Ashnikko takes on O2 Academy Brixton with a chaotic, unforgettable show
The musician brought their latest album ‘Smoochies’ to London for two nights.
Photo: Billie Wheeler
Alt-pop trailblazer Ashnikko is renowned for their eclectic personality and boundary-pushing fashion and has risen to mainstream attention with viral hits such as Slumber Party and STUPID, both of which exploded on TikTok in 2021 and 2022. Their relentless creative project that they are known for giving their all to came to a head with the release of their latest album, Smoochies, in the latter part of last year, an era that has once again dominated the alt-pop work with its punchy vocals and iconic lyrics.
To celebrate Smoochies, Ashnikko launched a world tour in early 2026, quickly becoming one of the most talked-about live shows of the year so far. Their London fans were treated to an absolutely unforgettable and energetic two-night run at O2 Academy Brixton.
Dominating a renowned venue as a solo artist can be daunting, but Ashnikko made it look absolutely effortless. With the help of their two backup dancers, they used the stage space perfectly with fun backdrops and props and punchy choreography, delivering a performance that was as visually fantastic as it was high-energy.
Supported by rising pop artist Amelia Moore, Ashnikko wasted no time diving into the action, serving iconic looks and explosive energy that their fans had been waiting for all night.
The show kicked off with Sticky Fingers, a fan-favourite from Smoochies that played a major role in the album’s unsurprising virality, and the crowd erupted in screams instantly. For the opening stretch, Ashnikko leaned heavily into the new era, tearing through tracks such as Microplastics, Lip Smacker, Smoochie Girl, Chichinya and everything in between. It was a smart move, allowing the new material to shine before saving the fan favourites for later in the set.
The performance then shifted into tracks from their 2023 album WEEDKILLER, including You Make Me Sick!, before launching headfirst into STUPID, and the reaction was near instant chaos, from the pit all the way up to the nosebleeds. One of the night’s most memorable moments followed: a full Halloweenie mash-up, celebrating a series of tracks that have grown into cult favourites among all the day one fans.
From there, the setlist continued to blend songs from both WEEDKILLER and Smoochies, maintaining a relentless momentum and never daring to allow the energy to dip. Ashnikko’s existence remained chaotically magnetic throughout; their stage presence is certainly one for the ages, and their chemistry with the crowd was undeniable, frequently encouraging sing-alongs, screams and death drops that made the entire venue feel alive.
As the night drew to a close, the final two tracks arrived: Slumber Party and Daisy. These were the songs that originally catapulted Ashnikko into stardom, and the audience treated them as such. The crowd screamed every lyric at the top of their lungs, giving every ounce of energy they had left before the vibes softened and Ashnikko bid their farewells.
Cramming such an expansive discography into your typically pretty tight runtime is no easy feat, yet Ashnikko managed just that with such tenacity and depth. Their ability to make live performances feel immersive, chaotic and beautifully cathartic remains unmatched.
From vivid lighting choices to playful visual cues that matched Ashnikko’s stunning aesthetic, every detail felt completely intentional. That commitment to theatricality is what made both nights at Brixton feel special, inclusive and utterly unforgettable for every single fan in the room.
All photos by Billie Wheeler.
