Review: Dazzling Blossoms Light Up Newcastle City Hall

From the first until the last moment, Blossoms put their all into producing a spectacular on stage showcase. Frontman Tom Ogden captivated the audience with his endless charisma.

Ogden interacted with the crowd constantly throughout the show. It’s two years since Blossoms last graced the Tyneside, and according to Ogden that was far too long of a wait. It was clear to see that the band enjoyed their return to Newcastle.

Blossoms at Newcastle City Hall. (Image: CIAN MORTIMER) The chemistry between the group was undeniable on stage. As the front trio strutted across the stage in unison, it felt like I was watching a band who had been performing together for decades. At one point everyone on stage were gathered around the drum kit, playing it in unison.

The visuals of the Blossoms’ performance were nothing short of spectacular. The highlight in this regard came when the band put on a whole nightclub scene for their song titled Nightclub from their latest album Gary.

A bright neon nightclub sign emblazoned the drum kit as the entire band came front and centre to dance along with the crowd. The drummer and percussionist even brought their drums with them to join in on the fun. 

The indie-rock quintet put together a set list which struck the perfect balance between showcasing their new album, while still playing the fan favourites.

Blossoms at Newcastle City Hall. (Image: CIAN MORTIMER) That said, the new tracks were an instant hit with the crowd. Although it was the first time most of the crowd would have heard these songs live, tracks like Big Star and Perfect Me had the crowd jumping and singing along.

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By the end of the set, there were nine band members on stage. This includes the eight-foot-tall gorilla named Gary, after whom the album was named. Although Tom admitted, to a chorus of light-hearted boos, that the gorilla on stage was actually only six-foot-tall.

Blossoms closed the show by ending their four song encore with the band’s biggest hit to date, Charlemagne. They teased the audience with an elongated intro and a dramatic countdown. Then when the song kicked in it almost brought the roof down.

The group’s latest release album Gary is their fifth studio album. Yet eight years on from their debut album, they’re still going from strength to strength and giving their live performances 110 percent.