EMF, Jesus Jones, and Bis Revive Britpop Energy at O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire
The O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire in West London was the stage for a night of ’90s British music legends with EMF, Jesus Jones, and Bis proving they still have plenty of energy to give. The evening was filled with special guests and an enthusiastic audience, setting the scene for an unforgettable night of live music.
Bis started the show with their high-energy indie pop vibe, kicking things off with Action And Drama, setting the tone for a lively performance. Lucky Night from their latest album Music For Animations was a catchy hit, followed by the danceable Kiss And Tell, which had the crowd moving along. Stress was a fan favorite, and Kandy Pop turned the venue into a nostalgic dance floor. Even the heartbreak in Sound Of A Heartbreak was delivered in a fun, upbeat way. They closed their set with Eurodisco, thanking the audience for their support.
Jesus Jones took the stage next, more than thirty years after their initial success in the indie-dance scene. They opened with Move Mountains, showcasing their distinctive sound and charisma. Zeroes And Ones and Never Enough resonated with the crowd, with the band’s keyboardist, Iain Baker, delivering an intense performance. New songs like Animal Instinct blended seamlessly with their classic hits, while tracks from the Doubt era transported listeners back to 1991. Where Are All The Dreams and The Devil You Know showcased the band’s versatility, and the set ended with their iconic track Right Here, Right Now, receiving a thunderous applause.
EMF, now performing as a four-piece due to Derry Brownson’s absence, took the stage with a burst of energy, eliciting cheers from the audience. The Empire rocked to hits like The Day The Music Died and Lies, showcasing the band’s enduring appeal. A rave medley led by Aid Todd kept the energy high, with the audience dancing along. Children was dedicated to Derry, followed by a surprising appearance by Utah Saints for a lively rendition of Unbelievable. The night continued with a cover of I’m A Believer and a chaotic performance of LGBTQ+ with Bis and Ecce Shnak. The evening concluded with an encore featuring the Cinderford Town Crier and a lively performance of Ecstasy Motherfuckers, bringing the night to a joyous end.
The concert at O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire was a testament to the enduring popularity and vibrant energy of ’90s British music. EMF, Jesus Jones, and Bis delivered memorable performances, captivating the audience and reminding them of the joy of live music. The night was a celebration of British pop in all its quirky, warm, and wonderful forms.