Louisiana has a rich history of hosting spooktacular evenings, and this All Hallows Eve proved no exception. The venue, known for launching future superstars like Amy Winehouse and Dua Lipa, can now confidently include Only The Poets in that esteemed category after their electrifying performance.
Fresh from a sold-out European tour and armed with experience supporting heavyweights like Louis Tomlinson and Lewis Capaldi in packed arenas, the Reading-based quartet didn’t merely bring fans – they arrived with an army. The moment the venue’s doors swung open, it was as densely packed as I’ve ever witnessed, with the volume reaching levels I’d never before heard. All of this excitement occurred well before Tommy (vocals), ‘Roo’ (bass), Marcus (drums), and Clem (guitar) graced the stage.
Remarkably, this exclusive event wasn’t even listed in the venue’s “What’s On” guide, underscoring the band’s ability to fill even the grandest of the city’s music establishments. When they emerged from the shadows in their full Halloween regalia, a thunderous wave of noise erupted and persisted throughout the entire performance. The crowd’s energy and enthusiasm were so palpable that they could have merely taken turns playing a triangle, and the room would still have exploded.
However, Only The Poets transcend being labeled as merely “the next big thing.” Their brand of infectious indie pop, combined with their accessibility and radio-friendly sound, suggests they are poised for a lasting and prosperous career. As they ran through their repertoire of singles and EP tracks, it became abundantly clear how deeply cherished this band is by the latest generation of music enthusiasts.
From “Crash” and “Nana’s House” to “Ceasefire” and “Jump,” the atmosphere was nothing short of euphoric. Every word of every song was etched into the memory of every person present as they vied to out-sing their neighbours, passionately demonstrating their dedication to the Only The Poets’ cause. The acoustic performance of “Every God,” with the room bathed in the gentle glow of phone torchlights, created unforgettable moments that will endure. This is a band destined to witness those same phone torchlights flickering back at them from the vast stadiums that the UK and beyond have to offer for many years to come.
@thebristolnomad / @bristolnomad_gigphotography
Role: Photographer / Reviewer / Interviewer
Chief, the one that bugs the team for team for their reviews and images. Creator and founder of The Bristol Gig Guide. Can usually be found swamped in admin or getting cramp kneeling at the front of a gig.
Available for: Gig Shoots, Gig Reviews, Photo Shoots, Album and Single cover shoots, Videography work, Interviews and Touring
First attended gig: Republica, circa 1996.
First gig shot: Hands Off Gretel, at The Louisiana!
Dream gig: Huge metalhead and my ultimate dream gig would be shooting my heroes Slipknot at a huge stadium gig, or as festival headliners. And to experience shooting a headline tour outside the UK
