The dynamic duo delivered a blistering performance, leaving the audience breathless and braying for more
Last Thursday night at The Leadmill, Sheffield, Bob Vylan transformed the iconic venue into a high-octane playground of sound and fury. Known for their genre-defying blend of punk, grime, hip-hop and a dash of reggae, the London-based duo of Bobby Vylan (Singer) and Bobbie Vylan (Drums) didn’t disappoint, delivering an electrifying and engaging performance from beginning to end.
However, it was Bob Vylan that the ever-increasing numbers packing into the venue were craving. As soon as the band hit the stage you could tell that we were in for something special which was underlined as Bobby warmed up by doing his trademark Yoga stretching which further ramped up the anticipation and uniqueness of the events unfolding.
Their opening track ‘Down’ blasted through the speakers, their energy and stage presence immediately demanded your attention setting the tone for a night that promised to be both cathartic and liberating.
Bob Vylan’s unique sound shines through in their thought-provoking lyrics, often addressing societal issues with raw honesty. Each song felt like a rallying cry, and the audience responded with fervour, echoing the band’s powerful messages such as in ‘We Live Here’. It was a testament to their artistry that every song—from fan favourites to newer tracks—felt fresh and engaging.
Video from the Manchester show two days later:
One of my many highlights came during a particularly charged performance of ‘He’s a Man’ which, like all of their songs, is stunningly well crafted and written and had the crowd jumping and singing along, nodding in appreciation and uniting everyone in a shared experience of defiance and agreement. The visuals on stage complemented the music perfectly, with striking lights and fireworks that amplified the emotional weight of the lyrics.
Some of the more long-in-the-tooth punks that I talked to are divided as to the punk credentials of Bob Vylan, personally I believe they are a breath of fresh air on the already vibrant punk scene, and I admire their humility, independence and originality.
Clearly, Bob Vylan are a force to be reckoned with, and their set at the Leadmill was a powerful reminder of their impact on the music scene. They have, quite rightly in my opinion, been described as ”… the most exciting and important punk band in the UK” (Ian Winwood in Kerrang 2022) and as the crowd poured out into the cooling night air, I felt I had just experienced something special and uplifting, and I can’t wait to catch them again.
Don’t miss them on their current tour or at the very least, give them a listen, you will be very pleased you did. Their latest album ‘Humble As The Sun’ is out now!
Upcoming Tour Details:
UK:
05 Nov – Rock City Nottingham, United Kingdom
07 Nov – Electric Brixton London, United Kingdom
08 Nov – Electric Brixton London, United Kingdom
Europe:
17 Nov – Luxor Köln, Germany
18 Nov – Headcrash Hamburg, Germany
20 Nov – Frannz Club Berlin, Germany
21 Nov – Transformator Wrocław, Poland
22 Nov – Bike Jesus Hlavní Město Praha, Czechia
23 Nov – Proton The Club Stuttgart, Germany
25 Nov – Petit Bain Paris, France
27 Nov – Patronaat Haarlem, Netherlands
28 Nov -Trix Antwerpen, Belgium
Australia:
17 Jan – Railway Hotel / Port Beach Garden Bar North Fremantle, Australia
18 Jan – Railway Hotel / Port Beach Garden Bar North Fremantle, Australia
Main Photo Credit / All Photos: PHIL THORNS
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