Idles 24.11.2024 O2 City Hall Newcastle
Invited| Review by Michael Dunwell
IDLES 24/11/24
It feels like everything’s already been said about IDLES. Some voices in music are instantly recognizable, both in sound and spirit—think Bob Dylan or Joni Mitchell. Joe Talbot of IDLES is no different; his voice is impossible to mistake. On Sunday, Newcastle had the privilege of experiencing it live.
Held at Newcastle’s City Hall—a 2,000-capacity venue ideally located near the university campuses and just off Northumberland Street, the city’s lively shopping hub akin to Edinburgh’s Princes Street. Inside, the venue offers outstanding views of the stage from nearly every seat, but for me, the true standout is its phenomenal acoustics. Renowned for its accessibility, City Hall provides wheelchair spaces and welcoming, attentive staff, ensuring an inclusive and enjoyable experience for all. Among Newcastle’s venues, City Hall stands out for its truly unparalleled sound quality, elevating every performance to something truly unforgettable.
Kicking off the show was Oxfordshire-based singer-songwriter Willie J Healey, joined by his incredibly talented band, which featured Callum Merrett, a familiar face from the popular indie group Bad Sounds. I’ve been a fan of Willie J for about a year now, ever since I saw him perform live at Newcastle’s beloved venue, The Cluny. He wowed the crowd that night, seamlessly blending hit songs like Dreams and Thank You into a brilliant mashup that was nothing short of masterful. He even surprised everyone by jumping off the stage to hug people in the crowd, then dancing with them as if he were just another fan, enjoying the gig. It was a joy to watch then, and seeing him perform at a larger venue this year was equally thrilling—he’s truly a performer at the top of his game.
His songs resonated beautifully in the City Hall, with Callum’s infectious keyboard playing elevating tracks like Dreams and Mike Monaghan’s impressive drumming on Woke Up Smiling really adding depth to the sound. The band was a joy to watch throughout the set. I also loved 3000 Willie J’s Tony Stark look, definitely added to the overall vibe. I highly recommend catching these guys whenever you can, and I’m already hoping for their return to Newcastle in the near future. And don’t forget to boo when he announces he has just one song left!
Next, we were greeted by the main event—IDLES exploded onto the stage, with Joe Talbot pacing back and forth like a boxer preparing for a fight, offering no interaction with the crowd. His intense, focused energy instantly set the tone, making it clear that we were in for an electrifying night. Subversively, they kicked off the set with IDEA 01 from their latest album TANGK, which wasn’t quite the explosive opener I expected. Instead, this haunting track, with its flowing piano that sounded almost random yet perfectly measured, and the distorted guitar shimmering in the background, created a sense of tension. Joe Talbot’s melodic vocals weaved over it all, repeating the words “the fire” as the song built to its quiet conclusion. It was a powerful start, almost like the calm before the storm, leaving the audience perched on the edge, waiting to be swept away by the raw energy that is IDLES.
Another unexpected moment for me came when they didn’t follow IDEA 01 with the explosive Gift Horse from their new album, but instead launched into Colossus, the opening track from their massive hit Joy as an Act of Resistance. It began with a slower, brooding intro, but as the song progressed, it only heightened the tension, layering sound upon sound while Joe Talbot chanted “Goes and it goes and it goes.” The song reached its peak with the thunderous drumming of Jon Beavis, ghostly guitar bends from Lee Kiernan, and Mark Bowen’s aggressive, slicing guitar strokes. Together, IDLES created an atmosphere brimming with energy and anticipation, building to an explosive crescendo that felt akin to the intensity of bands like DIIV, Turnstile, and Wolf Alice’s Yuk Foo.
My favorite track of the night, and also my favorite from IDLES, was Dancer, a standout from their new album featuring the legendary LCD Soundsystem. The song rocked the City Hall, adding a slight electronic edge to their sound, with massive beats and infectious rhythms. Joe Talbot’s performance was electric, but I have to give a special mention to bassist Adam Devonshire, who truly feels like the heart of the band. His impeccable timing and groove hold the foundation together, while his iconic dance moves bring an extra layer of personality to the performance. What sets IDLES apart is not just their tough, aggressive sound but the warmth and care they show towards their fans. Throughout the night, they used their platform to speak out on incredibly important issues, which was truly inspiring to see. They also made sure to show love for their fans after the show, offering their DJ skills to local nightclub Zerox, an amazing space down near the Quayside, known for its inclusive and friendly atmosphere. The band’s generosity in giving gig attendees a free after-party at Zerox only deepened my admiration for them—not just as musicians, but as people.
In conclusion, IDLES and Willie J Healey teamed up to deliver a night that was both irresistibly groovy and explosively heavy. Coupled with an unforgettable afterparty at Zerox, the evening reminded me just how special gigs in Newcastle are. The crowd here is hands down the friendliest I’ve ever experienced in any city. When someone falls in the mosh pit, they’re picked up almost instantly—before they even hit the ground. It’s this sense of community, along with everyone letting loose and enjoying the moment, both at City Hall and at Zerox, that made me feel incredibly grateful to call this city home. I hope IDLES and Willie J had as great a time as we did, and I can’t wait for their next visit!