Kicking off their album tour at Patterns in Brighton with boundless energy, Millie Manders and the Shut Up electrified the audience alongside support from Ramona’s Tea Party. The lively pop-rock support band won over the crowd with catchy tunes, drummer-led clapping sessions, and non-stop dancing that had the crowd chanting for an encore, setting the stage perfectly for the headliner.
The anticipation in the room intensified as the main event took to the stage, diving into ‘Angry Side’ from their new album: Wake Up, Shut Up, Work, without hesitation. The setlist was an impressive like-for-like delivery of their new album, peppered with beloved tracks from the debut album which kept the venue buzzing from start to finish.
A spark of nostalgia ignited across the crowd with ‘Broken Record’, which took a funny turn when Manders briefly forgot the lyrics after being distracted by the turnout. Laughing, she shared, “Fucking hell, there’s quite a lot of people! So yeah… LOLZIES.” Just a snippet of an unapologetic Manders made the evening feel like a gig among friends, where even missteps added to the night’s raw energy.
Amidst the upbeat vibes, the most hard-hitting song, ‘Me Too’, was introduced with a powerful preface and trigger warning from Manders, including the fact that less than 2% of rape victims receive justice. A harrowing statistic fuelled the tension behind the lyrics when coupled with its emotionally charged performance. With ‘Me Too’ set for release in January, Manders invited supporters to be part of the music video. Sharing flyers with participation details and support resources for those affected by sexual violence, reflecting the band’s commitment to creating a compassionate, safe space.
Bringing the room back to a more upbeat tone, Manders facilitated a sea of movement during ‘Panic,’ requesting to see everyone jumping with many eagerly complying. While maybe not the most dance-inclined, fans were fully engaged in the singalongs later in the set, especially during tracks like ‘Rebound,’ ‘One That Got Away,’ and ‘Here We Go Again.’ The collective energy was invigorating, creating an atmosphere where every voice mattered, and the sense of community only grew stronger.
As if it wasn’t lively and interactive enough, bubbles emerged from the sides of the stage during ‘Fun Sponge’ to fill every corner of the venue. Manders, seemingly eating some, joked, “I will be tasting bubbles for a week!” This whimsical moment perfectly complemented the band’s vibrancy by not only showcasing their talents but also highlighting their ability to create a playful atmosphere which enhanced the overall experience. Each member brought their own flair, with Manders’ haunting vocals on ‘Halloween’, Quigley’s hook-filled riffs, Boreham’s steady basslines, and Wright’s pulsing rhythms. Their chemistry and skill made the performance feel both personal and electric.
As the show seemingly reached its climax, Manders shared the band’s stance on encores, “we decided we can’t be fucked with that, we’d rather just do three more songs, is that alright?” With the response being an overwhelming yes, the band time travelled back to their debut album once again. Ending with ‘Not OK,’ as bubbles filled the room once more, Manders concluded with “Trans lives matter and free Palestine.” It was a playful but poignant close that captured the night’s compelling spirit and depth.
All in all, Millie Manders and the Shut Up delivered an evening packed with enthusiasm, emotion, and unfiltered fun, creating moments that were both reflective and wildly entertaining. Only halfway through their tour, now is the perfect time to grab tickets and experience their incredible energy live. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of something unforgettable!
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