Beloved UK band The Vamps returned in spectacular fashion as we caught them playing the second of two sold-out shows at the Manchester O2 Apollo as part of their “Meet the Vamps Tour” — a celebration of their debut album’s anniversary. Fans of all ages packed the iconic venue, eager for a night of nostalgia, high-energy performances, and surprises. They weren’t disappointed.
The night kicked off with SOAP, whose infectious pop hooks and quirky energy immediately grabbed the audience’s attention. We unfortunately missed this performance but from previous experiences with this rising-band and hearing murmurs from the crowd, it was a spectacular set!
Next up was Talia Mar, whose stunning vocals and sleek electro-pop sound provided a great contrast. She skill-fully blended heartfelt ballads with upbeat numbers, winning over new fans with her confidence and charm. She even threw in a beautiful Taylor Swift cover for good measure!
But the biggest surprise came just before The Vamps took the stage — a previously unannounced set by Henry Moodie, which was revealed earlier in the day. The rising star brought an acoustic set that contrasted beautifully with the energy of the night. His raw, emotive performance felt intimate, his voice soaring through the Apollo, creating a special moment for those in attendance.
By the time The Vamps stepped onto the stage, the atmosphere in the Apollo was electric. From the opening chords of “Wild Heart,” the crowd erupted, instantly transported back to the early days of the band’s meteoric rise. Lead vocalist Brad Simpson, as always, delivered a charismatic performance, his energy matched by the relentless enthusiasm of guitarist James McVey, bassist Connor Ball, and drummer Tristan Evans.
The show was a nostalgic trip through their debut album, “Meet the Vamps”, with the band playing hit after hit, including fan favorites like “Last Night,” “Girls on TV,” and the touching ballad “Oh Cecilia (Breaking My Heart).” – The performance of Oh Cecilia also featured a gigantic conga line that flowed through the Manchester crowd, it’s now a seemingly prominent occurrence during the song and was beautiful to see live. The band’s chemistry was palpable, and they seemed genuinely touched by the overwhelming support from the Manchester crowd.
While the anniversary of the debut album theme ran strong, The Vamps made sure to sprinkle in newer tracks and smash-hits like “All Night” and “Chemicals,” which blended seamlessly with their older material.
The evening came to a close with a rousing encore performance of “Somebody To You” which had the entire crowd on their feet, singing every word. Confetti cannons exploded into the sea of fans below, and the lights bathed the Apollo in a sea of color as the band took their final bows. It was a fitting end to a night that celebrated their journey from fresh-faced newcomers, to one of the UK’s most beloved and treasured pop acts.
THE VAMPS
HENRY MOODIE
TALIA MAR
Photos & Words By Lewis Roberts |Exclusively for Music, Why Not!