“I don’t know how many people are here but it’s definitely more than 200,” starts Matty Healy during the first of two sold out shows at London’s O2 midway through a sold out UK arena tour. It sees The 1975 close out a year that’s been astronomical for the four kids from Manchester who write songs about, well, everything and sound like nobody else. It’s typical of The 1975 that they don’t know how many people are here tonight though, all that really matters is that people are here, listening. The band have never dealt in facts, only feelings. And there are a lot of those about tonight.
There are also a lot of people. There are definitely more than 200 and have been since the moment doors open. Fans have been queuing overnight but there’s no difference between them and the people who turn up just in time for the opening act. Everyone is a die hard. If you’re inside the venue, you’re as close to the stage as you can get for The Japanese House’ intricate melody. Gentle and heartfelt, it’s music for pin drops rather than rowdy masses but this isn’t your usual audience. There’s no fairweather tonight, as the whole room buys into the world of The 1975. And Amber Rain is one of us. Hanging around outside the venue half an hour before her set, letting the room into the fact the last time she was here, it was to see Dizzee Rascal and Lily Allen with her mum, and appreciating how a-typical tonight is, the band flick between light and dark and take the room with them on the journey. ‘Swim Against The Tide’ was made for headphones and darkened rooms but on the biggest of stages, it shines bright with a twinkling empowerment.
The 1975’ set starts eight minutes before they do, as the twitching pulse of ‘I Like It When You Sleep…’ opening track creeps out from the stage. Their second album may be an uncompromising wild ride and from the off, tonight is no different. None of the excess or quiet reflection is traded in for instant gratification as The 1975 show off every inch of themselves. Songs like ‘Love Me’, ‘Ugh!’ and ‘The Sound’ seem purpose built for tonight but there’s plenty else on offer. ‘Change of Heart’ swells with a frank charm, ‘Lostmyhead’ haunts the venue and ‘Paris’ celebrates the unity of everyone present. There are tears for ‘Medicine’, Matty asks for no phones for just one song, “I just want us all to be together now, not before or after. Let’s do one song where it’s just us and you lot. Not being grumpy or miserable but the memory of the next three minutes will be a lot more potent than a video on your phone,” and ‘If I Believe You’ almost feels like a religious experience.
The 1975 care about making a show, a show. It’s impressive to look at but the real power comes from immersion in it. Matty is a star, no doubt about it. Commanding, endearing and with the capacity to lead, he relishes the spotlight but he knows the band is bigger than himself. “Please welcome to the stage my favourite band, The 1975,” he starts. Later he pauses, wine glass in hand and dressed like he’s off to prom, as he tries to take in the venue. He talks to the front row without a microphone, but it just happens that those personal, intimate moments are caught on camera and shared with the masses. That’s just The 1975 though.
“I’ve not come here to talk about politics, I’ve come here to celebrate being a fucking legend,” he jokes before continuing, “It’s been an exhausting year to be a person, especially a young person. It’s very sad to see young, progressive voices of change drowned out by regressive voices. If we are the right,” he offers, stepping up to the platform given to them, “It’s ok to be pissed off but not patronising. We have to be compassionate and understanding.” That’s how The 1975 built their world. They celebrate the things that unite us and rally against all the rest. Tonight what unities everyone just happens to be their music and the band make sure every corner is covered. Set against a world intent on dividing, the band gives togetherness a voice. The 1975 are with you every step of the way and tonight sees everyone come together as one to champion having a voice. It just so happens to be one that’s worth singing about.