Emerging from the vibrant music scene of Newcastle upon Tyne, The Pale White has cemented itself as one of the UK’s most exciting alternative rock outfits. Formed in 2016, the band is fronted by Adam Hope (vocals, guitar), alongside his brother Jack Hope (drums). Originally a trio, the line-up shifted in 2022 when bassist Dave Barrow replaced founding member Tom Booth, injecting fresh energy into the group’s dynamic sound.
From their early releases, including breakout singles I Want a Reaction and Sticks & Stones, The Pale White showcased a gritty yet infectious style that drew comparisons to rock heavyweights like Queens of the Stone Age and Arctic Monkeys. Their raw, anthemic sound quickly caught the attention of industry tastemakers, securing them support slots with Band of Skulls, The Pigeon Detectives, and Baby Strange, as well as airplay on BBC Radio 1, Radio X, and Triple J.
Their self-titled debut EP (2017) was a bold statement of intent, setting the stage for their follow-up, Take Me to the Strange (2018). With festival appearances at Glastonbury and Reading & Leeds, the band built a reputation as a ferocious live act, delivering electrifying performances that left audiences hungry for more.
The Pale White’s first full-length album, Infinite Pleasure, arrived in April 2021, marking a major milestone in their career. Fuelled by standout singles like Medicine and Unnatural, the album was praised for its sharp song writing and relentless energy. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, the band used the time to refine their sound, proving their resilience in an unpredictable industry.
With the arrival of Dave Barrow in 2022, the band entered a new creative era. The single How Far Can You Push a Man? signalled their renewed momentum, leading up to the release of their third EP, A New Breed, in August 2023—a six-track offering that showcased a darker, more expansive sonic palette.
Now, The Pale White is gearing up for their most ambitious release yet—their sophomore album, The Big Sad, slated for release on April 18, 2025. The record promises to explore new creative territory while maintaining the band’s signature intensity. Its lead single, Lost in the Moment, is already making waves, setting the tone for what is poised to be their most defining work to date.
Rolling into Bristol’s iconic Louisiana on Tuesday night, The Pale White arrived as part of a nine-date UK and Ireland tour, already riding the wave of a sold-out show. Such is the band’s growing reputation that tickets for this leg had been snapped up weeks in advance—and from the very first note, it was immediately clear why.
On record, The Pale White deliver taut, riff-driven rock, but live, they are a blistering, full-throttle force. Their sound was heavier than expected—drenched in raw power yet brimming with melodic dynamism. Frontman Adam Hope, veins straining as he tore into Taste the Sun, stood defiantly at the edge of the stage, egging on an already frenzied crowd. Dave Barrow, with an air of effortless cool, held the foundation steady on bass, while Jack Hope delivered a drum performance so ferocious it could well go down as one of the finest The Louisiana has ever witnessed.
The contrast between the band’s introspective lyrics and the sheer wall of sound erupting from the stage was intoxicating. Within just two songs, it was obvious—this wasn’t just going to be a great gig; this was a band on the verge of something bigger.
The crowd, having staked their spots the moment doors opened, responded in kind. Whether it was fan-favorite anthems like Medicine and Swim for Your Life or the brand-new, yet-to-be-released Nostradamus, the room was locked in, belting every word back at the band.
As the 15-song set roared towards its climax, it became evident that The Pale White is a band equipped with all the tools and firepower to graduate to ever-larger stages. Their 2025 single, Lost in the Moment, was reserved for the back end of the set—and for good reason. Though only out for a couple of months, its signature riffs sparked an instant reaction. This track, in particular, felt like an anthem in the making, the kind that could soon be ringing out in far bigger venues—which, at this rate, are only a matter of time.
As they continue to evolve, The Pale White remains a vital force in the UK rock landscape. Their ability to fuse ferocity with melody, coupled with their relentless touring ethic, ensures that their star will only continue to rise.
@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
