THE WILDHEARTS @ O2 SHEPHERD’S BUSH EMPIRE 6TH JUNE 2024
Since their formation in 1989, The Wildhearts have been a force to reckon with in the UK hard rock scene. Their unique blend of rock, punk, and metal has defined their sound and ensured their resilience and adaptability over the decades. Tonight at the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, they once again prove why they remain at the forefront of the rock scene.
The band’s story is one of exceptional highs and lows, their journey as legendary as their music. After reuniting in 2018 with the fan-favourite lineup of Ginger, C.J., Danny, and Richie, they celebrated the 25th anniversary of “Earth Vs The Wildhearts” with a tour that included playing the album in full and then releasing two well-received albums. Their 2020 tour with Backyard Babies was particularly memorable, with a standout performance at the O2 Kentish Town Forum. Despite facing challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns, The Wildhearts continued to strive, and everything seemed rosy. However, in 2022, six months after the release of “21st Century Love Songs,” they announced another hiatus due to ongoing internal issues.
But earlier this year, they revealed a new lineup for their exclusive 2024 show at O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire; expectations were mixed among the fans, as can be expected with such a dramatic change in the ranks. This fresh ensemble features founding member Ginger Wildheart, long-time cohort Jon Poole, Ben Marsden, and Pontus Snibb, which promised a dynamic and revitalized band.
Having seen The Wildhearts multiple times since the early ’90s, I knew one thing for sure no matter what the lineup, a damn good time was guaranteed. And tonight was no exception. Despite the new faces, the spirit of the band remained unchanged. From the moment they kicked off with “Sleepaway” from their last album, the crowd was hooked. The energy was electric, the sing-a-longs momentous, and the band and audience feeding off each other in an exhilarating synergy. I must admit, though, that the sound for me was off, and Ginger’s vocals were way too low in the mix. This was from the balcony, so maybe the sound was better for the fans downstairs.
The setlist was a perfect blend of old classics and new, featuring bangers like “Diagnosis,” “I Wanna Go Where the People Go,” “Suckerpunch” (complete with an impressive pyro show), and “Caffeine Bomb”, and this was just for starters. The 90-minute set also included some unheard tracks, “Eventually” and the slow-building balladesque “Hurt People Hurt People” from their upcoming, untitled album, which will be released in September, providing fans with a tantalizing taste of what’s to come.
Jon Poole was a whirlwind on bass, moving energetically across the stage and playing up to the crowd. On backing vocals and guitar, Ben Marsden seemed right at home, while Pontus Snibb’s impeccable drumming held everything together. Ginger was ever the showman and full of energy from start to finish, you could feel what this night meant to him personally. His dreadlocks flew through the air as he twisted and turned around the stage, starting the set with a striking white-with-red-polka-dots Ibanez Explorer and later switching to what looked like an all-black BC Rich and delivering stunning riff after riff.
Highlights were plentiful, but the epic rifftastic “Everlone” steals the show. The encore was a triple-header of fan favourites: “Greetings from Shitsville,” “My Baby is a Headfuck,” and a barnstorming “Caprice” that sealed the deal and ended the show on a high note.
Thirty-five years after their inception, The Wildhearts are back, full throttle and with renewed vigour. Tonight was an exciting preview of what’s to come. Hopefully, a full UK tour will be announced to support the new album later this year. The Wildhearts have once again shown that they are not just surviving in the rock scene—they are thriving.
