Date: Thursday 21st November 2024
Venue: First Direct Arena, Leeds
On a freezing Thursday night, Leeds’ First Direct Arena played host to a powerhouse evening of indie music, headlined by the Indie stars Courteeners. Supported by Australian indie-rockers DMA’s and an acoustic set from the legendary Reverend and the Makers, the night proved to be a celebration of the genre.
Photos and Gig Review Myself (Sadly Couldn't get a photo Pass on this occasion so it's phone photos!)
Reverend and the Makers (Acoustic)
Opening the evening, Jon McClure, the charismatic frontman, and Guitarist Ed Cosens, of Reverend and the Makers set the tone with an acoustic set that felt both intimate and electrifying. Stripping back fan favourites like ‘Heavyweight Champion of the World’, as well as their new Christmas Charity single ‘Late Night Phone Call’ (which is in aid of Samaritans), McClure’s gravelly voice and witty interludes had the crowd singing along in no time. It was a raw and heartfelt performance that reminded everyone why the band has been a mainstay of the scene for so many years.
DMA's
Next up were the DMA’s, the Sydney trio who have built a cult following with their Britpop-inspired sound. Their set was a masterclass in blending nostalgic melodies with contemporary energy. Opening with ’Play it Out’, the band effortlessly transitioned between anthems like ‘Silver’ and the tune ‘Delete’, drawing cheers from the crowd. Tommy O'Dell’s vocals soared, and the band’s atmospheric soundscapes filled the arena, creating a euphoric buildup to the night’s main event. Onto the Courteeners…
Courteeners
As the stage lights dimmed, the buzz in the arena became electric. Liam Fray and his bandmates took to the stage to deafening applause, launching straight into new tune ‘Sweet Surrender’, off their new album, ’Pink Cactus Cafe’, it was a bold move to open with a new tune, but it set the tone for an unforgettable performance. The Courteeners delivered a career-spanning setlist, seamlessly weaving newer tracks like ‘Modern Love’ and Radio X Staple, ‘Solitude of the Night Bus’, with classics such as ‘Are You In Love With A Notion?’ and ‘Acrylic’.
Fray’s rapport with the crowd was magnetic, as he looked comfortable performing songs off their recent album, blending those tracks with fan favourites. Throughout the night, he shared his gratitude for the fans who’ve stuck with them, especially during their recent release. The energy peaked during ‘Not Nineteen Forever’, as the crowd exploded into a frenzy of jumping and chanting of the melody, as one sneaky smoke bomb managed to ignite in the room (a regular occurrence at the bands gigs, albeit normally outside!)
The bands’ trusty closer, ‘What Took You So Long?’ left the audience in awe chanting the woah’s as the band finished their career spanning set. It wasn’t just a gig—it was a reminder of The Courteeners’ enduring ability to unite fans in collective euphoria.
Closing Thoughts
The Courteeners, with stellar support from DMA’s and Reverend and the Makers, delivered a night to remember. It was a celebration of indie music’s past, present, and future, leaving no doubt that this genre still thrives in packed arenas. Leeds, once again, proved itself as one of the best cities for live music, and this night will surely be remembered by those in attendance.
