Sprints bring buzzing energy to biggest headline show yet at London’s O2 Forum

Last week, Dublin quartet Sprints took to London’s O2 Forum for their biggest headline show to date.

Following roaring success on the live circuit, Dublin punk band Sprints wasted no time jumping into one of their most triumphant years yet, starting the year with the launch of their critically acclaimed debut album, Letter to Self, and spending time on the road ever since.

Since then, Sprints have taken the year in their stride, with US and UK tours, support slots for Idles, as well as appearances at a number of festivals including Bearded Theory, Boardmasters, and TRNSMT. 

Last Wednesday, the group took to the stage at London’s O2 Forum for their biggest headline show to date, marking a close to their UK tour. With their recent string of successes and an arresting debut LP under their belt, it was no surprise that the 2,300-capacity venue was packed to the brim. 

The group’s set started with a swelling, tense opening as a drawn out, drama-infused build up marked the start of new song To The Bone. Paired with a red-lit stage and the excited buzz of the crowd, the opening was electric, bubbling with a continually intensifying sound.

With the entrance of the song’s lyrics, the tune quietened into a moment of tenderness, with lyrics ‘Hold me, hold me’, before the vocals inflated into a buzzing, dirgy sound packed with impassioned cries and a strong beat. 

Next song Shadow of a Doubt had an edgier feel, again carried by a confident beat, which morphed into a roaring, explosive peak. Following a particularly impressive performance by guitarist Colm O’Reilly, the song quietened to a vulnerable close, before third song Adore, Adore, Adore showcased the group’s power-packed punk sound, which had the crowd singing along. 

“This is fucking wild,” lead singer and guitarist Karla Chubb exclaimed as the third song drew to a close. Reflecting on their last appearance in London, a Heaven show in April, Chubb’s immense passion was clear. “This is double fucking that.”

Next on the setlist was Feast, a dynamic and playful hit and the first release to follow Letter to Self, followed by the enthralling, energetic Heavy, a catchy crowd favourite that moved through a velocitous instrumental section towards an explosive, quickening apex pouring with incredibly sustained energy. Upholding the night’s energetic feel, pulsing rock song I’m in a Band and Delia Smith followed.

“Most importantly, have some fucking fun will yous!” Chubb encouraged the crowd, before Letter to Self’s Shaking Their Hands and Can’t Get Enough of It followed, paired together as they appear on the album and marrying angsty sounds with emotive lyricism. A captivating new song Something’s Gonna Happen was a particular stand out, with an entrancingly steady beat topped with mirky chords and an atmospheric, edgy sound. Bassist Sam McCann and drummer Jack Callan shone, creating a drum-packed, deliciously deep soundscape. 

Also hailing from this year’s album were Up and Comer, a heavy rock song with a contagious beat; Cathedral, which enjoyed an atmospheric opening before showcasing the group’s characteristically hard-hitting sound; and title-track Letter to Self. 

As the four-piece’s biggest headline show to date, it wouldn’t be a true celebration of their strength and progress without a nod to their beginnings, and the group surprised the crowd with The Cheek, the first song that Sprints ever wrote together, which was released in 2020 but hasn’t been played in a long time. 

“This one goes out to all the girls, gays, and theys in the audience,” spoke lead singer Chubb before launching into the energetic, boisterous hit whose snappy vocals and rolling drumline left the crowd clapping along. Fan favourite How Does The Story Go? from 2022 EP A Modern Job followed, exhibiting a more upbeat energy dotted with optimistic guitar riffs. The same sound continued to flow throughout A Wreck / A Mess. 

A particular highlight of the night was the group’s advocacy and political convictions. Never shying away from speaking for what’s right, whether it be through touching lyricism that explores pain and healing or unashamed political engagement, frontwoman Karla Chubbs, who describes the group’s early music as ‘semipolitical’, used her platform on the night to stand up for LGBT+ rights, oppose the far right, and call for a Free Palestine.

“This one is dedicated to my favourite people in the world, these three beautiful men behind me,” spoke Chubbs before launching into a confetti-accompanied performance of Literary Mind and energetic final song Little Fix. 

With an electric stage presence, catchy hits and a refreshingly punchy passion, Sprints, whose dates for 2025 already include appearances at Dot To Dot Festival and Wide Awake Festival, are one of punk’s hottest acts and certainly one to keep a close eye on over the next year.

Written by Katie Last

Photography by Emma Last