By Tabitha Zaidi
Arguably being one of the most anticipated gigs of the year (despite it only being February), Only The Poets delivered the strongest message to the music industry – keep live music accessible – reinforced by their decision to sell every ticket for just £1. From the fan queue outside the O2 Academy Brixton all the way down to the stage, you could feel the energy from everyone involved. Expectations were high from fans awaiting OTP’s first big performance since their debut album, And I’d Do It Again, which was released last Friday. However, these expectations were more than exceeded through the beauty of music and a powerful message bringing almost 5,000 people together for an iconic and memorable show.
Never before have artists provided so much opportunity in every aspect of their show. Opening bands, Belle Dame and Seren, were chosen through a ‘Battle of the Bands’-style process, specifically for unsigned artists, where both fans and OTP members voted on their favourites from the line-up at the Purple Turtle in Reading – an OTP-favourite grassroots venue. Even the photography pit was filled with competition winners, whom OTP and Nikon provided equipment and workshops to. It meant that independent, unsigned performers could gain new fans, and new photographers could add extraordinary artists like OTP to their portfolios.
Even though the performance was originally planned to have a single opener, OTP lead singer Tommy Longhurst explained mid-gig that it was too hard to choose, let alone between these two amazing acts. Therefore, the night began with Belle Dame, a Southampton-founded group who had been long awaiting their big break and sacrificed everything to be at the competition and the gig. Their chemistry as a band and confidence spilled out from the stage with strong vocals, spirited stage presence and a great story behind their formation and journey into music. Lead singer Eduardo Moreira and guitarist Ben Ballantyne stuck out with their moments together, enjoying every second on stage.
Next up was Seren and her band, a group grateful for the slot and praising the process as it gave ‘people like [them] – young people – the opportunity to do things like this’. Seren began singing to reveal her powerful yet soothing vocals underneath the initial shy front. Her songs had a distinct and consistent sonic identity, with the backing and main vocals working harmoniously to produce an assured performance with excellent dynamics. There is no doubt both acts gained many new supporters from the audience, apparent from the loud cheers erupting after each song.
Once the openers had the crowd hyped up for the evening, it was then time for Only The Poets to take the stage. As soon as the lights went down, you could tell this was going to be a special night. The words ‘Live music is not a luxury, let’s keep it accessible’ were plastered across a curtain behind the band throughout the show, keeping the messaging consistent.
The energetic entrance from the band is not one to be forgotten, opening with I Keep On Messing It Up. The infectious line ‘I keep on messing it up!’ was chanted all around the 5,000-capacity venue, turning this into a historical moment for OTP and fans alike. Just when it felt like the gig couldn’t get any better from that opening song, the view exploded into a sea of confetti to commemorate this huge moment in OTP’s career.
Only The Poets’ setlist worked brilliantly live, because it built such an impactful momentum. The early section had everyone grooving to amp up the excitement, with songs like God Knows Where You Were, Emotionally Hungover, and the absolute fan-favourite, Bad. Mid-set highlights like Madeline allowed a moment of vulnerability as the crowd put their phone flashlights up. The guitar riffs of Crash and Freeze were personal favourites with their sharp and clean delivery. Later, Saké, with its groovy beat from drummer Marcus Yates, had the crowd cooling down before their closing songs.
At the end of Saké, emotions ran high as Tommy announced the band’s top 10 spot in the UK mid-week charts. Three more hits in, and showered with more confetti, the band took a heartfelt moment to absorb the feelings of playing such an important show, emphasising how vital it was that other people get to witness live music just like they did when they were younger. After leaving the stage, the audience began to pump energy into the room again, desperate for more, chanting ‘OTP!’. This led us into the encore of JUMP! and Emotional with people bouncing so much that you could feel the floor shake. It truly showcased the band’s understanding of how their songs function differently on stage than on record.
Even for the people who came with friends to introduce themselves to OTP’s music, it was easy to pick up their lyrics and join in – no matter how long they had been listening to their songs. Every chorus was packed with anthemic chants from the crowd, accompanied by Tommy’s sensational voice, Andy and Clem’s rock’n’roll stylings on guitar, and Marcus’ electrifying beats. During the verses, the band captured the audience with their talent and exceptional stage presence, powerful enough to reach the back row of the balcony seats. The connection in the room felt genuine rather than manufactured, and the band allowed the songs and their talent to do the heavy lifting rather than leaning on theatrics. This was not just any show, but a statement about how if one artist can make their gig affordable, then other artists are capable of the same, especially considering the ticket price of so many gigs which are no longer feasible to the general public. The band has carried out a monumental achievement, deserving to be remembered for decades to come.
Photography Copyright 2026 © Tabitha Zaidi/ADRENALINE Magazine.
Photography Copyright 2026 © Kyle Horne/ADRENALINE Magazine.
Jack Walsh 
Emma Turner