THE VAMPS CELEBRATE 10 YEARS OF THEIR DEBUT ALBUM "MEET THE VAMPS” WITH THREE SOLD-OUT MANCHESTER SHOWS AT O2 APOLLO AND CLUB ACADEMY.

★★★★★ (5/5)

THE VAMPS PERFORMING AT MANCHESTER O2 APOLLO
PHOTOCREDIT: CHARLIE MORLEY

Soap’s setlist was a rollercoaster of dynamic shifts, starting with a high-energy opener that immediately established their unique sound. As the night progressed, they transitioned smoothly from tight, intricate arrangements to expansive, freeform jams that highlighted their musical chemistry. The interplay between the musicians was fluid, with each member taking turns in the spotlight, adding layers of texture and depth to the performance. Their transitions were seamless, showcasing their ability to go from a full-throttle groove into ambient, spacey passages that gave the audience a moment to catch their breath.

One of the standout elements of the show was their improvisation. Soap’s ability to explore musical themes in real-time felt organic and unpredictable, giving each song a sense of spontaneity. This kept the audience engaged, as no two moments felt the same. Their rhythm section was rock-solid, laying down infectious grooves that drove the performance forward, while the guitar work was a mix of soulful melodies and mind-bending solos.

The lighting and stage design complemented the music perfectly, with vibrant colors pulsing in sync with the beat, enhancing the sensory experience. The band also had a great rapport with the crowd, often engaging them between songs with lighthearted banter, which added a personal touch to the evening.

Soap is a band that will continue to evolve and captivate audiences for years to come, especially throughout the pop scene.

Talia Mar’s recent act supporting the fabulous Vamps, was a masterclass in pop performance, demonstrating her versatility as both a singer and an entertainer. From the moment she stepped onto the stage, the atmosphere was electric, with fans buzzing in anticipation. Known for her blend of infectious pop melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and sleek production, Talia delivered a show that was both emotionally resonant and sonically captivating.

Opening with one of her latest hits, Talia immediately set the tone for the evening. Her voice, rich and effortlessly controlled, filled the venue, and from the first song, it was clear that she has honed her live performance skills to perfection. She moved through her setlist with confidence, alternating between upbeat, danceable tracks and more intimate ballads that showcased her vocal range and emotional depth.

The stage design was changed from soap to more of a minimalist yet effective style, with vibrant lighting and visuals that added to the mood without overshadowing her performance. This allowed the focus to remain on Talia herself, who commanded the stage with a natural charisma. Her interaction with the audience felt genuine—she often took moments between songs to share personal stories and thank her fans for their support, creating an intimate and warm atmosphere in the venue.

By the time the final song rolled around, the audience was completely under Talia Mar’s spell. Her encore was met with deafening cheers, and as she closed the night with an anthemic rendition of one of her biggest hits, it was clear that Talia Mar is a star in the making. Her show was not just a performance but an experience—one that left fans eager for more and cemented her status as one of pop's rising stars.

The Vamps delivered an unforgettable performance at the O2 Apollo in Manchester, proving yet again why they remain one of the most exciting and enduring acts in British pop. From the moment they took the stage, the energy in the room was palpable, with fans cheering at a deafening volume as the lights dimmed and the opening chords of their set rang out.

The band wasted no time diving into their hits, opening with the infectious "Wake Up," a perfect choice to ignite the crowd. Lead vocalist Brad Simpson's voice was in top form, effortlessly commanding the stage as he bounced around, feeding off the energy of the packed venue. His connection with the audience was undeniable—whether singing directly to fans in the front row or playfully engaging with the wider crowd, he had the room in the palm of his hand from start to finish.

One of the standout aspects of The Vamps' performance was how tight and polished the band sounded live. James McVey's guitar work was sharp and intricate, adding a rock edge to their pop sound, while Connor Ball’s bass grooves kept the crowd moving. Drummer Tristan Evans was a powerhouse, driving the rhythm with relentless energy, especially on songs like "All Night" and "Somebody to You." Together, they created a dynamic, full-band sound that translated brilliantly in the spacious Apollo.

The setlist was a carefully curated mix of old favorites and newer tracks, ensuring that both long-time fans and newer listeners had plenty to enjoy. Songs like "Can We Dance" and "Last Night" had the entire venue singing along in unison, with the energy in the room reaching its peak. But The Vamps also showed their versatility, slowing things down with more intimate moments like the acoustic version of "Shout About It," which had the crowd swaying and holding their phones in the air, creating a sea of lights.

One of the highlights of the night was their rendition of "Middle of the Night," a perfect blend of pop hooks and electronic elements, which had the entire venue bouncing. The band’s enthusiasm was infectious, with each member visibly enjoying the moment, which only amplified the crowd's energy. Another memorable moment came when they performed “Personal,” with Brad’s vocals taking center stage, backed by tight harmonies from the rest of the band.

Visually, the concert was equally impressive. The lighting and stage design were vibrant and well-coordinated, with bright, colorful visuals that complemented the high-energy nature of the performance. The Apollo’s intimate setting allowed for a closer connection between the band and the audience, making the show feel personal despite the large crowd.

As the night drew to a close, The Vamps pulled out all the stops, finishing with an explosive encore that included the anthemic "Risk It All." The crowd was on their feet, dancing and singing at full volume, clearly not ready for the night to end. When the final notes rang out, the band took a moment to thank their Manchester fans, and the ovation they received was a testament to the lasting bond they’ve built with their audience.

In the end, The Vamps delivered a show that was both high-energy and emotionally resonant, reminding everyone in attendance why they’ve remained a fan favorite for nearly a decade. Their performance at the O2 Apollo was a triumph, and fans left buzzing with excitement, already counting down the days until their next tour.