BRADLEY SIMPSON CLOSES THE PANIC YEARS TOUR WITH A TRIUMPHANT FINALE AT O2 FORUM KENTISH TOWN [23.05.25]

Photo Credit: Sony Music and Joshua Fairbrother [Used with permission from PR Agency]

The highly anticipated, sold-out performance at London’s O2 Forum Kentish Town marked the denouement of Bradley Simpson’s debut solo tour, The Panic Years. Best known as the frontman of The Vamps, Simpson delivered an exhilarating and intoxicating performance supported by Neckbreakers and Nieve Ella. The intimate venue provided the perfect setting for the final UK show of Simpson’s tour, as fans came together united in the bittersweet feeling that it would all come to an end after this very performance.

The evening commenced with London-based band: Neckbreakers. The band, made-up of a trio of siblings, took to the stage with their unique indie-rock sound. Love and longing became more than just elements in a story as the crowd were invited to feel every harmony sung. The sombre tone of Neckbreakers’ IN LOVE and Waiting On Your Call encapsulated a deep sense of finality and closure, perfectly overlapping with the simmering emotions of the crowd, as they came to terms with the reality that this show was the last of Simpson’s UK tour. The band’s raw sound and overwhelming presence captivated early attendees, creating an immediate connection with the audience.

Following such an incredible feat, Nieve Ella took to the stage and delivered a dazzling performance. Hot on the heels of her recent EP, Watch It Ache and Bleed, Ella gave London a soulful showcase of her ability to seamlessly weave together indie-pop charm and raw emotional energy. Bathed in the striking stage lights, Ella and her band commanded attention with a confident, engaging presence. From the opening song, she connected effortlessly with the crowd, creating an intimate yet electric atmosphere where both long-time fans and new listeners found themselves being drawn in. The audience especially came to life during Ganni Top (She Gets What She Needs) and Good Graces, with fans singing along and cheering, despite it not yet being officially released – solid proof of Ella’s popularity! Her vibrant energy and heartfelt delivery made her the perfect opener, setting the tone for an unforgettable night. It’s clear that Nieve Ella is an artist to watch, destined for even bigger stages in the near future.

Finally taking the stage to thunderous applause, Simpson kicked off the show with none other than Getting Clear. After all – is it really a Bradley Simpson gig if he doesn’t open with that track? Simpson’s setlist predominantly featured tracks from his debut solo album, The Panic Years, including fan favourites such as Picasso and Cry At The Moon. These tracks were among the first singles released from Simpson’s album, so hearing them early in the set felt like a full-circle moment: tracks that had marked the beginning of his new musical chapter now anchoring its live celebration. The return to these early releases carried a sense of poignant familiarity and nostalgia. From the very first word to the very last, the crowd were entranced by the performance – throats already rendered raw from belting every lyric back at the stage by the end of the first few tunes. 

Almost, Not Us Anymore, and Favourite Band ensued – three back-to-back hits which have become immediate fan favourites following the release of The Panic Years. Almost fabricated a bittersweet edge, capturing that lingering sense of ‘what-could-have-been’ in both its sound and delivery. But it was Favourite Band that truly struck a chord, accompanied by Nieve Ella. The playful, self-aware, and achingly nostalgic track felt like a love letter to youth, music, and messy relationships.

As the electrifying high of the duo’s performance surged through the audience, Simpson eased the energy into a more plaintive tone with Holy Grail. He followed with an acoustic performance of The Band’s Not Breaking Up. The entire venue fell into an awed silence swaying along to Simpson’s isolated vocals. Emotions ran high, with fans visibly wiping away tears overwhelmed by the tenderness of the scene.  

Next up came Chappell Roan’s Hot To Go, a highly anticipated cover that reignited the crowd’s energy, as the entire audience broke into the dance, moving together as though spell-bound. Always Like This was played not once, but twice, as Simpson caved into the crowd’s ecstatic pleas! The mosh pit surged with life, pulling more bodies into the sea of limbs, sweat, and pure adrenaline. Throughout it all, Simpson’s connection with the audience remained heartfelt and sincere. The night came to a close with The Panic Years, a fitting finale. As the last note echoed and Simpson and the band offered their final thanks, tearful and moved fans found solace in one another. 

The night wasn’t over yet though, as Simpson soon returned to the stage with Daisies. Fans showered him with daisies – throwing them onto the stage. Whimsical and unforgettable!

Simpson’s encore made it clear that the energy from the show had not yet dissipated, as he delivered a thrilling and emotionally charged conclusion to the night. Energy soared as he transitioned into Carpet Burn, with fans embodying the lyrics ‘I’ll take every moment I get,’ savouring every second of the final song.

Bradley Simpson’s show at the O2 Forum Kentish Town was a bold and unforgettable statement of his solo potential. With powerful vocals, a magnetic stage presence, and an undeniable connection to the crowd, he delivered a night dripping with emotion and energy. Growing up as a fan of The Vamps, it was inspiring to watch Simpson embark on his journey as a solo artist. This show was a powerful reminder of how far he has come. As the final song faded and the crowd bawled in appreciation, it was clear: this performance marked not just the end of a tour, but the beginning of an exciting new era.

I cannot wait to see where Bradley Simpson takes us next!

Unless otherwise stated, Photography & Text Copyright 2025 © Laura Amelia Bujauskaite/ADRENALINE Magazine.