Wolf Alice’s homecoming show at Finsbury Park was far more than just a standard headline show, it was a career celebration of a band that has spent the last decade establishing themselves as one of Britain’s most defining rock bands. Following performances from Florence Road, KEO, Rachel Chinouriri, Lykke Li and The Last Dinner Party, fans were collectively fired after gathering under the summer sun to come together for Wolf Alice’s biggest headline performance to date. 

As Wolf Alice took to the stage, and the confetti cannons fired, the crowd erupted from their pent-up anticipation and instantly it could be felt that it was going to be an unforgettable atmosphere. From the opening song, ‘Bloom Baby, Bloom’, Ellie Rowsell took control of the crowd with a confidence that had everyone’s attention, with the band collectively delivering an electric performance off the bat. 

Upon taking in the scale of attendance, upwards of 40,000 fans, Ellie couldn’t help but let out an excited laugh as they knew this was going to be a night they would always look back on with the same fondness both the band and crowd were feeling in the moment and addressed the people of Finsbury Park with “I hope you’re having the best day ever!”. 

It wasn’t just the attendance scale that made the night, but the dedication of the crowd. Tears were shed along the barrier as sunburnt fans who had been under the London sun since gates opened at 12pm screamed along to their favourite lyrics. Banners were held up showing support and love, as Wolf Alice went on to play ‘White Leather’ for the first time in years, much to fans enjoyment.

The band then surprised fans with an unreleased song ‘Gospel Oak’, coming out July 2nd, with fans chanting the lyrics to Ellie as she told them to repeat them back to her. The North London band then shocked fans during their encore with a cover of ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’, by Nirvana, that had fans keeping their energy levels through the roof all the way to shows close with ‘Giant Peach’ ending the show. Theo Ellis, the bands bassist, showed admiration to the city saying “I live right over there, and I grew up right over there. We’re nothing without you all, thank you London.” 

It was the kind of homecoming show that any band could dream of, and continues to demonstrate why Wolf Alice is one of the best bands to come out of the UK. 

Gallery & Review by Nick Blandford