Partway through their final tour of 2017, indie rock band Blaenavon took the stage at Gorilla Manchester, delivering a set that had the sold-out crowd buzzing from start to finish. Touring their debut album ‘That’s Your Lot’ for the second time this year, it’s clear that Blaenavon is continuously growing stronger with each performance.
Plaza and The Night Café Set the Stage
As the packed-out venue filled with excited fans, the night kicked off with Plaza, a Hartlepool-based ‘grunge pop’ band. Their tracks like ‘Youth’ and ‘Speak It’ brought the room to life, engaging the crowd even as diehard fans tried to fist-bump the band on their way off stage.
Next up were fan-favourites The Night Café, who ramped up the energy with their signature Scouse charm. Their set included the new single ‘Turn’ and hits like ‘You Change with the Seasons’, prompting the first mosh pits of the night. The band seemed taken aback by the crowd’s enthusiasm, often sharing smiles among themselves as they played.
Blaenavon’s Explosive Set
The atmosphere reached a fever pitch when Blaenavon walked on stage, greeted by a chorus of cheers and the sound of Lorde’s Green Light. The band launched straight into ‘Hell is my Head’, sending the crowd into a frenzy with mosh pits erupting from the very first note.
A setlist packed with fan favourites like ‘Let’s Pray’ and ‘My Bark is Your Bite’ kept the energy high. Lead singer Ben Gregory captivated the audience, while bassist Frank Wright grooved to the infectious beats of ‘Into the Night’. Even a brief technical issue with Ben’s mic didn’t dampen spirits, as the crowd enthusiastically sang along until the issue was fixed.
New and Classic Tracks Unite Fans
One of the night’s highlights was the performance of ‘The Monte Carlo Kid’ from Blaenavon’s latest EP. The audience roared as Ben beamed, declaring that “this is the best f*g gig ever.” The band also gave fans a taste of new music, debuting the fresh track *‘All Your Vanity’*.
As the set shifted to quieter, more introspective moments, the crowd harmonized beautifully with the band during ‘Alice Come Home’. The powerful guitar sounds of ‘I Will Be the World’ kept the momentum strong, with Ben remarking that this was “the first gig where everyone is singing every word.” The dedication of Blaenavon’s fans was palpable.
Encore and Stage Invasions
The encore began with the crowd-pleasing ‘Orthodox Man’, but the ultimate moment of the night came with ‘Prague ‘99’. Fans sitting on each other’s shoulders and stage invasions added to the chaos, culminating in Ben diving into the crowd and being carried across the sea of ecstatic fans.
It was a night full of energy, connection, and raw emotion—proving that Blaenavon’s live shows are as unforgettable as their music.
For anyone who missed this incredible show, don’t worry! Blaenavon will be supporting Sundara Karma on their upcoming European tour. Grab your tickets now on their website.
