More about: Years & Years

"If you wanna kiss the person next to you, hug, make out, this is the time to do it", frontman Olly Alexander declares before sitting at his keyboard and belting out sombre tune 'Memo'.

It has been a hectic 12 months for Years & Years. Starting the year as the winners of BBC Music’s Sound Of 2015, the band have gone from promising upstarts to a No.1 single, then playing at Glastonbury, and capping it off with a chart-dominating No.1 album and sold out tour. 

There was a feeling of anticipation and excitement in the air as Years & Years took to the stage at the O2 Academy in Brixton. Launching straight into the a capella opening of 'Foundation', the venue lit up in flashing red lights, with all pre-show chatter turning quickly to awed silence.

Transitioning directly into up-beat 'Take Shelter', the sold-out crowd suddenly became a massive dance party. The energetic vibe continued through electro-hit 'Desire' and bass-heavy 'Worship', before the stage was drenched in yellow lights for 'Gold'.

There is a natural showmanship to singer Olly Alexander, as he bounces around the stage like an excitable child, showing off his dance moves and humbly interacting with the crowd. Synth player Emre Turkmen and synth player/bassist Mikey Goldsworthy leave the charisma to Alexander, as they seamlessly provide backing instrumentals. For a relatively new band on the scene, Years & Years have a confidence and professionalism well beyond their years.

Massive hit 'Shine' saw Alexander jump off the stage to interact with the ecstatic crowd, while the band’s current single 'Eyes Shut' had the room mesmerised as they sung along with every word. A sultry cover of Britney Spears’ 'Toxic' towards the end of the set proved to be an unexpected highlight, no doubt a nostalgic throwback for the audience. Special guest Shamir was invited on stage for a duet of the band’s first single 'Real', ending the set on a high and departing to screams from the adoring crowd.

“You have no idea how much this means to us” proclaimed Alexander as the band returned to the stage for an extravagant and enthusiastic encore of their number one single 'King', complete with back up dancers in drag.

Years & Years know just how to put on a show, and a dazzling one at that. Putting their energy into delivering a flawless performance, accompanied by a simplistic stage design and dramatic lighting, it is clear to see why they have quickly risen to the top of the UK synth-pop game.

See Years & Years' full UK tour dates below. For tickets and more information, click here.

2015

28/10 O2 Academy Brixton, London
04/11 Mandela Hall, Belfast
05/11 Olympia, Dublin
06/11 Olympia, Dublin

2016

28/03 Ironworks, Inverness 
04 Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham 
02/04 Apollo, Manchester
04/04 BIC, Bournemouth 
05/04 Pavillions, Plymouth 
06/04 Oasis, Swindon 
08/04 Wembley Arena, London 

More about: Years & Years