Review: Barns Courtney & The Struts at NX Newcastle
Invited| Review by V.Brewster
Barnes Courtney & The Struts – NX Newcastle 04/10/24
It was my first time visiting the revamped NX on Westgate Road since it replaced the old O2 Academy back in 2022, and it did not disappoint. The transformation is a triumph, with the wraparound balcony being a standout feature, allowing the audience to fully surround the stage. This setup creates an immersive atmosphere for the crowd and offers performers every opportunity to play to the room. Gone is the old-style seated balcony; NX now feels like a full-on energy conduit, and for artists like Barnes Courtney and The Struts, it’s the ultimate playground.
Barnes Courtney
Courtney brought his signature electrifying presence from the first moment he took the stage, backed by a band that matched his intensity. There’s always been something visceral about his performances, and this one was no exception. If anything, he’s dialled it up a notch with his new crew but the way he balances the chaos leaves the audience craving more.
Thrashing out classics like Fire and Glitter & Gold, both of which heavily featured the audience screaming the lyrics back at him, to instant favourite Young In America from the new Supernatural album, we were treated to some first class performances, as I’ve now come to expect from Barnes Courtney.
Between smashing the crash cymbal with a spare drumstick then jumping up onto stage equipment and launching said stick into the crowd, Courtney was a force of nature. He had the crowd in the palm of his hand, demanding their full attention from the get-go. At one point, asking where his family was in the crowd, the audience responded in unison, “Here!” – it felt like a shared moment of pure adoration.
Characteristically wild, he broke not one, but two mic stands, with his second mishap reminiscent of Freddie Mercury’s signature style. And let’s not forget the crowd-surfing, the cheeky phone snatching to take videos of the audience (don’t believe me? Check our instagram! @inthetoon // @offkey.v), and his impromptu cardio workout comments – all signature Courtney. As he jokingly mused about drinking wine before jumping into a fitness routine, it felt like no one was quite sure whether they should be laughing or concerned for his safety – but hey, that’s just the ride he takes you on.
The Struts
Following Barnes Courtney is no easy feat, but if anyone can keep the energy flowing, it’s The Struts. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing these boys evolve over the years, from their 2013 Hardwick Live festival debut to 2019’s packed-out show at Newcastle University. They’ve always had that special connection with their audience, and tonight at NX was no different.
Frontman Luke Spiller is in his element at a venue like this. The wraparound balcony gave him an extended stage to work with, and he used it to its full potential, bouncing off the energy of a crowd that was invested from the first line. His call-and-response with the fans was spot-on, showing once again that he’s one of the most charismatic and expressive frontmen on the scene. The faces he pulls are enough to haunt your dreams – though whether in a good or bad way, I’m still unsure.
Adam Slack’s guitar work cut through the room, his solos soaring while Gethin Davies proudly flew the Welsh flag across his drum kit, adding a personal touch to the show. And in the low-end corner, Jed Elliott kept it all grounded. His bass lines weren’t just there to hold the rhythm – they drove the set, adding depth and flair to the band’s glam-rock sound. Elliott is often the unsung hero of the group, locking the performance together with precision and style. You could feel the thrum of his bass in your chest during Could Have Been Me and Body Talks, powering the ever wilder NX crowd.
And yes, let’s just say these guys can all rock heels better than I ever could – and do it with a swagger that few bands can match.
Both bands fed off each other’s energy, making for an unforgettable night at a venue that has quickly cemented itself as a Newcastle staple. As double-headliners go, this pairing was dynamite – with Courtney’s wild, unhinged approach setting the stage for The Struts’ glamorous and theatrical close. An absolute thrill from start to finish.