Gig Review: Welcome to Suede World – we’ve been expecting you

Walking into the Hive on Tuesday evening was quite different to my usual trip to grab a soya latte. Instead of coffee, I had an ice-cold beer, and instead of university work, I was browsing through merchandise for the latest LCR headliners – Suede -  bringing with them what front man Brett Anderson dubbed, ‘Suede World.’ 

But what is Suede World, you ask?  

For me, Suede World is the beautiful ambiance reflected from the band as they possess the stage. With Anderson’s powerful vocals, Mat Osman’s awesome guitar work, and Simon Gilbert’s abrasive yet balanced drums, the band owned the stage and audience alike.  

Formed in 1989 and emerging alongside the rise of Britpop in 1994, their success saw them become part of the ‘big four,’ next to Pulp, Oasis and Blur. Although, the band have since distanced themselves from this era of British music, songs such as Trash and Beautiful Ones still ring true with the wonderfully British Pop music sound of 1990s indie rock. 

In 2026, Suede are still thriving. Their phenomenally energetic performance radiated into the crowd, as Anderson jumped around the stage. Standing high above the troves of people with his arms wide, like a preacher above his congregation, his beautiful bellows reached notes perfectly, sounding just like the tracks you listen to through your headphones.  

But my favourite part? When Brett decided to walk around the stage, admiring his fans, as he swung the microphone around his neck like a lasso.  

The setlist was sprinkled with tunes past and present, including classics like Trash and Young Ones, while celebrating their newer songs like June Rain and Trance State. Anderson dedicated New Generation to the band’s younger fans in a touching tribute, and serenaded the crowd with a beautiful piano rendition of The Power.  As the microphone lowered, only Anderson’s voice rang out throughout the LCR. Without the aid of the microphone, his voice sounded even more wonderful than earlier in the night. 

The night celebrated the unity of music, of love, and of a brilliant venue.  

As an avid music listener, indie lover, and live music fanatic - I would highly suggest you see Suede World, if ever given the chance. 

And if you enjoyed this drabble of my indie music musings, you can catch my show on Livewire – the Indie Index with Kizz.

See you there!