Full of bite and power, Palaye Royale stormed into O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire with a rock-blasting performance.

Sporting their signature rock ‘n’ roll glam and snazzy attire, Palaye Royale have become masters of theatrics. Accompanied by the Soldiers of the Royal Council (their dedicated fan base), they have quickly gained momentum, yet “The Bastards” era sets the bar even higher. With the strong sense of community and impressive concept of aesthetics, they have turned the fashion-art rock into a movement.

Bringing the heat from the get-go, the band keeps everyone on the edge of their seat throughout the whole set. With a giant glowing sign ‘The Bastards’ adorning the stage, the anticipation and excitement in the room is palpable. Sure to set hearts racing and feet pounding, the Palaye Royale spectacle is about to begin.

Diving headfirst into Fucking With My Head and You’ll Be Fine, the adrenaline-charged rush of electrifying guitar riffs and rolling rhythms sends the crowd into a frenzy. Oozing magnetic charm and charisma, the band balances the set between old school Palaye Royale tracks and their new material. Teenage Heartbreak Queen and Dying In A Hot Tub bring massive choruses and soaring melodies to the forefront, whilst Ma Chérie sees vocalist Remington Leith take a stroll down the room to perform the emotional song with the audience. Surely, one of the highlights of the night.

With a touch of danger and madness, a Palaye Royale show is an unpredictable adventure, filled with erratic on-stage antics and incredible crowd participation. However, even in the middle of that chaos, the security of their fans comes first. Alert and mindful at all times, the band pauses the show twice due to some disturbance among the crowd, always looking out for their own.

It’s a roller coaster of emotions from now on. Watching confetti cannons go off during the raucous How Do You Do?, it rounds off the main set before the band returns for the grand finale. “The best fucking crowd I have ever played for!”, Remington expresses, and one can’t argue with that. The band delivers their all, spinning the hits Mr. Doctor Man and Get Higher. The latter couldn’t be more fitting as we find the frontman courageously climb the balcony of the tiered theatre.

An awe-inspiring, wild ride jam-packed with youthful angst and thrill, a Palaye Royale experience is one for the body and soul. The Bastards live format is a testament to everything Palaye Royale stand for; not only does it cement their impeccable musicianship, mind-blowing showmanship, or heart-warming companionship, but it also reminds us why live music brings such damn good fun.

Photos: Kasia Osowiecka