The “From All Sides” tour was a triumphant homecoming for Bastille, who turned The O2 Arena into a masterclass in indie-pop evolution. It was a show that paid careful homage to the band’s rich catalogue, delivering both the euphoric anthems that defined an era and the delicate, introspective deep cuts that prove their staying power.
Bradley Simpson took the stage first, injecting the venue with immediate energy and charisma. His solo material showcased an engaging stage presence and radio-ready melodies, successfully setting the tone by getting the early crowd on their feet and singing along.
Sofia Camara followed, bringing a soulful, contemporary close to the warm-up acts. Her performance was marked by a compelling vocal range and emotionally resonant pop songs, which drew the crowd in with their smooth, modern sensibility.
Frontman Dan Smith opened the set in an intimate, intentional way, starting with a stripped-back performance of “Things We Lost in the Fire,” allowing his unmistakable, pure voice to cut through the vast arena.
The band quickly expanded into their seven-piece live formation, shifting the energy dramatically with euphoric, sax-infused anthems like “Shut Off the Lights” and the explosive singalong of “Quarter Past Midnight.”
The setlist acted as a chronological journey, seamlessly weaving early hits like “Flaws” and a haunting, violin-backed segment of “Oblivion” with more recent, groove-heavy tracks.
A standout moment saw the stage transform into a neon-lit DJ booth for an Other People’s Heartache medley, showcasing the band’s versatility and turning the arena into a temporary club night.
Smith’s charmingly self-deprecating stage banter and quick-witted improvisation created a powerful sense of intimacy despite the massive scale of the venue.
The night concluded in a state of pure collective joy with the inevitable, yet still utterly spine-tingling, finale of “Pompeii.”
The show was more than a greatest-hits run; it was a heartfelt and dynamic affirmation that after 15 years, Bastille remains an essential and exhilarating live force.
Bradley Simpson photos:
Sofia Camara photos:
Bastille photos & set-list:
Set-list:
Things We Lost in the Fire
Shut Off the Lights
Good Grief
Quarter Past Midnight
Warmth
Flaws (with Myles Smith)
Oblivion (Followed by snippet of “Sleepsong”)
Blame
WHAT YOU GONNA DO???
No Bad Days
Hope for the Future (Followed by snippet of ‘World Gone Mad’)
Doom Days
Adagio for Strings / Bite Down / No Angels / Requiem for Blue Jeans / Don’t Let Go (Love) / bad_news / Weapon / Dreams / What Would You Do? (Other People’s Heartache Medley)
Of the Night
survivin’
Laura Palmer
Save My Soul (with Ruti)
Happier (Marshmello & Bastille song)
Two Evils
Glory (with snippets of “Bad Blood”, “The Anchor”, “Weight of Living, Pt. 1”, and “Another Place”)
Pompeii (with Myles Smith) (and Ruti, Bradley Simpson, and Sofia Camara)
Photos & words – Zoltán Szabó @mrzoltanphoto