More about: The War On Drugs

Is it just me, or are there more 6 Music Dads than there used to be? Surely this can be the only explanation for tonight’s show – The War on Drugs, a band who have never scored a UK Top 100 hit, packing out London’s vast O2 Arena.

Led by ethereal frontman Adam Granduciel, this Philadelphia collective have enjoyed a fascinating rise since the release of debut album Wagonwheel Blues in 2008. Their brand of fist-pumping, Springsteen-inspired Americana has captured the hearts and minds of music fans around the world – and this headline show feels like the culmination of everything this band have achieved over the last fifteen years.

Masters of building momentum, The War on Drugs let their carefully nurtured artistry do the talking on an opening foray of early favorites (Arms Like Boulders) and tracks from new record ‘I Don’t Live Here Anymore’ (Harmonia’s Dream, I Don’t Wanna Wait). The arrival of Red Eyes midway through their set is greeted with a triumphant roar, while the goosebump-inducing An Ocean Between The Waves surges to a magnificent closing jam.

The band’s love of playing together radiates through to the audience – and when they kick into top gear their music is genuinely thrilling. Under The Pressure, with its opening drum patter, soaring guitars and grandiose delivery, provides the set highlight; bringing the thousands in attendance to their feet. An imaginative cover of Neil Young’s Like A Hurricane is the cherry on top - delivered heart and gusto by Granduciel.

Outstanding musicianship, soaring highs and not a hit single in sight – the War on Drugs are a band built for big occasions, and most impressive of all is that they’ve achieved all of this on their own terms.

See the photos by Matt Chapman below:

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More about: The War On Drugs