Top 10 Gigs of 2023 (Adam)

Top 10 gigs of 2023 – selected by Adam Hampton Matthews, Photographer

1. Pulp – Hammersmith Apollo
Now, that’s what I call an encore! Pulp culminated their reunion UK tour off in style at the Hammersmith Apollo. Nothing came close to this show for me. An epic set of hits with not a single dull moment. The moment Jarvis appeared at the rear of the stage silhouetted against a giant moon will stay with me for some time. Only slight frustration was having to shoot from the back of the crowd, though this made for some interesting shots in the end!

2. Arctic Monkeys / The Hives – Emirates Stadium
Full of swagger and a setlist full of old and new. Photos from 1 of 3 nights at the Emirates Stadium in London this summer. One of the stand out shows from 2023 for sure and a Glasto ’23 headliner!

Little shoutout to The Hives for one of the best support slots I’ve seen ever. They also played a show at The Garage earlier the same week.

3. Gary Numan – Electric Ballroom
Gary Numan played his 998/999/1000th ever show at Electric Ballroom in Camden this year. I was fortunate enough to shoot the 999th show and he was on top form. Dark, broody and as iconic as ever!

4. The Streets – Alexandra Palace
This has to be the most chaotic and energetic first three songs I’ve ever experienced and I had to climb the barrier to try and keep up! Mike Skinner welcomed the crowd with opener Turn the Page by jumping into the crowd whilst drones above filmed and captured the moment. Wasn’t sure whether I had managed to capture the energy until I got home later that night. But I was pretty pleased with the shots in the end.

5. Razorlight – Hammersmith Apollo

A favourite of mine from my days at school as one of the indie kids. Razorlight didn’t disappoint and was surprising how many of the songs lyrics I could remember on the night. It’s like their music is engraved into my youth. An epic set and a performance to suit! Proving they still have that Golden Touch. Was super chuffed to capture this moment.

6. Rick Astley – Electric Ballroom
Ahead of two nights at the Royal Albert Hall, Rick Astley played a wonderful and intimate warm up show at the Electric Ballroom in Camden. The crowd were treated to new tracks off his recent album and the obvious hits, including the one you’re probably thinking of. Such a polished performer and a really enjoyable night out.

7. Self Esteem – Hammersmith Apollo
Was lucky to catch Self Esteem’s final London show this year at Hammersmith Apollo. One of my favourite shows and performances of the year and an absolute pleasure to shoot. Self Esteem has since been on London’s West End performing in Cabaret opposite Scissor Sister’s Jake Shears!

8. The National – Alexandra Palace
My most listened to artist of 2023 and probably one of my favourite bands of all time. So they had to make the top 10! The National played two consecutive nights at Ally Pally this autumn. For those who went to both nights, two completely different setlists were performed in full across a 2+ hour show! No mean feat! It’s been a busy year for The National who also released two albums in 2023 – First Two Pages of Frankenstein and Laugh Track. A tricky show to shoot with challenging lighting but a fascinating front man in Matt Berninger made this one a belter!

9. Muse – MK Dons Bowl
Muse definitely delivered the heat on probably the hottest day of the summer in 2023 with a blisteringly good set. The show delivered everything you would expect from Muse – pyro, epic backdrops, a runway and anthemic choruses! Only slight frustration was photographers were penned into one side of the stage and not allowed to shoot down the runway. An opportunity missed for sure! Support came from Royal Blood and The Warning.

10. Shame – Troxy
A band that have really catapulted into the limelight this year including a memorable Glasto performance which involved lead singer, Charlie Steen, performing in golden spandex. Each to their own! Earlier this year in April, Shame played a headline show at Troxy in London. It was energetic, sweaty, and everything a post-punk band should be! A band I’ll definitely be following more closely going forward.