Live Review: Bradley Simpson at Rescue Rooms
After a summer stint taking on the huge crowds of Reading & Leeds festivals, Latitude, and the Isle of Wight festival, Bradley Simpson returns to the UK for his first tour as a solo artist. Known for being the charismatic, charming frontman of the British pop band The Vamps, the vocalist left his bandmates behind as he embarked on his new solo endeavour. His tour made a stop at the intimate, sub-500-capacity live music venue in the heart of Nottingham – Rescue Rooms.
The show sold out within days of tickets going on sale, so the anticipation and excitement were palpable as Bradley, a Birmingham-born artist, returned to Nottingham after more than two years. Despite the cold and dreary Saturday, plenty of gig-goers were already waiting eagerly before the doors opened at 7, filling the fairy light-lit outdoor area with chatter and beers.
First up for the evening, before the main act, was Soft Launch – a quirky, genre-bending five-piece who have taken the indie alternative scene by storm throughout 2024. Personally, I had never experienced the band before and was pleasantly surprised by how tight and polished their set was, despite their idiosyncratic style on stage. They deftly interchange instruments and vocals, creating a spectacle for audience members. This performance paired perfectly with the fact that their music is as unpredictable and energetic as the band themselves. Each song they performed seemed to stem from a different genre, and within their short time on stage, they took the audience on a journey through alternative pop, baroque pop, millennial psychedelia, and even futuristic funk.
Another short interlude later, and it was finally time for the main act. From the moment he stepped into the spotlight, Bradley commanded the stage with infectious enthusiasm. Known for his cheeky personality and his ability to control a crowd, I was curious how this would translate with no bandmates surrounding him. However, any concerns were quickly put to rest as his raw passion for performing was clear in every moment he spent on that stage. Every note delivered, every word spoken to the audience, created a connection between him and the adoring crowd that resonated even more powerfully in the small, intimate venue than it could have in a larger space.
The setlist included a mix of unreleased songs from his upcoming album The Panic Years alongside fan favourites from his already released singles. The set flowed seamlessly, keeping the crowd in Bradley’s magnetic grip. From start to finish, Rescue Rooms was soaked in an indie-rock soundscape. Whether it was the high-energy, pounding performance of fan favourite Always Like This, or the enchanting, soft melodies of Holy Grail, each song felt like a glimpse into the window of his musical journey – a true exploration of passion, introspection, and raw emotion.
A personal favourite of mine was the cover of Chappell Roan’s HOT TO GO. Not only did Bradley deliver a unique indie-rock take on the song, showcasing the grit his vocals are capable of, but it immediately filled the crowd with passion and brought everyone together. It felt like a true community of music lovers, with nearly 500 people screaming at the top of their lungs and partaking in viral TikTok choreography.
Overall, Bradley Simpson’s stop in Nottingham was a true love letter to a raw and authentic love for music. His commitment to self-expression and mental health advocacy featured prominently throughout the show, alongside his openness and honesty about the challenges of navigating your mid-20s. It was more than just a musical performance; it was a celebration of personal growth and nostalgia, showcasing why, after more than 10 years of making music, the artist is still able to sell out shows and bring fans together.