By Kyle Horne
Reading-based indie quartet Only the Poets continue – yet again – to make history in the music industry.
Seven years on, after charging an astonishing £1 per ticket to their first ever gig at Purple Turtle in Reading, the band gear up to do the very same thing at London’s legendary O2 Academy Brixton, a venue that’s hosted many acts from Amy Winehouse to Blur to Madonna and The Smiths’ final gig in 1986.
It’s a testament to their love for the music industry and their devoted fans, with the news coming just days after they revealed their debut album And I’d Do It Again – due for release on the 30th January 2026 – the title taking nods to the band’s seven-year journey.
From DIY beginnings and manual labour jobs, to playing hundreds of shows across the UK and Europe, including a support slot with Louis Tomlinson, the four-piece have built a devoted fanbase one gig at a time.
Speaking on the monumental show, set for the 2nd February 2026, frontman Tommy Longhurst said, “We charged £1 for our first ever gig – back then we only had a couple of songs, so anything more felt like too much for us… we wouldn’t have been able to see half the gigs we went to if ticket prices were what they are now, so we wanted to make sure that this show was open to everyone.”
As part of the initiative, the band will also support the LIVE Trust – the voice of the UK’s live music and entertainment sector – with an additional £1 per ticket donated directly to help protect and promote access to live music for all.
LIVE Trust CEO Jon Collins says, “This is a wonderful, positive move by Only the Poets, giving back to the grassroots while giving back to their fans. Making this show accessible to all means everyone can enjoy the associated mental health, communal and emotional benefits. Funds raised for the LIVE Trust will go directly to support artists, venues, promoters, festivals and more across the UK grassroots.”
“A young band like Only the Poets stepping up while artists like Biffy Clyro and My Chemical Romance back the Trust at their arena and stadia shows is further evidence of the growing levels of support for the LIVE Trust across all parts of the live music scene.”
All tickets are priced at £1 (plus fees: £1 venue restoration, £1 Ticketmaster fee, and a £1 LIVE Trust donation). Both the venue and Ticketmaster have backed the initiative, lowering their rates to support the band’s commitment to accessibility.
Fan Club pre-sale registration is currently open, and you can register here for your chance to get your hands on tickets.
Tyler Whiting