By Vicky Greer. Photo: Delilah Bon by Helen Tate.
Once again, there are a downright ridiculous number of gigs in Southampton this month.
Seriously, cold weather is a small price to pay for the treasure trove of gigs that descend on the UK every autumn. And the wonderful independent venues of Southampton are really spoiling us this year.
From rock icons to exciting up-and-comers, there’s something for everyone in November. Here’s just a small selection of what we’ve got ahead of us:
Friday 1 – Delilah Bon, The Joiners
Starting with a bang we’ve got brat-punk queen Delilah Bon tearing up the stage at The Joiners. In Common recently spoke with Delilah about her new revenge-fantasy album, Evil Hate Filled Female and her song-writing:
“I am constantly gonna be doing different styles because it’s the only way to keep it exciting for myself… I like having that blend of ‘this is an angry song’, and then ‘this song is a fun song and you can dance to this song!’’
It’s an incredibly cathartic album that is guaranteed to translate into an unstoppable force on the stage. The gig is currently sold out, but you can join the waiting list and keep your fingers crossed here.
Tuesday 5 – Noahfinnce, Papillon
From YouTube sensation to poster boy for the new generation of pop-punk, NOAHFINNCE has been making waves on tour with legends like Enter Shikari and performing at huge festivals like Download.
Inspired by the golden era of emo and pop punk and drawing inspiration from titans like My Chemical Roman, Pierce the Veil, and Neck Deep, this is a must-see gig for anyone who knows that it wasn’t a phase. His debut Southampton show saw him play The Joiners back in 2021, and this time around he’ll be appearing at Papillon.
Tickets are available here and VIP packages can be purchased here.
Wednesday 13 – Alfie Templeman, The 1865
One of the most exciting names in alt-pop is coming to Southampton this month with the arrival of Alfie Templeman at The 1865. At Just 21 years old, he’s already taken the indie world by storm with two studio albums and a hefty collection of EPs in his back catalogue.
Incorporating elements of R&B, psychedelia and funk into his brand of indie pop, he’s been generating buzz for a number of years on the live circuit, so it’s well worth picking up a ticket for his headline show at the 1865.
Tickets here.
Sunday 17 – Glen Matlock, The 1865
On Sunday 17th, we’ve got two punk icons clashing in Southampton, so choose your night wisely. The first needs no introduction: Sex Pistol Glen Matlock will play The 1865, fresh after playing a series of London dates having reformed the legendary punk band with Frank Carter on vocals. He’s also recently toured with Stiff Little Fingers and completed a stint playing with Blondie.
This time, though, he’s going solo, so don’t miss the chance to see a true musical legend in the flesh. Joining him in the support slot is Kathy Valentine of The Go-Go’s, so get down to the venue nice and early.
More information here.
Sunday 17 – Laura Jane Grace, Engine Rooms
This next gig is causing me all sorts of emotional damage – Laura Jane Grace, who rose to fame in the bold political punk band Against Me!, is coming to Engine Rooms with her new project, Laura Jane Grace and The Trauma Tropes. Now, Against Me! Was my gateway into punk as a teenager, but alas, I am promised to another gig that night, in a whole other country.
Her music in Against Me! and as a solo artist is some of the richest, rawest and most cathartic punk you’ll ever hear., so believe me when I say you don’t want to miss this opportunity. Joining her on support is Pet Needs, who are making their third appearance in Southampton this year. They just can’t stay away from us.
If she plays anything from Against Me’s back catalogue, please don’t tell me – it’ll just hurt too much.
Pick up a ticket, and think of me, here.
Wednesday 20 – Billy Nomates, The Joiners
Billy Nomates’ deadpan, witty delivery made her one of the key voices in indie and post-punk of the last few years. On this tour, her lyrics will take centre stage on this stripped-back acoustic tour that brings her to the Joiners on the 20th. Her mission is to give a voice to the under-represented and disillusioned of modern society, presenting a realistic, unflinching look at life in the UK today through her music.
A divisive artist in the scene, many struggle to understand her frequent choice to play alone on stage with no backing band. But as Lauren Laverne once said: “she doesn’t need a band to play – she is the bloody band!”
Join the waitlist here.
Wednesday 27 – Goat Girl, Papillon
Another fantastic name in post-punk one week later in the form of Goat Girl at Papillon. Making their name in South London, the Rough Trade-signed band have been an ever-evolving, ever-impressive mainstay of the alternative scene here in the UK. Their most recent record Below The Waste saw them delve into folk and traditional sounds and explore difficult topics with boundless creativity.
Supporting them are the fabulous New Eves a self-proclaimed ‘hagstone rock’ outfit from Bristol who are known for their spellbinding, whimsical folk-rock. Not to be missed.
Tickets here.
Thursday 28 – Katy J Pearson, The 1865
Katy J Pearson has become a beloved voice in the UK live scene, celebrated for her stunning vocals and powerful song-writing. Her dreamy pop and unique voice will be making an appearance at The 1865 at the end of the month in celebration of her recent third release Someday Now. Pick up a ticket and get ready to meet your new favourite artist.
More information here.
Saturday 30 – Willie J Healey, Engine Rooms
What are the chances of two artists with a mysterious J middle initial playing in Southampton within a few days of each other? And why haven’t they toured together? You might have already seen Willie J Healey in Southampton this year after he played two sets in one day for Wanderlust back in April. And I can confidently say that his crowd was the most joyful and excited that I saw all day.
Last time, it was an intimate affair in Vinilo and later in Heartbreakers, so there will be much more room to jump around and have a dance at Engine Rooms.
Grab a ticket here.
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