Photo + Words: Emma Last
Over the last twelve months, WELLY have completed four UK headline tours. From the ‘National Service’ run in the south back in September 2024 and the north just two months later, they kicked off their 2025 with the release of the debut album ‘Big in the Suburbs’ accompanied by a run of seaside town performances to give those in the lesser popular touring locations a taste of what they are all about. Now after hitting up all corners of the UK, WELLY conclude their cycle with a huge performance at London’s Scala venue for a night they will never forget.
Kicking off the final night of tour with the album’s title track, a great full circle moment to not only mark a defining era for the band, but also the start of a brand new one. In typical WELLY fashion, both the crowd and band were all in from the word very start. Taking on much bigger venues on this run certainly hindered the usual crowd interactions that fans are accustomed to for their shows, as the barrier separates the band from the fans but they made sure to put on a display to remember.
Fan favourites ‘Soak Up the Culture‘ and ‘Act Your Age‘ ensured the energy throughout Scala continued from the opening track, and ‘Shopping’ further enhanced the comedic values the band brought on the night. Wasting no time with their performance though, WELLY made sure to power through their set and cram in as many crowd pleasers as they possibly could. The band certainly do not lack camaraderie or synergy, and with a set filled with upbeat and quirky anthems to dance around to, what more is needed?
Bassist Jacob Whitear continues to unleash his all on stage, leaving no room for anything less than 100%. Further amusing material in the form of ‘Calvin Klein‘ and ‘It’s Not Like This In France‘ set up the encore and the crowd clamouring for more. WELLY returned to the stage for one final hurrah in the form of ‘Me and Your Mates‘, a song title that remains very fitting for how the bands’ shows go down. It is safe to see that these crowds have quickly evolved into becoming their mates now, and having gone from ‘Big in the Suburbs‘ to now big in the UK, WELLY‘s 2026 is set to be a thrilling one to be a part of.
Taped Magazine 