Singer-songwriter Will Joseph Cook began his highly anticipated UK tour with an unforgettable performance at Preston Guildhall on Friday, 13th October. The timing couldn’t have been better, coinciding with the release of his latest single, If You Want to Make Money. From the very first song to the very last note, WJC proved why he’s one of the most exciting and dynamic artists in the indie-pop scene today.
The night began with local band Moon and the Beams. Their self-described “psychedelic folk” style brought a guitar-driven energy to the room, warming up the crowd with tracks like Eden is a Red Row. Their intricate riffs and hypnotic beats had the audience swaying and tapping along, setting the tone for an epic evening.
Next, Liverpool’s The Night Café, a four-piece indie band with a rapidly growing fanbase, took to the stage. Their polished sound and effortlessly catchy tracks like You Change with the Seasons had the crowd fully engaged, singing and clapping along. The band’s infectious riffs and stage presence made it easy to see why they’ve been making waves on their own tour.
By the time Will Joseph Cook and his band stepped into the spotlight, the room was buzzing with anticipation. With vivid lighting and his iconic tangerine drum artwork front and centre, he launched into Biggest Fan, immediately pulling the crowd into his vibrant world. From that moment on, there was no looking back.
Will seamlessly wove together a setlist that celebrated his debut album Sweet Dreamer while also diving into his back catalogue. Tracks like Sweet Dreamer and Treat Me Like a Lover were instant singalongs, while Plastic turned the Guildhall into a dance party. Watching Will perform, it was clear he’s not just a singer but an entertainer who thrives off his audience’s energy.
Midway through the set, Will treated fans to the debut of his new single, If You Want to Make Money. The upbeat riffs and carefree lyrics lit up the room, with fans jumping and dancing like they’d known the track for years. “I’ll be impressed if people know the lyrics to this one!” Will quipped, beaming as the crowd proved him wrong, singing along with unrestrained joy.
The night wasn’t just about dancing, though. Will brought heartfelt moments, too, with tracks like Habit, showcasing his knack for blending emotional depth with irresistible melodies. He also reached into his earlier work with Daisy Chains, a nostalgic throwback that had longtime fans in their element.
Instead of leaving the stage for an encore, Will opted to power straight through to his final two songs. It was clear he was having just as much fun as his audience, laughing and engaging with the crowd at every opportunity.
The evening reached its peak with Girls Like Me. As Will stretched the song into an extended version, he and the audience traded lines, filling the venue with shared energy and excitement. Dancing, singing, and clapping echoed through the room as Will closed out the show on a massive high.
But even after the music stopped, Will wasn’t done connecting with his fans. As they flocked to the merchandise stand, he appeared to sign tickets, take photos, and chat with everyone who stayed behind. This down-to-earth interaction capped off the night, leaving fans with a lasting impression of an artist who genuinely values his connection with his audience.
Will Joseph Cook’s Preston show was the perfect reminder of what live music is all about: connection, joy, and unforgettable moments.
