After years in the industry accompanied by his bandmates, The Vamps vocalist Bradley Simpson decides to go it alone and off the back of his debut solo album, embarks on his biggest solo tour to date. Having previously sold out a 250 capacity pub venue a mere few months ago, Bradley gears up for his biggest hometown show to date at Birmingham’s O2 Institute — playing to a crowd just short of 3,000 adoring fans.
Support comes from rising star Nieve Ella, who is nothing but welcomed with open arms by the Birmingham crowd. Also from the West Midlands, the singer-songwriter shows her gratitude to be playing at the city’s iconic Digbeth venue. Accompanied by fellow guitarist Finn Marlow, Nieve opts for a stripped back performance for her set, showcasing her powerhouse vocals in a new style for those already acquainted with her music. For new fans however, this provided the opportunity to see Nieve perform in a raw and authentic form. Opening with her hit single, “The Things We Say” followed by “Car Park” had the audience singing and swaying, both fans and Nieve were grinning ear to ear. Her infectious charm fills the room with warmth and a sense of comfort, prepping the crowd for a fun night ahead. A cover of Lizzy McAlpine’s “Spring Into Summer” was thrown in for good measure, before bidding farewell and closing with “Sugarcoated.”
A quick changeover commences and it’s not long before hometown hero, Bradley Simpson commands the stage. Emerging from the sidelines, the singer walks out to almost deafening roars echoing the room. Whilst playing to several thousand faces, Simpson makes the evening as personal and intimate as humanly possible as he holds a fan’s hand almost immediately — a testament to his good nature. Simpson brings Nieve Ella back onstage to perform their collaborative new single “Favourite Band,” proving to be an early highlight of the show. The track commences with a heartfelt hug between the two friends, much to the crowds delight before Brad dives straight into “Holy Grail.”
With the crowd thoroughly warmed up by this point, Brad decides to add more of a personal touch by opting to perform “The Band’s Not Breaking Up” acoustically whilst stood in the middle of the floor. The choice to perform this particular song up close and personal again is another nod to Brad’s genuine love for those who support him and it’s very much evident that this love is reciprocated tenfold. Album track “The Panic Years” rounds off the main portion of the show before an encore of “Daises” and “Carpet Burn” close out the show. The show is perfectly curated and showcases varying emotions in a way that is so authentic to Brad — even more so now that he is a solo artist. Tonight’s show is sure to be one for the history books.
GALLERY: Bradley Simpson with Nieve Ella at O2 Institute in Birmingham, UK (May 17, 2025)
