After catching Millie Manders and The Shut Up last May in the run-up to the release of their latest album Wake Up, Shut Up, Work—which turned out to be one of my favourite gigs of last year—I was beyond excited to see them live again. Now that the new album has been out for a while, I’ve had the chance to really absorb the songs, making this show feel even more special.
I was not disappointed. This performance was just as lively and fun as last year’s—if not more so. While last year’s show had a slightly more stripped-back feel, this time around, they had expanded their sound, bringing along 11 women and four men to create an even bigger, richer experience. One of the standout moments was during Halloween, where a group of all-female musicians played the haunting string arrangement as a stunning backdrop to Millie’s powerful, emotive vocals.
The setlist featured all the songs from Wake Up, Shut Up, Work, alongside older favorites like Bitter—a passionately angry banger that never fails to energize the crowd. If you’re unfamiliar with their sound, it’s a fantastic fusion of punk, ska, and rock, packed with high-energy riffs and infectious melodies. Adding to the fun, bubbles were blown into the audience, and some fans waved handmade sponges in the air during Fun Sponge, fully embracing the playful spirit of the song.
But what makes this band stand out for me isn’t just their ability to throw a great party—it’s their passion for speaking out on important issues. They are unapologetically vocal about the causes they care about, which is reflected in their lyrics. Songs like Me Too address the harsh realities faced by survivors of rape and abuse, while Can I Get Off? speaks to the emotional toll of witnessing so much pain and conflict in the world.
Their activism was also evident in their stage setup. A trans flag was proudly displayed, and guitarist Joe wore a jacket with the words Trans Women Are Women emblazoned on the back, earning a huge round of applause from the audience. Later in the set, another flag was unfurled—this time, the Palestinian flag—underscoring their commitment to standing in solidarity with marginalized communities.
Millie Manders and The Shut Up continue to prove that they are more than just an incredibly fun band—they are a force for change, using their platform to amplify important messages while delivering an unforgettable live experience.
Millie Manders and The Shut Up continue their ‘Choose the Bear’ tour and you can find all the dates on BandsinTown
Find Millie Manders and the Shut Up online: Facebook | Instagram | TikTok
Article and photos by Hayley Foster da Silva
Keep up to date with all new content on Joyzine via our
Facebook | Bluesky | Instagram | Threads | Mailing List
1 comment