’s no mystery why, three decades on, Supergrass remain one of the UK’s most beloved rock acts. They’re still as fresh, fearless, and full of swagger as they were in the ‘90s.
Hearing I Should Coco in full was a real treat, with standout performances of classics like “Mansize Rooster,” “Caught by the Fuzz,” and, of course, the timeless anthem “Alright” – a moment that had the entire crowd singing in unison, smiles stretching as far as the eye could see.
One of the most impressive parts of the set was the band’s seamless instrument-swapping. Guitarist and vocalist Gaz Coombes jumped on bass, drummer Danny Goffey took a turn on bass as well, and bassist Mick Quinn picked up the guitar. The musical versatility on display was as impressive as it was entertaining – a testament to their sheer talent and instinctive musicianship.
After powering through I Should Coco, the band rolled straight into a selection of fan favourites, including “Late in the Day,” “Mary,” and the ever-emotional “Moving” – a personal favourite and a true standout moment of the night. Gaz Coombes’ vocal performance on this track was nothing short of breathtaking, with flawless control and raw emotion that sent shivers through the crowd. It was one of those rare, goosebump-inducing moments that reminded everyone just how special live music can be.
The main set wrapped up with a brilliant rendition of “Grace”, after which the band left the stage to thunderous applause. But it wasn’t over yet. Moments later, Supergrass returned for a two-song encore that sent the energy soaring once more – the anthemic “Sun Hits the Sky”, followed by the irresistible crowd-pleaser “Pumping on Your Stereo.” It was the perfect finale to a night full of nostalgia, power, and pure rock joy.
In short, a flawless opening night.
This was a stunning way to kick off the 2025 edition of Bristol Sounds at the Lloyds Amphitheatre. Huge credit goes to the entire team behind the scenes, who continue to deliver such a spectacular series of shows year after year. Here’s to the rest of the week – and to live music at its absolute best.
I am a self taught Photographer and an aspiring reviewer.
I have been in and out of bands for the past 15 years and some, so thought it only makes sense to stay in the scene that has been the most important aspect of my life since I can remember, live music.
Available for:
I am available for small gigs, larger concerts, recording sessions and festivals.
First attended gig:
The first proper gig that went to that I can actually remember was Muse supported by a then lesser known Elbow and I think the main reason I remember that is because it was the first big concert that I was allowed to go to with just my friends. Obviously Muse were fantastic by the way.
First gig shot:
Im pretty sure the first gig I shot was for a friends band at a local social club with some sort of £30 Argos camera. You can only imagine the fantastic quality of the shots.
Dream gig:
My dream gig to shoot would most definitely be either Tool, not just because they are amazing but their stage and lighting is magnificent. Or I would love to shoot another one of my favourite bands which is Explosions In The Sky and that’s just because they are incredible.
