LIVE REVIEW: Keyside @ Liverpool, O2 Academy

Keyside returned to Liverpool last Friday with an exceptional sold-out headline performance at the O2 Academy as part of their 2025 UK tour. Following a busy summer on the festival circuit, featuring BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend, and supporting the likes of The Wombats, Keyside continue to prove themselves as one of the North West’s most exciting rising bands.

Photo Credit: Marieke Macklon

Supported by The Cases and The Kowloons, both acts delivered rocking performances that set a high-energy tone for the evening. Chanting along to The Stone Roses before Keyside had even taken to the stage, the crowd was vibrant from the outset, and the atmosphere reached boiling point. As the band struck up the captivating guitar riff of ‘Nikita’ to kick off their performance, the O2 Academy was transformed, filled with excitement and joy. Initially accompanied by two Chinese dragons,  Keyside launched into their set with impressive confidence, showcasing their unmissable talent as they moved seamlessly between songs.

Throughout the night, Keyside’s connection with the crowd shone effortlessly as the sold-out venue was packed with people singing and dancing to every song. Their set interspersed fan favourites such as ‘Paris to Marseille’ with newer works from their latest EP ‘Michael (What’s Your Call?)’. Their latest single, ‘Rock My Love’, earned one of the biggest reactions of the night. A story of heartbreak and healing, the song highlighted Keyside’s emotional depth as much as their technical skill.

Photo Credit: Marieke Macklon

Covering ‘Sally Cinnamon’ in a moving dedication to Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield, Keyside’s performance offered a defining moment of sincerity before the band closed with ‘Angeline’. Ending the night on a high, Keyside shared a moment with the crowd, taking in every aspect of their hometown headline. With sold-out shows across the country and festival dates already on the horizon, Keyside are clearly on track for big things.