The Molotovs performed an explosive headline set at King’s Cross Summer Sounds opening night on Thursday 13 August to mark the return of London’s highly anticipated free music and performance festival.
In partnership with Lightroom’s Bowie Nights, The Molotovs launched King’s Cross Summer Sounds in Coal Drops Yard with support from Ashaine White and Jack Kaye. The show celebrated David Bowie’s impact on music today, with each act including a Bowie cover in their set.
Selling out venues worldwide, The Molotovs have become one of the UK’s hottest young bands. Following a year of relentless touring, debut album Wasted on Youth hitting Number 3 in the charts, an unforgettable appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show and an arena tour with Yungblud, The Molotovs delivered a standout performance at Summer Sounds 2026.
In September The Molotovs head out on their ‘Welcome To Urbia‘ UK tour, with a second date added at the O2 Kentish Town Forum on September 26 after the first date sold out.
As part of their set, the band played their version of the Bowie classic ‘Suffragette City’, which was released as the b-side of their Top-10 debut single ‘More More More’.
Issey Cartlidge, of The Molotovs, said: “Bowie was a maverick, absolutely unique, always forging his own path and a constant animated surprise to his audience. As an artistic inspiration there are very few like him. There will never be another Bowie and neither should there be. ‘Suffragette City’ was the b-side of our first single and it’s always been the zenith of our live set. It buzzes with frenetic punk energy and is an electric shock to the audience.”
Ashaine White selected ‘Life on Mars’ for her set, and said: “Summer Sounds was such a fun show. It’s so much fun to be able to play songs from my new debut album on home turf. Free music shows are vital to the future of creativity, so I’m always honoured to play a small part in one.
“‘Life on Mars’ is one of Bowie’s most beautiful songs – I think in the current state of the world it still rings true on how it feels for a young artist to watch the world through screens in a mixture of confusion and disappointment, still though, trying to shine some light, provide a voice to speak on issues we face, and have hope in what the future may bring. Bowie inspires artists like me to be ourselves, boldly and proudly!”
The former frontman of The Magic Gang, Jack Kaye performed tracks from his debut EP, Go Easy, including singles ‘Dora’ and ‘The Weight’, along with Bowie’s ‘Heroes’.
Kaye said: “Bowie was uncompromising and unflinching. He wasn’t afraid of failure, which is what made him so great. ‘Heroes’ is undeniably one of the best songs ever written. It was so fun to get a chance to cover it.
“My EP, Go Easy, is out Friday (14th August). Playing it to an outdoor London crowd on a summer evening felt like the perfect way to welcome those songs into the world.”
From now until 23 August, King’s Cross celebrates the return of one of London’s most inclusive FREE music, dance and performance festival, showcasing a stellar line-up of acts that seamlessly blends the world’s best folk, jazz, soul, classical and indie rock music.
This year’s Summer Sounds line-up also includes: a celebratory showcase marking 35 years of pioneering jazz development charity Tomorrow’s Warriors; Americana with a twist with Little Grandad; indie pop and RnB from Len Blake and five mass community choirs on one day including London City Voices and West End Musical Choir performing a variety of musical showstoppers and pop mashups.
Further highlights include Queer Britain and Sounds Queer championing diverse voices and sounds from across the LGBTQIA+ spectrum with performances from Kimmy Beatbox, Dyan Tai, Thandi Phoenix, Arno Sacco and Bessi; and the English Folk Dance & Song Society showcase with global folk from Mishra and progressive instrumental folk from Pons Aelius.
Full programme line-up: https://www.kingscross.co.uk/event/summer-sounds-music-festival
Summer Sounds is the centrepiece of Escape in London, King’s Cross’ relaxed summer season of free and affordable cultural moments designed for unhurried hours in one of the rare central London neighbourhoods. From watching live music under open skies at Summer Sounds and enjoying sunset views by the canal, to exploring makers’ markets, discovering new flavours and spending time with friends, King’s Cross offers countless ways to escape without leaving the city.
With vibrant shopping, dining and leisure all in one laid-back setting, brands across the neighbourhood are celebrating summer in true King’s Cross fashion. At Bubala, a special Bubala Knows Best set menu brings different delicious dishes to the table every day of the week, while Electric Shuffle is serving up a limited-edition summer cocktail menu.
Lightroom itself will host concerts on 3rd-5th September by acclaimed composer and cellist Peter Gregson, offering a creative response to the work of David Bowie, Brian Eno and their contemporaries in the Berlin era. Surrounded by bespoke new visuals crafted from David Bowie: You’re Not Alone, alongside live camera work, Gregson will play a unique programme which will offer an intimate and immersive concert experience. Tickets are available now.
Plan the ultimate escape in London and discover what’s on at: kingscross.co.uk
