Meet The Vamps, Again: Celebrating 10 Years with an Exhilarating and Nostalgic Anniversary Show.
A sold-out Tuesday night at the O2 Bristol Academy does not happen often, but on this warm and sunny day, fans began lining up outside the venue in the early hours of the morning. After all, it’s not every day The Vamps play a show in Bristol—let alone one celebrating the 10th anniversary of their debut studio album, “Meet The Vamps”, by performing the deluxe version in full, for one night only.
The night kicked off with an energetic performance from SOAP, an exciting young band formed by frontman Ryan Lofthouse, guitarist Joshua James, bassist Cooper Stout, and drummer Noah Lima, who have solidified their presence in the grassroots music scene. Following support slots for NOAHFINNCE and BUSTED on their sold-out 2023/24 arena tour, SOAP can tick off yet another incredible opportunity by opening for The Vamps on their UK Anniversary tour. This performance and opportunity further proves they’re one of the most exciting new live bands in the UK.
Their set began with Bad Mood, a 2023 single reminiscent of early 5 Seconds of Summer and Waterparks. The band gave it their all, getting the crowd jumping and dancing from the start. Their two 2024 singles, Get Out of My House and Funeral, were the highlights of the night, with the audience enthusiastically following the band’s newly introduced dance moves. The set concluded with a creatively reconstructed cover of ABBA’s SOS, which has gained attention on TikTok, even catching the eyes of the Grammy’s. It was undoubtedly one of the loudest sing-alongs of the night. SOAP is set to return to Bristol on their highly anticipated headline tour on October 6th at the Exchange, with tickets for six additional UK dates on sale now.
Next up was Talia Mar, a 27-year-old singer-songwriter from London. Describing her music as “bad b*tch anthems,” her songs Bored, Forget About Your Ex, and her hit collaboration with Sigala, Stay the Night, were warmly welcomed by the crowd. The audience danced wildly throughout her set. She also treated fans to two covers: Taylor Swift’s Cruel Summer and a high-energy rendition of TLC’s No Scrubs, leaving the fans energised and ready for the main act.
The stars of the night, The Vamps, took the stage to exuberant cheers and applause, opening with Wild Heart—a perfect choice to kick off the night with promises of dancing and love at first sight. The harmonies were flawless, both within the band and with the fans, who could be heard singing louder than the band throughout the song. It was clear this night would be loud and unforgettable.
The set continued with massive fan favorites like Dangerous - the only promotional single at the time of the album’s release, Hurricane - featured in the comedy film Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, and Last Night, the second single from the debut album, which charted at #2 in the UK and Scottish charts. The floor shook with every chorus as fans jumped up and down, reliving songs that, for many, defined their teenage years. The band’s energy was infectious, with frontman Bradley Simpson captivating the crowd with his stage presence, constantly moving across the stage, whether he was stood on a speaker to interact with the fans on the sides, or crouched down to the fans at the barrier, rarely staying still at the center mic stand.
A brief reprieve came when the band played She Was the One, one of the first tracks they wrote together about “the one that got away.” This slower moment gave the crowd a chance to catch their breath before launching back into another hit, Oh Cecilia (Breaking My Heart)—a track that truly honours their day-one fans who have supported them through the last decade.
The band then transitioned into an acoustic portion of the set, with all members joining Simpson at the front of the stage for two mashups. The intimate setting featured guitarist James McVey, bassist Connor Ball, and drummer Tristan Evans sitting on stools alongside Simpson. The first mashup combined On The Floor with High Hopes—an interesting juxtaposition, as the two songs present contrasting themes: one about wanting a long-term relationship and the other a playful track about fooling around without getting attached to someone.
The second half of the show was packed with hit after hit. Wake Up had the entire venue waving their hands, from the front row to the last row on the balcony. Tristan Evans showcased his drumming talent during a three-minute solo in Chemicals, a gritty track cowritten with producer LOSTBOY for their fifth studio album. Move My Way highlighted McVey’s vocals, with moments where he harmonized with the crowd—a memorable moment for many. The band’s debut single, Can We Dance, was a major crowd favorite, particularly when Simpson leaped onto the barricade, holding hands with fans. Simpson expressed his gratitude throughout the night, recalling the incredible journey the band has had over the past ten years.
The encore began with Simpson seated at the piano, covered in years worth of fan-created doodles, for Another World. Ball joined him atop the piano for Lovestruck, followed by the grand and extroverted Married In Vegas. “This song was never a single but always felt like one,” Simpson said, acknowledging the fan-favorite Risk It All, a stripped-back version about wanting to risk everything for love, no matter the consequences that sent chills through the crowd. The emotional connection between the band and their fans was palpable, a testament to their decade-long journey together. The guitar solos of Simpson, McVey, and Ball during this track were a definite highlight, with the three musicians leaning against each other under purple and orange lighting.
To close the night, the band performed Somebody To You, urging the crowd to put away their phones, raise their hands, and even get on each other’s shoulders—a perfect, carefree finale to a night filled with nostalgia. As the band took their final bow, the joy radiated from both the fans and the boys on stage. It was a true celebration of a decade of music, live shows, and countless memories.
The Vamps solidified their place in the music world once again, showcasing their essence— nostalgia, catharsis, and pure happiness.
Photography by Alisa Fridman.