Review & Photography by Phil Rozier for MPM
Let’s start with the headline: a sell-out show at the O2. 20,000 fans packed into the arena. A glorious mix of indie die-hards, nostalgic thirty-somethings, and fresh-faced Gen Z converts. From 18 to 50, they came in droves, proving that The Kooks have transcended their early 2000s roots to become something far more enduring.
The K’s from Manchester, and The Day We Ran, indie surf band from Australia.
The K’s kicked things off with northern swagger and tight execution. Their set was punchy, melodic, and full of energy. The kind of support act that doesn’t just warm up the crowd, but earns new fans on the spot.
ISO Mayhem & Spinal Tap Moments
Now, let me paint you a picture, or at least try to, through the haze of retina-searing white light that hit during the first three songs. As someone used to shooting heavier rock bands in moody, macabre lighting, this was a shock to the system. The Kooks came out swinging, and the lighting rig came out blinding. ISO settings? I might as well have been adjusting them with oven mitts. It was like photographing a snowstorm in a tanning salon.
Then came the Spinal Tap moment: trapped between the press pit, backstage, and the crowd for 30 minutes. Security, diligent as ever, weren’t quite briefed on the concept of a dual-pass photographer. I spent a chunk of the gig reviewing the show from a locker room corridor, relying on Jedi-like intuition and muffled crowd roars to gauge the vibe. Rock n roll, even if you’re not in the band.
Swagger & Sequins
When I finally rejoined the crowd, I was greeted by frontman Luke Pritchard strutting across the stage like a Brighton-born Mick Jagger. Black sequined jacket, Cuban heels, leather trousers; the man was a walking indie disco ball. Behind him, the band held a tight rhythm, understated but razor-sharp, giving Luke the perfect platform to shine.
And shine he did through a massive 28-song set that spanned their entire career. From the sun-drenched nostalgia of Seaside, to the crowd-belting anthem Naïve, the cheeky charm of Jackie Big Tits, and the timeless sway of She Moves in Her Own Way. Even the lesser-known gems from newer albums got their moment, with fans singing along like they’d been rehearsing for weeks.
Two-thirds into the set, Luke paused to deliver a heartfelt thank you. “This is a dream come true,” he said, visibly moved. “One of the biggest crowds we’ve ever played to.” The roar that followed could’ve powered my useless and overpriced underfloor heating.
Tron Vibes & Visual Storytelling
Above the stage, a massive rectangular red-light rig hovered like something out of Tron (anyone else here that old?) glowing softly between tracks, casting a warm, cinematic hue as the main lights dimmed. It was subtle, stylish, and surprisingly emotional.
Behind the band, enormous screens displayed a visual collage of their 20-year journey. Music videos, front-row live footage, candid backstage moments. It wasn’t just eye candy; it was storytelling. A reminder of how far they’ve come, and how much they’ve meant to their fans.
For the Wannabe Rock Stars
As a wannabe rock star myself, I couldn’t help but drool over Pritchard’s gear. His seafoam green Stratocaster shimmered under the lights like a vintage surfboard, while his yellow road-worn Telecaster looked like it had lived a thousand gigs. Both sounded sublime; crisp, jangly, and full of character.
Crowd Vibes & Phone Light Magic
The crowd? Electric. Phone lights twinkled like stars in a sea of arms – not the first band to do it, but it’s now a rite of passage. And for a photographer, it’s a dream backdrop. The energy was palpable, with fans of all ages dancing, hugging, and belting lyrics like it was 2006 all over again.
And to the security team — even if they did trap me in a corridor, they kept 20,000 fans safe and smiling
As a middle-aged rocker who once dismissed early 2000s indie as “too clean,” I stand corrected. The Kooks delivered a masterclass in performance, crowd connection, and musical tightness. The band was rehearsed, refined, and clearly loving every minute. The crowd was euphoric. The support was solid. The lights were blinding. And the experience? Worthy of remembrance for sure.
Would I do it again? Absolutely. But next time, I’m bringing sunglasses… and a backup ISO strategy.
Rock on, Kooks. You’re smashin’ it.
