The Vamps – Greatest Hits Tour

O2 Apollo Manchester

With support from Henry Moodie and The Aces

22/11/22

The Vamps kicked off their 10-year celebratory ‘Greatest Hits’ tour in Manchester on Tuesday night selling out the 02 Apollo, for not only one night but two nights on the run. The Vamps released their first album back in 2014 which was home to such hits like “Last Night” and “Can We Dance”. After the success of this album, the band went from strength to strength and are now on their ten-year arena tour. I will hold my hands up and say that I was no stranger to The Vamps before photographing and reviewing this gig, in actual fact I think they are my most seen band, seeing them perform at least four times prior to yesterday, therefore, the opportunity to photograph their gig was an absolute privilege and an emotional evening for myself.

(Henry Moodie_Credit: Elodie Hadfield)

Before The Vamps joined us on stage, they had two talented support acts to warm up to the crowd before the main show: ‘Henry Moodie‘ and ‘The Aces‘. The lights went down and then Henry Moodie came out first, with bundles of energy. I had heard of Henry before the show, as I follow him on TikTok. He has a huge TikTok following of 5.2 million and is best known for posting original music as well covers. My favourite song he performed was an unreleased single “Drunk Text”, all about having a crush on someone and wanting their unconditional love and attention. The crowd loved this song, picking up the words as it went along, singing with Henry. It was evident watching Henry perform that he has a true passion for music and a love for performing and felt very privileged and lucky to be on tour with The Vamps, thanking them throughout the set. Another song that really excited the crowd was Henry’s cover of Taylor Swift’s song “Blank Space”. This really got the crowd excited for the rest of the evening.

The Aces followed shortly after Henry felt the stage, a completely new band to myself, however, I loved their music. I would define their sound as indie, with my favourite songs being “Daydream” and “Girls Make Me Wanna Die”. They brought loads of energy to the stage, jumping about as they performed their set. On the way home, I added my favourite songs of there’s to one of my playlists because I loved their music that much and will definitely be listening to them on loop!

(The Aces_Credit: Elodie Hadfield)

Around 8:45 pm, the 02 Apollo went dark and the screams of 3,500 people filled the beautiful venue. The room was just buzzing with excitement, people jumping up and down ready for Tristan, James, Connor and Brad to put on the show of their lives and that they did. As I previously mentioned, I have seen The Vamps perform before therefore I knew the crowd was in for an energy-filled evening. Full of lots of singing, dancing and screaming. Finally, the curtain dropped and there, before the crowd stood The Vamps, ready to kick off their UK tour with one my favourites “Last Night” and you best believe I was singing along in the photo pit, with the rest of the Apollo. I was probably feeling just as excited as everyone else in the crowd. One of the reasons I will continuously keep on going back to watch and support The Vamps is because their performances are simply so full of energy and just genuinely such a fun time. Brad Simpson, the lead singer of The Vamps, brings buckets of energy to any show, bouncing around the stage the entire time. Every time I have watched one of their gigs, they have just gotten better and better. Seeing the way they have grown and changed as a band made me quite emotional last night as I have grown up watching them perform, I went to see them in Liverpool when I was only twelve years old and have seen them three times after that, and now being able to review and photograph their concert was very much like a full circle moment for myself, which I’m unbelievably thankful and grateful for.

(The Vamps_Credit: Elodie Hadfield)

I spent the whole time at the gig just smiling, because it was evident how grateful The Vamps were to be back on stage and how excited the fans were to once again be hearing them live. I also love that they are doing a ten-year celebration, playing a setlist full of their best hits. Around halfway through their set, The Vamps played their new single “Seat at the table” which is a beautifully written song all about losing someone significant. The moments during this song were really special, everyone coming together with the phones lights on, swaying to the music was a very heartwarming moment that was a pleasure to be a part of. After playing a couple of slower songs in the middle of the set, The Vamps were straight back into what they do best, playing upbeat, energy-filled tracks, getting the crowd going crazy once again. One of my favourite quotes from the night was Brad telling everyone he wanted them to go home with “sore feet and no voice” because they had been nonstop singing and dancing and the crowd did exactly that. The Vamps finished off their energy-filled evening with another of my favourites “Somebody To You ft. Demi Lovato” and this was definitely the loudest I had heard the crowd all evening, belting out the words at the top of their lungs.

(The Vamps_Credit: Elodie Hadfield)

I simply can not say enough good things about The Vamps and their Manchester show; it was a true privilege to photograph and review, and from a personal point of view a massive accomplishment for myself, having been a fan for many years. Having seen them in Manchester, on the opening night of their tour, I already know the rest of the tour locations are in for an energy-filled evening and simply an incredible and unforgettable experience!

Review by Elodie Hadfield

Photography by Elodie Hadfield

To view the entire photo gallery, click the numbers below the last bottom photo on the right or click on an image to see it larger and scroll through.