Photo Credit: Georgia Cottrill
Words: Sophie Thompson
Five months after their last UK tour Keo returned to Manchester to a venue twice thesize of the one they played before. Having performed at Gorilla just last October Keo stepped up to the much larger O2 Ritz which sold out instantly; they have proven to be one of the UK’s fastest growing indie bands. With only one EP under their belt, the Manchester crowd arrived prepared to sing along to every track even the ones which have not yet been released.
Support for the night came from the alternative rock quartet Tooth, consisting of Tom Pollock, Ben Ashley, Roy Lowe, and Charlie Arnison. They received a welcoming applause as they arrived onto the Manchester stage, opening the show with their euphoric debut single ‘The Age of Innocence’ an ideal way to start the evening. In a full circle moment Tooth revealed that their first ever gig had been supporting Keo in a pub four years ago. Now returning to share the stage again at their biggest show yet, it was a reminder of just how far both bands have come.
The Stone Roses’ ‘Love Spreads’ echoed through the venue’s speakers to which the crowd immediately knew what it meant, Keo were soon to arrive. They walked out to chants of “KEO! KEO! KEO!” ringing out from across the room. As they stepped into the lights, they were ready to transform the room into a full-blown grunge showcase.
They launched straight into their set with ‘Hands’ immediately displaying the tight chemistry between them, moving in complete unison. From the first note the crowd was deafening matching Keo’s energy beat for beat. Originally formed of brothers Finn Keogh and Connor Keogh the lineup is completed by the addition of drummer Oli Spackman and guitarist Jimmy Lanwern creating a group which feels cohesive and electric.
The unreleased ‘That’s Me’ was welcomed by the crowd as if it had been released months ago. Arms shot into the air and people climbed on shoulders creating an indie phenomenon where the crowd moved as one. The atmosphere inside the O2 Ritz intensified as the opening riffs of ‘Thorn’ rung out. Accompanied by the powerful vocals of Finn Keogh the Manchester audience took the spotlight, belting the heartbreaking lyrics back to the band even louder than the band themselves.
Heavy blue lighting washed over the stage during ‘Spaceman’ highlighting Keo’s musical showmanship. Conor Keogh on the bass kept the crowd engaged whilst Oli Spackman drove the song forward with his pulsating drumbeats which kept the momentum moving.
Keo’s rise over the last year has been remarkable. Having opened for Overpass in April 2025 with only one song to their name, fans have followed them for their entire journey helping to propel them straight into these giant rooms which seemed unimaginable to the band only a year ago.
Chants broke out across the room for the fan favourite ‘Stolen Cars’ and Keo did not disappoint the crowd and delivered a beautiful, crowd-pleasing performance of the song.
The encore began with the familiar chants of “Keo! Keo! Keo!” echoing through the venue as the band returned to the stage and delivered a cover of The Door’s ‘The End.’ The crowd went wild as Finn climbed onto the barrier getting up close and personal with the fans at the front turning the moment into a truly electric connection between the band and the audience.
The night came to close with their debut single ‘I Lied Amber’ which was sung word for word by every single person in the audience. Ending the set with a song that helped launch them onto a stage like the Ritz. It was a moment that the fans will never forget, one which every single person in the audience can say “I was there” with pride.
After Saturday night’s performance it is undeniable that Keo are on their way to becoming one of the UK’s next greatest indie bands.
Taped Magazine 