More about: Royal Blood

The O2 Arena in London is undoubtedly a challenge for any band. Its scale and reputation humble even the most significant musical titans. So when Brighton's hard rock dup Royal Blood stepped into what was once called 'the white elephant' of London, it was uncertain whether they had the chops and style to pull it off. 

As the drums of Ben Thatcher and slick riff powerhouse Mike Kerr kicked off the night with 'Typhoons'—the title track from their third album—any doubts were breezily cast aside. 

With a set of classic tracks, including 'Loose Change', 'Figure It Out', and the recent single 'Honeybrains', Royal Blood captured the grizzly majesty of their records, which resonated with rock and pop audiences alike. 

As a touching tribute to the late Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins, 'Little Monster' featured a near three-minute drum solo interlude, and the rip-roaring 'Out Of The Black' sees the band at the height of their skill. Mixing unconventional rhythms, gnarly bass guitar, and copious attitude, the track is the highlight of the night and the electrifying closing number. 

Royal Blood is not known for messing around. It's a straightforward, no-nonsense bullet train through their biggest songs, which the audience craves. The banter may be minimal throughout the show (Mike Kerr likes to keep himself to himself and focus on the next song in between tunes), but it's hair-raising energetic fun nonetheless.

A live band that sounds just as solid as the record, if not all the more immediate, Royal Blood's trademark distorted groove leaves its mark deservedly on London's most famous arena. 

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More about: Royal Blood