The War On Drugs

Liverpool

Mountford Hall

08/07/24

The Philadelphia Indie rock, heartland rock, neo-psychedelia, Americana band that is The War On Drugs came to Liverpool earlier this week to bless us with their musical greatness, and bless us they did! The band are only doing 4 dates in the UK this time and they chose Liverpool for two of them! The other two are at London’s Royal Albert Hall on 11 & 12 July.

Tonight’s show was the first of two dates the band, (made up of an astonishing 7 members) is set to play at the iconic and historic Liverpool music venue that is Mountford Hall, on the University of Liverpool campus.

Liverpool Guild of Students (Mountford Hall) has a long-established history in live music and has been providing a venue for events since the opening of its main room, the Mountford Hall, in 1965. During its history as a music venue, the Guild has played host to some of the biggest names, acts such as The Who, Queen, The Pretenders, The Clash and Joy Division all having played sell-out, main room shows. More recently the venue has seen shows from James, Biffy Clyro, YUNG BLUD, The Prodigy, and 30 Seconds to Mars, to name but a few.

So tonight in Liverpool is a hot and humid one but no one seems to care as they line up to see one of their favourite bands.

As the venue fills up I’m surprised to see a really diverse crowd of men, women, teens and children with their siblings and parents. Personally, I’ve not seen so many families at what you’d consider a rock show, and it just gives testament to the band’s reach, as you can see that their music is reaching the entire demographic of humanity, but then again, how could it not be, right?!

(Somebody’s Child_Credit: Billy Vitch)

So on to the show, I’m also doing photography tonight and very quickly were told the support act is about to come on so we dash to the photo pit to take our places, the support act tonight is Dublin native ‘Somebody’s Child’ with his full band, and they literally take the roof off! I can see this guy taking the UK by storm over the next few years and honestly, he’s a headline act all in his own right already! I see similarities with Sam Fender here musically.

It’s not long now till the main act is on and the venue is buzzing, it’s hot and sweaty and filled to capacity now as we re-enter the photo pit, I’m stopped by a little girl aged around 8 who wants me to give her and her little brother a high five and it really just sets the tone for the night, (as in this is a family event as much as it is a rock show), and I think that its such a beautiful thing to see, that this band has generated this type of fanbase.

(The War On Drugs_Credit: Billy Vitch)

The set list tonight is extensive and plays like a War On Drugs anthology spreading the entirety of their back catalogue, whilst mainly focusing on their better-known songs like Up All Night, Pain, Come to the City and Harmonia’s Dream. The Crowd sang to every single song and even the ones people didn’t know, I found everyone still enjoyed them. There were a few I didn’t know too, but each time they played one, I found myself completely hooked. 

They are a dream to watch live and what really stood out to me was how the band get completely lost in each song, the chemistry they have between themselves on stage is rare and awe-inspiring. Many times through the night I found myself with my eyes closed completely lost in the melodic tones and beautiful instrumental and vocal harmonies. The War On Drugs is a complete wall of sound and musically they take the listener on a mystical and magical journey that seems to change, each and every time you listen to them.

(The War On Drugs_Credit: Billy Vitch)

The show was over fast too quickly for my liking but god, I feel so dammed lucky to have seen these guys live and yes, I felt a little bit envious of the people who would be going to see them on night two! Lol. 

Tonight’s setlist is as follows: Brothers, Baby Missiles, Pain, I Don’t Wanna Wait, Victim, Old Skin, Your Love Is Calling My Name, The Animator, Come to the City, Buenos Aires Beach, Comin’ Through, Harmonia’s Dream, Red Eyes, Strangest Thing, Up All Night, Love Is a Long Road (Tom Petty cover), Under the Pressure, I Don’t Live Here Anymore (Band intros).

Review and Photography by Billy Vitch

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.