BUSH take on Wembley Arena
The British rock band supported Volbeat on the ‘Greatest Of All Tours’.
Photo: Thomas Rabsch
BUSH strongly reminded us they are still a force to be reckoned with as a stalwart of alternative rock. OVO Arena Wembley played host to their final leg of tour on a bill with Witch Fever and headliners Volbeat to a galvanic crowd. Energy around the arena was loud, with a lot of buzz from England playing against Serbia just next door, creating an energetic atmosphere that translated brilliantly into the rock show.
BUSH provided a refreshing set, diving throughout their discovery, opening with Everything Zen, a hard-hitting opener and a perfect way to set the tone for the set. The energy and atmosphere throughout the set never wavered, and lead singer Gavin Rossdale looked like he ran a mile on stage with constant movement and showmanship, owning the extended stage with a catwalk and a diamond platform, putting them into the heart of the standing crowd.
The set played out, including a creative cover of The Beatles’ Come Together, allowing the crowd to have a sing-along. They played a plethora of songs from their newest album, I Beat Loneliness, including the title track itself. Gavin then took the stage solo to perform a very poignant rendition of Swallowed, dedicating it to his deceased Mum and Dad, who stated they would have been proud to see them play at Wembley. Growing up in North London himself, this would be a homecoming show. Gavin’s powerful vocals were mesmerising in this performance, and it really helped display the emotional impact of the song.
The band highlighted the importance of their sound technicians, always an under-appreciated role within shows, with the impact they have to make to ensure the band and the show are the best they can be. BUSH brought out their music techs to an ovation from the crowd, as deserved.
BUSH closed their set with Flowers On The Grave from their 2020 album Kingdom. A perfect way to end the set, with Gavin going into the crowd and over the barriers to be with the people. Completing a lap with the crowd, including using time to stop and get those surrounding him jumping, creating mini pits as he went along. This performance was just a teaser of what could come with a BUSH show. I can not wait for them to have a headline tour again, as they have confirmed that, even after 33 years of touring, they are still fresh and ready to roll with the punches.
Setlist:
Everything Zen
Bullet Holes
The Land of Milk and Honey
Come Together
Identity
I Am Here to Save Your Life
More Than Machines
Swallowed
I Beat Loneliness
Flowers on a Grave