That old cliche of the rain not dampening spirits might never have been truer than when Blossoms headlined Millennium Square.
If you were out and about in Leeds on Saturday the chances are you’ll have encountered one of the multiple downpours in the city. But while the cricketers over at Headingley couldn’t stump it, there was no stopping thousands cramming into Millennium Square for an indie party. Many bouncing joyously in their ponchos.
Things were looking rather bright and cheery when Miles Kane delivered his 11-song support set. As well as his solo favourites, including Come Closer, Inhaler and Coup de Grace, the masses were also treated to some unexpected pleasures in the form of Aviation and Standing Next to Me. Hits from The Last Shadow Puppets, the side project of Kane and Alex Turner, alas there was no appearance by the Arctic Monkeys frontman.
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Mere moments after Tom Ogden led Blossoms, Leeds Festival faves, on to the stage the heavens opened and the showers were pretty biblical. Much like their fans, the Blossoms boys embraced their surroundings and delivered a set which will likely be one of the highlights of the Leeds city centre outdoor venue’s summer series - despite the conditions.
You likely saw Blossoms team up with Rick Astley at Worthy Farm for their Glastonbury tribute to The Smiths. On Saturday, there were occasional cries of ‘Astley, Astley, Astley’ to the tune of Smiths’ hit Ask but he didn’t appear.
Instead, rightfully so, Ogden remained in the spotlight. Ogden, who has developed his stagecraft more and more in recent times, was quick to point out the significance Leeds has played in the Manchester’s band’s past. The frontman gave a shout out to Nathan at the city’s legendary Brudenell Social Club - he talked at some length about the venue's backstage curry.
Early Blossoms hits Getaway and Blow fitted well in the set alongside newer offerings such as Oh No (I Think I’m in Love) and My Swimming Brain. But, of course, their calling card Charlemagne, which ended the fun at Millennium Square, received the biggest reaction of the night. Some even discarded their ponchos when the song’s unmistakable opening beat dropped.
If you missed Blossoms in Leeds, you don’t have long to wait to see them in Yorkshire again. They will be performing at Tramlines Festival in Sheffield which takes place the weekend of Friday, July 21 and Sunday, July 23.
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Setlist
- Your Girlfriend
- Honey Sweet
- Oh No (I Think I'm in Love)
- The Keeper
- Cool Like You
- Ribbon Around the Bomb
- How Long Will This Last?
- Getaway
- Ode to NYC
- The Sulking Poet
- Blown Rose
- I Can't Stand It
- If You Think This Is Real Life
- Care For
- Blow
- At Most a Kiss
- My Swimming Brain
- Charlemagne
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