As another year draws to a close, it’s time to review 2024 and some of the best moments live music had to offer.
As Pulp brought in the new year at Hogmanay in Edinburgh, there would be plenty of live shows, festivals, and huge surprise reunions to follow (yes – Rizzle Kicks are BACK!)
From Jungle‘s epic live performance at Castlefield Bowl and Confidence Man‘s incredible live shows, through to Paolo Nutini’s Tramlines headline set and Green Day’s American Idiot 20th anniversary tour, there was plenty to shout about up and down the country.
Linkin’ Park returned with a livestream performance introducing new singer, Emily Armstrong, Glastonbury was headlined Coldplay, Dua Lipa, and SZA… but what were our favourite live moments in 2024?
ROBIN PARK HOSTS TWO HUGE WIGAN HOMECOMING SHOWS
We’ll start close to home, as Wigan’s Robin Park stamped its name onto the live music summer circuit. There was a homecoming icon in the shape of Richard Ashcroft, and another landmark moment for the town’s current flagbearers, The Lathums.
The venue also hosted Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds and James Arthur this year. Supports from across the gigs included Brooke Combe, Jake Bugg, The Royston Club, and Stanleys, so the town was treated some top quality entertainment to rival neighbours Warrington during Neighbourhood Weekender’s year off.
VICTORIOUS FESTIVAL
Victorious Festival returned for its 10th anniversary edition on the August Bank Holiday Weekend in Southsea, Portsmouth, headlined by Fatboy Slim, Jamie T, and Biffy Clyro. This year was our first time at Victorious, and it has to be considered as one of the UK’s best festivals.
Situated on the stunning Southsea coastline, the festival interacts with its natural surroundings perfectly. The likes of the Seaside Stage provide a unique live music experience with spectacular views of the sea, and when the sun is shining on Victorious there aren’t many more aesthetically pleasing environments to enjoy live music and the festival experience.
BLOSSOMS TAKE THEIR LIVE SHOW TO NEW HEIGHTS
Blossoms have been perfecting their live performances to stand out in a saturated indie genre for several years now, and 2024 saw the Stockport quintet at their very best. This included a sold out show at Wythenshawe Park and five nights at different Manchester venues.
From the “Nightclub” dance routines and seamless segues, to the full band portrait-esque “My Favourite Room” offering and an eight-foot tall fibreglass Gorilla, Blossoms are firmly established as one of the UK’s must-see bands. Tight-knit, hard-working, and undoubtedly talented musicians.
FONTAINES D.C. SHINE AT GLASTONBURY
What some may see as just a headline slot on Glastonbury’s Park Stage, others will see as a significant moment for one of the world’s most exciting bands right now. What a year for Fontaines D.C., and this performance was a landmark milestone for the Irish post-punk poets.
Opening with the title track from their stellar record, Romance, Fontaines emerged to put on one of the finest shows of Glastonbury 2024. And their rapid rise only continued from here, with the band elevating their status up another level this year and the music world now at their feet.
OASIS REUNION CONFIRMED!
Last but not least, the biggest story in music this year was undoubtedly this Oasis reunion, and it all started with some teasers at Blossoms’ Wythenshawe Park show and Reading & Leeds Festival, where the now famous date of 27.08.24 was unveiled in the iconic Oasis logo form.
The gradual realisation that the time is right has reportedly spurred on the reunion, following stellar solo projects from both who remain at the forefront of UK music, selling out arenas and headlining festivals at home and abroad.
The announcement soon followed on the teased date, as Oasis commented: “The guns have fallen silent. The stars have aligned. The great wait is over. Come see. It will not be televised.” Roll on OASIS LIVE ’25!
So there are some of our highlights from the live music scene in 2024. Have we missed anything? Have your say!
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