YOU ME AT SIX start a new era with their massive show at O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire.

Last Monday You Me At Six were joined by impressive number of around two thousand people for their spectacular sold out show at O2 Sheperd’s Bush in London. That performance definitely marked a memorable moment for all involved.

The time has been fast approaching since VANT successfully warmed up the crowd and the thrilled audience has been eagerly waiting for their favourite band to appear on stage.

When the lights go down a hooded man emerges on stage slowly making his way to the mic stand as deep rumbling start to echo throughout the room. Dim light gracefully reveals a presence of the frontman Josh Franceschi and low beats of the opener When We Were Younger, from their 2011’s album Sinners Never Sleep, hit the audience. Shortly after, all band members jump on stage and ultimately kick off the show.

Four albums, with a fifth ready to be released, make quite an impressive array of repertoire. And it doesn’t matter what song the band will go for tonight because every track seems to be a fan favourite.

British rockers quickly move on to next tunes Bite My Tongue and Fresh Start Fever which set a grand and pretty loud beginning of tonight’s set. The band’s hard-hitting riffs have made an impact on music world a long time ago what allowed them to shake places and people for almost a decade. And this show is surely no exception.

The tenacious Loverboy and hugely teased Little Death get to be played as Franceschi takes off the hood finally showing his face. Whilst “Stay with me for this one London!” (Stay With Me) showcases relentless and noteworthy dynamic between all members of the band, the one that had them playing shows all over the world for so many years. Undoubtedly, this trend will continue.

We’re almost halfway through the set when the singer decides to make a proper introduction “Good evening ladies and gentlemen! We are You Me At Six. Are you all enjoying yourselves?! Good!” and of course judging by the loud screams there is only one answer to that rhetoric question.

You Me At Six do not slow down a bit, spinning their cracking tunes and getting all people up on their feet. At this point I’m standing in the back but I’m pretty sure those gathered on the balcony have thrown quite a party up there.

The song Reckless goes down really well allowing Franceschi to unveil his immensely deep vocal range. I must admit that my younger self would be very pleased. One thing you can surely say about this guy is that he is a chatty type.

Show hands who’s seen us before? Who’s seeing us for the very first time? Welcome to the new ones and Hello to the old ones. First, we’re here to entertain you and second, everyone turn around. That’s where I want all the world’s bullshit to stay for tonight. Forget about it. Be here. Thanks for finding time for a stranger. Now, take the person next to you on your shoulders. I wouldn’t advise to do so on the balcony though. This song is about people.

This short speech certainly sets an emotional and important moment of the night and spark a little bit of hope in everyone’s heart. Playing the track Forgive and Forget (2014 Cavalier Youth) the band make sure the show is about the people and for the people. And to be fair that’s what you expect from a decent live rock experience.

Alongside many crowd pleasers such as Lived a Lie and Underdog, the five-piece presents a few offerings from their highly anticipated new album, Night People, out in the beginning of next year, the recent single Plus One and unheard previously song Swear. New tunes perfectly give away what these guys do best which is creating crushing guitars, intensifying drums and grand catchy choruses. YMAS incorporate an altered sound to new material but don’t lose their distinctive tone along the way.

The main set finishes off with a compelling acoustic version of the song Too Young to Feel This Old which is dedicated to the entire fan base with the words – “We only get one life. I want you to live it tonight.” – which are being carried away as the wave of beautiful singalongs echo throughout.

But of course the crowd won’t let the band go so easily. YMAS return for an encore meeting rising up cheers when the frontmans goes: “We’ve got not one… not two… and only because it’s London we’ve got three more songs!”

You Me At Six do not expose tight bond with the crowd and lose modesty or gratitude towards them, not even for a second throughout the entire performance. Franceschi thanks everyone again as the band hits the notes of Room To Breath. Whilst the next one, the last song of the evening, gets quite an introduction.

I don’t care if you’ve been listening to us for ten years or 20 minutes. And I know every band says that their next album is their best but it’s taken the longest for us to make this new record. It’s the best fucking album. We hope to be doing this for the next ten years. This right now is new fucking era!

You Me At Six say goodbye and play, saved for the grand finale, the single Night People.

And indeed, this and us tonight feel like a new fucking era.

Photos: Kasia Osowiecka