The Wombats Illuminate In Blackpool

Anyone wandering into the Empress Ballroom in Blackpool might have been forgiven for thinking they were witnessing the headline act, not the support group, when The Snuts took the stage.

The four-piece Glaswegian outfit have some cracking songs in their armoury; despite lead singer Jack Cochrane having a bout of the flu, the band still gave a towering performance.

Their music follows in the legacy of bands from Postcard Records, the Glasgow-based label that brought bands such as Orange Juice and Aztec Camera to prominence. Tracks like Always and Gloria had the audience singing in harmony, begging the question of why The Snuts are not more widely known. Hopefully, The Snuts will soon gain the recognition they deserve, rendering the question irrelevant.

The Empress Ballroom has played host to many a memorable gig for bands from The Charlatans to the Stone Roses and Oasis. Another group to add to that list is The Wombats – the indie rock band from Liverpool.

With the gig being their last one of the year, the event was always destined to be a joyous occasion – and it was. Their fan base crosses generations with a large contingent of millennials who thankfully have discovered the exuberance of live music and a band that they will follow long into their years.

Launching into the opening number Sorry I’m late; I didn’t want to come. The atmosphere in the ballroom appeared to have as much energy as it would take to power the lights up Blackpool Tower. Moving to New York swiftly followed, all glowing, confident and strident.

Lead singer and guitarist Matthew 'Murph' Murphy had a rapport with the audience that came with a mutual respect. “I’ve had some great times in those towns,” he attested – tonight was another one to add to his list.

Newer tracks such as Can’t Say No showed a more contemplative approach, whilst Holy Sugar was a sweet reminder of the prowess in the band’s songwriting. 

The night climaxed with If You Ever Leave, I’m Coming with You and the encore of Greek Tragedy and Let’s Dance to Joy Division – the song most associate with The Wombats. Throwing caution into the wind, the atmosphere became even more jubilant as the band ended the year on a high note – with five fully sized Wombats appearing on stage to close the occasion.

Two decades on from their formation, The Wombats remain one of the best live acts around.

The Wombats appear in the north in 2026:

24th July - Newcastle Times Square 

21st August- Halifax Piece Hall

https://www.thewombats.co.uk/live