Up and coming indie-pop sensation, Bradley Simpson, heads to Engine Rooms in Southampton for the penultimate date of The Panic Years Tour.

Words: Micha Thompson
Photos: Olivia Brown

Bradley Simpson, best known as the charismatic frontman of The Vamps, stepped into a new era with his debut solo album The Panic Years, released in February (our review here). As part of his first solo tour, we catch his show at Engine Rooms in Southampton.

NECKBREAKERS

The evening opens with Neckbreakers; an up-and-coming band from London. The siblings’ vocals perfectly harmonise, bringing a unique stage presence. Interacting with the crowd, they dedicate a song to a fan who had a bad experience with love. 

NIEVE ELLA

Next up is Nieve Ella, fresh off the release of her EP Watch It Ache and Bleed. Her fanbase is expanding rapidly, and it’s clear to see why. Backed by guitarist Finn Marlow, Nieve’s acoustic set holds the audience in a trance and it doesn’t stop them from singing their hearts out.

Opening with The Things We Say, the audience is so loud that Nieve could be mistaken for the headline act. Her stripped-back cover of Lizzy McAlpine’s Spring Into Summer is nothing short of mesmerising; her delicate vocals filling the venue with an ethereal energy.

The fans are especially energetic for Good Grace, an unreleased track that somehow had everyone singing along. Bathed in luminous red lights, the harmonies between Nieve and Finn create a beautiful moment. Ella’s set ends with Sugarcoated, with pink and blue lighting encapsulating a feeling of love, and Nieve Ella’s powerful vocals soaring to a stunning finish. The crowd is left screaming her name; a clear sign that Nieve Ella was the perfect choice to support Bradley on this tour.

BRADLEY SIMPSON

What would a Bradley Simpson show be without kicking things off with Getting Clear? A dramatic entrance to the tune, with flashing lights, hyping the audience for an exciting night ahead. With luminous red lighting and clapping from the crowd, this was only the start of an unforgettable night. Elena Costa plays the drum intro, accompanied by flashing lights, building the tension. 

“Are you ready to sing and dance tonight, Southampton?” Bradley shouts, before diving into Cry at the Moon, his debut single.

Bradley smiles, “I fucking love Southampton – Second to last night of the tour!“

Not Us Anymore follows, is opens with prominent drumming from Elena and is joined by skilled guitarist; James Attwood. “Still free to have a dance, Southampton?” Bradley teases. Fans belt every lyric back to the stage, their voices rising above the music.

INTIMATE & HEARTFELT

Next up is Favourite Band, a fan favourite recently re-released as a duet with Nieve Ella. Nieve and Finn return to the stage, and the energy in the room doubles. Just when you thought the crowd couldn’t get any louder… Their chemistry is electrifying – with perfectly intertwined harmonies, it was a standout moment of the night.

Bradley jumps off the stage and into the crowd for an intimate and heartfelt performance of The Band’s Not Breaking Up. Bradley’s voice feels the most personal as he sings without a microphone.

EXHILERATING ENCORE

Simpson and his band make their way back on stage for an exhilarating encore featuring singles Daisies and Carpet Burn. Daisies is first and captures fans with its upbeat tune and joyful rhythms. Bradley asks fans to put their phones away to live in the moment, creating a connection between him and the fans. For the finale, Carpet Burn is the best way to close the show. 

“I’ll take every moment I get but it gets me down that I didn’t know you before we met.”

Bradley Simpson and his band brought a night filled with rhythmic anthems, infectious energy and made it a night to remember. As the band leave the stage and fans roar for a final time, it is clear that Bradley certainly knows how to put on an unforgettable show. If you’re seeing Bradley Simpson in the future, look forward to an adrenaline-filled experience!

Bradley Simpson will be performing at 2025’s Victorious Festival. Read our preview of the festival here.

Bradley Simpson online: Website / Instagram / TikTok

Nieve Ella online: Official Website / TikTok / Instagram / X / Facebook

Neckbreakers online: Facebook / Instagram

Keep up with At The Barrier: Facebook / X (formerly Twitter) / Instagram / Spotify / YouTube