Pixies and Big Special rolled into Leeds, and it was a night of both contrasts at the O₂ Academy: a blistering, opening set from The Big Special, followed by a masterclass in enigmatic cool from the Pixies.
The Big Special opened the night with a performance that was nothing short of brilliant. The duo—Joe Hicklin on vocals and Callum Moloney on drums—delivered an intense set that grabbed you around the ears right at the start and captivated the audience from start to finish. Their sound, an engaging mix of punk, post-punk, and ever a touch of soulful indie rock, was layered with backing tracks that added depth and complexity to their live performance.
The setlist drew heavily from their 2024 debut album, Postindustrial Hometown Blues. Tracks like “Black Dog / White Horse” resonated powerfully with the crowd, eliciting a powerful response. “Shithouse,” with its biting lyrics and infectious energy, turned casual listeners heads and demanded they sit up and take notice, creating a palpable connection between the band and the audience.
Despite being just two members on stage, Hicklin and Moloney’s synergy and stage presence made it impossible to look away. Keep your ears and eyes on this duo.
Anticipation for the Pixies was electric, and as they took the stage, the energy in the room surged even further. While the band maintained their characteristic aloofness—eschewing verbal interaction with the crowd—their music spoke volumes. The audience, fully onside, responded with unwavering enthusiasm.
New bassist Emma Richardson, formerly of Band of Skulls, was introduced to the Pixies’ lineup in March 2024, replacing Paz Lenchantin, and was introduced to the crowd straight away, taking lead vocals on opener In Heaven (lady in the radiator song). Having introduced herself, Richardson’s performance was seamless, her bass lines and vocals providing a solid foundation that allowed the band’s signature sound to flourish
The setlist was a mix of classics and newer material, flitting between both and delighting the crowd. Early in the set, “Here Comes Your Man” and “Nimrod’s Son” set the tone, followed by fan favorites like “Debaser,” “Hey,” and “Where Is My Mind?” Each song was met with rapturous response, the crowd’s energy feeding the band’s dynamic performance.
Tracks from their 2024 album, The Night the Zombies Came, including “Motoroller,” “Chicken,” and “Jane (The Night the Zombies Came),” were interspersed throughout the set, blending seamlessly with the older material and highlighting the band’s continued creativity.
Black Francis’s vocals were as powerful and distinctive as ever, while Joey Santiago’s inventive guitar work added layers of complexity and intrigue to each track. David Lovering’s drumming provided a powerful, driving force that anchored the band’s sound.
The evening concluded with a powerful rendition of “where is my mind?,” leaving the audience in awe. As the band came together at the front of the stage for a final bow, the love and applause from the crowd were overwhelming, a testament to the enduring impact of their music.
Fingers crossed they never stop doing what they’re doing.
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