The Molotovs bring a charged Bowie cover to King’s Cross Summer Sounds opening night
The Molotovs opened King’s Cross Summer Sounds 2026 with a headline set at Coal Drops Yard on Thursday 13 August, leading a David Bowie-inspired first night for the free London festival.
Presented in partnership with Lightroom and its David Bowie: You’re Not Alone exhibition, the opening bill saw each act bring a Bowie song into their set. The Molotovs chose Suffragette City, their live-wire version of the classic previously released as the B-side to debut single More More More.
The band were joined by Ashaine White and Jack Kaye, with White performing Life on Mars? and Kaye taking on Heroes alongside material from his debut EP Go Easy, including Dora and The Weight.
A Bowie song built for the live set
Speaking about the choice of cover, The Molotovs’ Issey Cartlidge said: “Bowie was a maverick, absolutely unique, always forging his own path and a constant animated surprise to his audience. As an artistic inspiration, there are very few like him. There will never be another Bowie, and neither should there be.
“Suffragette City was the B-side of our first single, and it’s always been the zenith of our live set. It buzzes with frenetic punk energy and is an electric shock to the audience.”
White said the outdoor show offered a fitting homecoming setting for songs from her debut album, adding: “Free music shows are vital to the future of creativity, so I’m always honoured to play a small part in one.
“Life on Mars? is one of Bowie’s most beautiful songs. I think in the current state of the world it still rings true on how it feels for a young artist to watch the world through screens in a mixture of confusion and disappointment, still though, trying to shine some light, provide a voice to speak on issues we face, and have hope in what the future may bring.”
Kaye added: “Bowie was uncompromising and unflinching. He wasn’t afraid of failure, which is what made him so great. Heroes is undeniably one of the best songs ever written. It was so fun to get a chance to cover it.”
Welcome To Urbia dates follow in September
The King’s Cross show arrives ahead of The Molotovs’ Welcome To Urbia UK tour in September. A second O2 Forum Kentish Town date has been added for 26 September after the first London show sold out. Tickets are on sale now.
King’s Cross Summer Sounds continues until 23 August, with a programme spanning folk, jazz, soul, classical, indie and community performance. Further acts across the season include Tomorrow’s Warriors, Little Grandad, Len Blake, Kimmy Beatbox, Thandi Phoenix, Mishra and Pons Aelius.
For the complete festival schedule, visit the King’s Cross Summer Sounds programme.
