The Vamps Light Up London at Eventim Apollo
Having announced the Meet The Vamps 10th Anniversary Tour back in June, The Vamps took to the stage for two sold out shows at the Eventim Apollo on 21st and 22nd September. They promised, and delivered, to perform their debut album in full alongside some fan favourites.
The opening acts, SOAP and Henry Moodie, set the perfect tone for the high-energy performance that The Vamps would come to deliver.
Kicking off the show with “Wild Heart,” the audience was swept away by a wave of nostalgia from their 2014 hit, enthusiastically singing every lyric. This vibrant start set the tone for the evening as fans joined in for “Dangerous” and “Hurricane,” a track featured in a 2014 film, before moving on to the beloved fan favorite and the third single from their debut album, “Last Night.”
The iconic single was followed by Girls On TV, another song from their debut album that has seemingly become a staple on their setlist since they announced a string of shows and festivals for the bands 10th anniversary back in 2022. Slowing it down, the band played She Was The One. Following from this, after playing Oh Cecilia, a rework of Simon and Garfunkel’s Cecilia, they moved into an acoustic set, in which all four members were centre stage, as opposed to Tristan’s usual position behind the drums at the back of the stage.
During the acoustic set, the band delivered two mashups, starting with “On The Floor” from their deluxe edition of Meet The Vamps, followed by “High Hopes.” The crowd erupted with excitement when they began performing “Jack,” an unreleased track that emerged in 2014, which was seamlessly blended with “Fall,” another song from the deluxe version.
Tristan then showcased his talent with a drum cover of “Chemicals,” from their fifth album, Cherry Blossom. Following that, James took the stage to perform “Move My Way,” a song he initially wrote and recorded as a solo artist before it became part of the band’s repertoire.
During Lovestruck, an endearing tradition emerged among the fans: they began tossing flowers onto the stage to embody the heartfelt lyrics “I’d lay flowers at your feet.” This gesture quickly became a beloved ritual at every concert throughout the tour, beautifully illustrating the deep admiration and affection the fanbase holds for the band. Many fans, having grown up with the group, felt a strong emotional connection to their music and the memories it evoked.
The act of throwing flowers not only added a vibrant visual element to the performances but also served as a powerful symbol of gratitude and devotion, encapsulating the shared journey between the band and their audience. This heartfelt practice created a sense of community, as fans united in their appreciation, making each show a memorable celebration of both the band’s legacy and the fans’ unwavering support.
In addition to showcasing the rest of their deluxe album in its entirety, the band captivated the audience with live renditions of “All Night” and “Married In Vegas.” A standout moment occurred when Connor Ball showcased his impressive skills by playing bass while balancing on top of the piano, adding an exhilarating visual element to the performance. This daring move not only highlighted his musicianship but also energised the crowd, creating an unforgettable atmosphere filled with excitement and enthusiasm. The combination of their new tracks and these fan-favourite songs truly made for a remarkable and dynamic concert experience.
The band closed out the night with Risk It All and Somebody To You before taking a final bow before the lights went out and they disappeared from the stage.
Written by: Grace Lamb
Photographed by: Grace Lamb
21.09.24. The Vamps. Eventim Apollo. London, UK.