Only The Poets returns home for three unique shows - By The Fans Exclusive

Words: Eline Josephine

Photo Credit: Tessa Van Eijkelenburg

On August 30, 2025, Only The Poets played three unique shows in their hometown Reading – the place where they first started out as a band. The concerts were held in promotion of their new album “AND I’D DO IT AGAIN”, which will be released on January 30, 2026. Reading wasn’t the only city where they performed. They also played special shows in Berlin, Amsterdam, and Banbury – even doing multiple gigs per location to make sure as many fans as possible could attend.

Their first show took place at the Madejski Stadium, home ground of Reading FC. Just before the football match began, they delivered an amazing 7-song set that was open to everyone – the perfect entertainment to kick off the game.

The show was a huge success! The band was full of energy and played incredibly well, immediately getting the whole crowd involved. Everyone was singing, jumping, clapping, and cheering along – it truly felt like a party. The audience was very diverse, which made the atmosphere even more special. One touching moment was seeing a young boy at the side of the stage enjoying every song, while his family beamed with pride and excitement. Toward the end of the set, the band performed two songs from their upcoming album. Next to the stage, two banners were displayed with QR codes so fans could pre-order the album before its release.

After the performance, fans got the chance to meet the band members. There was a big crowd around them, with people wanting to chat, take photos, or hand over small gifts. Many had even traveled from across Europe just to see the band in Reading.

The evening promised to be extra special, as the band returned to The Purple Turtle – a venue that holds a special place in their hearts. It’s one of the first places they ever performed together, and playing there again felt like stepping back in time to where it all began.

That night, the pub quickly filled up with both dedicated fans and locals looking for a fun evening out. About fifteen minutes before the second show started, the venue was completely packed. The atmosphere was electric, and as soon as the band walked on stage, the crowd gave them a big applause. During both evening shows, the band gave it their all, pouring endless energy into their performance. The intimate setting made the shows feel even more powerful, and the audience could feel every bit of that energy. The crowd ended with a big round of applause, full of admiration for the band.

Soon after these shows, the band came with big news: they announced that they will be headlining a show at the O2 Academy Brixton on February 2, 2026 – for just £1! They made this decision as a protest against the ever-rising cost of concert tickets, stating that live music should be accessible for everyone, and that it’s outrageous

that so many people have to work countless hours just to afford a single ticket to see their favorite artist.

In addition, the band will support The LIVE Trust foundation, which promotes access to live music by supporting community venues and festivals. For every ticket sold, they will donate an extra £1 directly to the foundation. Presale for this unique show starts on September 11, with general sale following on September 12.