Suede

The brit pop era of the 90s was dominated by the likes of Blur, Pulp and Oasis yet a band who were creating critically and commercial material were London outfit Suede. Their debut album was one of the fastest selling in ten years and it went on to scoop the prestigious Mercury Music Prize. Since then Suede released a selection of critically acclaimed albums and despite parting ways in 2002, since their reformation almost a decade later they are now said to be performing stronger than ever.

They seem to have gone through a state of reinvention for the latest album 'Bloodsports' yet the brit pop stylings are still evident when the band plays 'For the Strangers' alongside 'The Next Life'. There is no doubt that the fans have patiently waited for the group to reform as they are incredibly enthusiastic throughout the night. They cheer, sing and jump in all the right places much to the delight of frontman Brett Anderson who has to do very little encouragement to keep the energy levels up. The final singalong to 'Stay Together' is testament to Suede's music and a real obvious reminder as to why they so desperately needed to reform.

Suede at Leeds O2 Academy.
Suede were a lot better than I remember. Maybe I'd seen them on a bad night previously but this was a totally different experience. The show comprised 2 parts. Firstly the new rather ace album played in full to the front drop of a series of short films to match each song. The band playing live behind the screen were occasionally lit up but for the most the emphasis was the film and music. As a gig goer of 25 years plus this was new territory and absolutely marvellous. This was art and music combining. Suede after all these years were absolutely relevant. To this end, I now listen to the album and visualise the film. The films finished and band exited left for 30 mins. Much discussion ensued. Before long they were back out belting out hits of the past and whilst we lapped this up and realised what a front man Brett is and what a voice he possessed the highlight was the music/film package of the first half. All I can say is I'm a convert and I truly hope they visit Leeds again. I would absolutely recommend a Suede gig to all

Suede are my absolute favourite band of all time, although I was bit young when they first came out! So it was a pleasure to be able to see them for the first time at Alexandra Palace, in March 2013. They played many of the classic Suede hits, as well as songs from the fantastic new Bloodsports album, and it was great to hear them turned up to full volume, with so many fans all around singing along like they were old friends.
Brett still looked like the perfect rock star and played with a real energy that got the crowd moving and singing along! The backdrop was beautiful – album covers and artwork from Suede albums that went perfectly with the music. They played their more rockier music as well as the slower intense music, making for a great change of tempo and atmosphere.
This was one of the best gigs I’ve been too, even my boyfriend who had never really got into them in the past, went away saying how great a gig it was!!

You know - I've seen a bunch of my 80/90s hero bands lately. Smashing Pumpkins, Pixies etc - and you can really see how when they're not at their peak of popularity - the shows are kinda flat. I saw SP at Cirkus a couple of years ago - the place was half empty and he couldn't get any atmosphere going. Not so last night. My God!! Brett just never stopped ! Amazing atmosphere and a true rock and roll show - brilliant decision to put all the new songs in the first half with a movie playing (movie wasn't particularly inspired but what the hell) - and then after the break its non stop Suede at their best.
Really enjoyed it.

Seeing Suede last night at Cirkus Stockholm was something like coming from another world. The film was just amazing, the new record is brilliant and all that thing of playing behind the big screen was just a great idea. So powerful. The music and those dark film images fitted so well together.
The second part of the gig was just another first class musicians of by now the timeless Suede. They know how to make it big and you can't just forget all those hits they made years and years ago. After all I give 10 points out of 10. Hope I'll see them soon again in Stockholm.

An absolute rollercoaster of emotions...the sheer intensity of Night Thoughts played in full with accompanying film, followed by the energising second set of hits and treats. Sensational acoustic renditions of old B-sides where Brett didn't even need to use the microphone to project his heart-breakingly beautiful voice...but the highlight was definitely his descent into the crowd to sing Beautiful Ones.

Best I've seen this band perform since 1999, they definitely have not lost their stage presence.

Wow, what a fantastic evening. I can’t remember the last time I saw a group with so much energy. Lead singer sounded great and his energy never waned. He was jumping from the stage to crowd barrier, going into the crowd and the audience loved it. If you want a great high energy gig to go to this is the one. I would go and see them again tomorrow and I am keeping my fingers crossed that they come back to Nottingham soon.

The blue hours a great album. Easy to sing along catchy tunes. Fab performance from Suede who were in a playful mood. Signed my album with doodles of sketches. Brett interacted with the crowd who reached out to get a touch of his hand. It was also a pleasure to meet some of ' the insatiable ones' fan club as they made it fun. Apollo in October here we come!...

Its a shame Brett Anderson didnt make the most of his first appearance at the Apollo as he chose to only sing out to one side of the crowd all night leaving everyone else excluded. Even Iggy pop and Nick Jagger in their 70s use every inch of the stage to make their fans feel included. Perhaps the venue was too big for him.

There are not many real bands left who gave their all to the public. Suede is just plain devotion and never bores. As impressive as ever.

The excellent new album Night Thoughts played in his full and then a greatest hits set. What more do you need? Wanna see what Britpop really is about? Just go watch a Suede concert