Some people have yearly pilgrimages to sacred places-Mecca, Jerusalem, maybe even Glastonbury for the more hippy-hearted among us. Others (erm, me) take a yearly pilgrimage to see one of their favourite live bands. I guess you could say that for me, music and live gigs are something of a religion. Being at a gig is truly my nirvana, and some bands are just worth seeing over and over again. In this case, I’ve seen this band once a year for the last three years, The Subways and it’s no coincidence that they’re one of my most-reviewed bands on Joyzine.
This year, though, it almost didn’t happen. I arrived at the Electric Ballroom straight from work, and security decided that my coffee sachets and pot of sweetener in my bag (yes, white powder) looked extremely suspicious and would need to be confiscated. I’m not sure I helped matters by pleading, “Please don’t take it! It’s really expensive!” Luckily, after calling over her supervisor and extracting a solemn promise that I wouldn’t make coffee inside the venue, the guard let me keep my taboo items.
But my awkward start wasn’t over. Next, I headed to the box office to check myself off the guest list, only to find my name wasn’t there. Cue frantic email-scrolling, the attendant making calls and sending texts, and eventually, mercifully, confirmation that I was indeed allowed in. Then, while watching the first support act, I apparently stood just outside the line marking where the audience should be (something I hadn’t even noticed existed). A staff member promptly told me off. Oops.
First up were Pisces, a band I’d seen earlier this year supporting Clutter. They lived up to their watery name, offering a dreamy, indie-tinged set that drifted along beautifully, though a few songs proved they could turn up the energy when they wanted to.
It’s been a long time since I fell hook, line, and sinker for a support act, but Congratulations won my heart within minutes. Singer Leah looked like she’d taken style tips straight from Cher in the ’90s classic Clueless, while the rest of the band- decked out in bright, psychedelic suits, looked like they’d teleported in from the sixties. They absolutely commanded the stage with presence, attitude, and sheer fun. Musically, they were my kind of fever dream: riot grrrl meets metal screams meets pop sensibility, all wrapped up in chaos and choreographed dancing. Total winning combination. I’ve been playing their songs on repeat ever since. They set the perfect tone for the night ahead.
Feeling joyful after such an exhilarating discovery, I soaked up the fun 80s tunes playing before The Subways’ set. That’s one of the things I love most about this band — their gigs are pure joy from start to finish. From the familiar pre-show ritual (walking on to “Pure Imagination”), to opening with “Oh Yeah” and skipping the traditional encore, to the feel-good tunes blasting beforehand (I don’t know if they pick them, but they’re always spot on), everything about a Subways show just makes you smile.
This was a special gig celebrating 20 years of The Subways, following the release of their recent retrospective album When I’m With You. It truly felt like a party. Practically every song was a banger, kicking off with the old favourite “Oh Yeah”, followed by “Black Wax” from Uncertain Joys, and “We Don’t Need Money to Have a Good Time.” It really hits you just how solid their back catalogue is. The joy on stage is infectious; their smiles are genuine, their chemistry undeniable. You can tell they absolutely love what they do.
I started the night right at the barrier and, thanks to the overexcitement of those around me, somehow ended up dangerously close to the mosh pit. But honestly, it didn’t matter. The energy was electric-a blur of jumping, dancing, and singing along to every word. It was euphoric, communal, and just pure happiness in motion. Personal highlights were the mass sing along to ‘When I’m With You’ and seeing Billy Lunn crowdsurf with the biggest smile on the planet on his face during final song, inevitably ‘Rock n Roll Queen’.
After three years of watching The Subways live, I can safely say they’re one of those rare bands that never lose their spark. Every gig feels like both a celebration and a reunion. If live music is a kind of religion, then this show was a revival meeting- loud, sweaty, joyful salvation through song.
The Subways are now carrying their tour through Europe and you can find the dates here.
The Subways Socials – Official Website/ Facebook/ Instagram
Review and Photographs by Hayley Foster da Silva
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