Marking the 10 Year Anniversary of their debut album, The Vamps hit the road once again, reviving memories by performing the full deluxe edition of Meet the Vamps across the UK and throwing devoted fans back to a time of nostalgia and simpler days.
Boscombe high street was buzzing with anticipation and excitement long before doors opened, packed with teens sporting boyband merch and soaking up the remaining warmth of the evening; it felt like 2014 all over again. A decade had passed since fans were first introduced to the teenage sensations, who came together from all corners of the UK. Don’t be mistaken; though time has passed, they’re still decorated musicians, each with the ability to showcase their unique, individual talents throughout superbly. For lead guitarist James McVey, this Bournemouth show was a special homecoming, with friends, family, and even “The Queen” (Karen McVey, James’ mother) cheering in the crowd.
Supporting the band on this Anniversary tour were rock quartet Soap and solo singer-songwriter Talia Mar, both expertly setting the tone and igniting the enthusiasm throughout the cathedral-like auditorium of the south coast. After Soap treated Bournemouth to their Gen-Z inspired hits, including a fantastic cover of Abba’s SOS, Talia Mar took full advantage of the atmosphere with her infectious pop anthems and some crowd-favourite covers. Her rendition of Taylor Swift’s Cruel Summer was a standout and had the room at full volume. The pre-show playlist, stacked with singalong classics from the 2000s, perfectly prepared the audience and kept them poised for the arrival of the band.
The show started just as the album does, with Wild Heart, and immediately the crowd matched the electric energy brought onstage as the band settled in. The stage design was polished, featuring towering rectangular screens that burst with vibrant colours throughout the show. Lead vocalist Bradley Simpson had the audience in the palm of his hand right from the off, waving their arms and eagerly following his every cue with ease. The first part of the set was packed with high-energy throwbacks that developed a similar atmosphere to that of a wild teenage house party. Tracks like Last Night and Girls on TV had the crowd bouncing, and Oh Cecilia (Breaking My Heart) saw spontaneous conga lines spawn for a short time too. One of Bradley Simpson’s biggest strengths as frontman is his dynamic stage presence, moving about every inch of the O2 Academy stage to the delight of the fans near the front.
The show had been skilfully crafted to feel more intimate than previous tours and shows, highlighted by a meaningful acoustic segment which offered a break from the upbeat hits. All four band members took their seats on stools downstage, interacting as if they were part of a casual podcast episode; it only deepened the relationship between the band and their fans. This unplugged section featured stripped-back mashups like High Hopes with On the Floor, and included the deep-cut fan favourite, Jack, which earned its place in the set just as it holds a special spot in the hearts of the most dedicated fans. Though it slowed the pace, it felt perfectly fitting for such a celebratory yet reflective moment in the band’s journey.
With Bournemouth having caught their breath, the 2015 lead single Wake Up did exactly that, instantly reigniting the crowd’s sheer energy as they came alive in full voice once more. The band briefly stepped offstage for Chemicals, allowing drummer Tristan Evans to take centre stage and dazzle the O2 Academy with an incredible drum solo; it was yet another example of each members individual talents shining through. The song which started it all, Can We Dance, was a perfect blend of euphoria and delirium for the crowd, serving as the backbone for the entire production. Simpson began on the keys, but soon emerged on the lower balcony of the O2 Academy, singing those iconic lyrics while high-fiving fans above and waving to those below. As the final chorus hit, following Simpson’s lead, the standing pits erupted, bouncing in unison and chiming loud in response.
In stark contrast, the set transitioned into Shout About It, featuring softened harmonies, wholesome swaying, and phone torches illuminating the room. Golden and the ever-anthemic All Night closed this part of the set on an uplifting note, reminding everyone just how strongly the band are rooted in the hearts of their fans. Simpson’s onstage professionalism, combined with flawless vocals, elevated the overall performance to new heights, reaffirming the bands lasting impact in the music industry a decade on.
The band re-emerged for a half-an-hour encore, beginning with Another World, which slowed the pace again as Simpson took to the keys. Lovestruck quickly brought the movement back, before bassist Connor Ball climbed atop the piano to play his guitar for the more recent hit Married in Vegas, a personal favourite and one which sent the standing pits into a frenzy. The cherished track Risk It All, deeply loved by many fans, saw Simpson deliver its opening in a slower, unplugged form, before continuing to create a heartfelt moment which forged that close connection once again.
The band ended the night with an all-time high, Somebody to You, which was simply magical. Simpson urged everyone to put their phones away and lift their friends onto their shoulders to make the last moments of this throwback house party unforgettable. These closing scenes captured the pure euphoria and spirit of The Vamps, reflecting the essence of their enduring success. After a final wave to “The Queen”, Bournemouth departed into the night, reliving memories of where they were a decade ago.
The Vamps threw us back 10 years with a confident, classy production as a collection of fan favourites met their debut record and combined for a thrilling anniversary celebration. I’m sure we’ll all meet again in another 10 years and reminisce all over again.
