Bradley Simpson, Pryzm Kingston, 28/02/25

By Felicity Bearfoot-Fallon

Photo provided by Chuffmedia

On the day of his first solo album release, Bradley Simpson headed to Banquet Records, Kingston, for a signing and a live acoustic performance of his latest music.

The front man of popular British band 'The Vamps' has been embarking on a new adventure, writing his first solo album over the past couple of years which finally released 28th February - titled ‘The Panic Years’. Kingston being one of the first stops of his mini tour, he opened his acoustic set with fan favourite ‘Daisies’. This track is one much beloved by many of his followers, as Simpson began performing it live last year during his previous solo tour. Instructing the crowd to sing the adlibs, the packed-out audience was more than happy to oblige.

Continuing with tracks such as ‘Cry at the Moon’ and ‘Getting Clear’, which fans had already memorised, Bradley continued to perform his latest work in front of this intimate crowd, whom sang back every word. Before the artist could finish his sentence about how he had been signing albums during the day, the audience started to chant one of his tracks ‘Carpet Burn’, hoping he would cave and perform the much-lauded song. The whole venue was ecstatic, so loud in fact it became increasingly harder to hear the artist himself!

The namesake of the album, ‘The Panic Years’, and ‘Not Us Anymore’, were next on the set, with Simpson explaining how he wanted a title track to share the name of the album with. As fans got the opportunity to hear these songs live for the very first time, they were completely enraptured by the performance.

Finishing on one of his first solo singles ‘Picasso’, it was clear the audience didn’t want the gig to end, as their cheers, screams, and applause echoed throughout the space.

Simpson is heading out on tour in May of this year to perform the full 12 track album live for audiences around the UK, Ireland and Australia.

‘The Panic Years’ is out now on streaming platforms, and from what was witnessed during the intimate, acoustic set on Friday night, it is clear that Bradley has created something that will be adored for years to come.