Photo + Words: Kate Warby
For a band that some might argue are getting on in years, The Bluetones certainly haven’t lost their touch. Over the decades, the band have found ways, perhaps numerous, to continue evolving alongside their fans and the wider world around them. Their ability to bring together music from across their extensive discography, while still receiving such a warm reception from audiences old and new, is testament to the lasting appeal of their sound.
Celebrating the anniversary of their debut album, Expecting to Fly, the band opened the evening by performing the record in its entirety. Pauses between tracks, filled with almost radio-show-style conversation, gave the performance an engaging rhythm, allowing the audience to remain connected with the band while building anticipation for what was to come. Adding to the nostalgic feel, frontman Mark Morris introduced each song by announcing its corresponding track number, creating something reminiscent of an MTV Official Top 40 countdown. This playful approach kept the packed room engaged as fans followed the album’s tracklist towards its conclusion.
Throughout these interludes, the band reflected on their earlier days, recalling a time when they played much larger venues and experienced life as rock stars. However, there was never any suggestion that those days were necessarily better. Instead, their reflections demonstrated an appreciation for the value of smaller, more intimate performances, both for their audience and for the band themselves. There is something particularly sentimental about returning to the kind of venues where they were first introducing this music to audiences back in 1996. These rooms hold memories that larger stages simply cannot replicate.
The success of this anniversary tour, demonstrated by the packed Shepherd’s Bush Empire, was difficult to ignore. With the lower levels so full that latecomers were directed towards the upper balcony, the evening was a clear indication that The Bluetones’ music continues to attract an enthusiastic following. Their enduring popularity also raises an interesting point about the modern music industry. Platforms such as TikTok have undoubtedly opened doors for emerging artists, allowing musicians to showcase their talents and launch hugely successful careers, with Benson Boone and JVKE being two notable examples. Yet The Bluetones have managed to maintain their position within the industry without relying heavily on social media or the constant online visibility that modern artists are often encouraged to embrace. They have resisted the idea that remaining relevant requires publicly sharing every aspect of their lives, instead allowing their music and live performances to speak for themselves.
Formed in 1993, the band have also maintained a sense of togetherness that is evident throughout their performances. Their interactions on stage, the enjoyment they clearly take from playing together and their natural rapport all contribute to an atmosphere that feels genuine rather than rehearsed. Having spent more than three decades making music and entertaining audiences across the UK, that connection remains an integral part of their appeal. It is this chemistry, alongside a catalogue of much-loved songs, that makes watching them perform such an enjoyable experience.
The anniversary show itself was structured almost like a theatrical production, with a clear sense of occasion surrounding the celebration of Expecting to Fly. Performing the album in full before moving into a selection of fan favourites from across their career gave the evening two distinct chapters. The first celebrated the record that introduced them to the world, while the second offered a reminder of just how much music they have created together since. It was a fitting way to acknowledge the significance of their debut without allowing the evening to become solely an exercise in nostalgia.
For The Bluetones, this certainly doesn’t feel like the end of the road. If anything, the success of this tour demonstrates that there is still plenty of enthusiasm, both within the band and among their audiences, for what comes next. With further opportunities to celebrate the anniversaries of their albums and revisit the records that have soundtracked different stages of their fans’ lives, there is every reason to look forward to more evenings like this.
After all, celebrating three decades of music is not simply about looking backwards. It is about recognising the connection between a band and the people who have grown alongside them, and appreciating that the songs which meant something in 1996 can still mean just as much today. The Bluetones are not closing the book on their story; they are finding new reasons to open it again.
