“There’s still something so incredibly special about watching an entire room illuminate itself, rather than sole reliance on the production” - The Maine - London - Gig Review - By The Fans Magazine

Words & Review: Grace Wearn

Photography Credit: Grace Wearn

On a mild and distinctively-not-mid-October, Friday evening in London, fans were treated to a spectacle of electrifying American pop-rock as Grayscale and The Maine both took the stage, throughout the evening.

I’ve been fortunate enough to catch both bands live a few times before today; having seen Grayscale in Bristol and London supporting The Band Camino on their 2023 Tour and The Maine supporting All Time Low on both tour dates at Brixton, London in 2021.

One thing that is really prominent within The Maine’ fanbase is how dedicated and incredibly creative their community is. The 8123 community truly wears it’s love for the band on it’s sleeves, whether that’s through own-custom-designed jackets, expressive fashion and makeup or even travelling from another country specifically to see the show.

Grayscale were up first on the bill with soaring vocals and accompanying ensemble of harmonic percussion. Frontman Collin spoke about how London is one of their favourite cities, I’d assume for both performing shows but also experiencing the London culture in its full form. The set also brought fan interaction, including a snippet of self-deprecating humour with the quote “this is an old one - I’m sick of playing it”.

And then came The Maine.

If you’ve been fortunate enough to catch The Maine live, you’ll know that their shows seem to just oozes a radiant, wholesome energy. There’s an undeniable feeling between the band and London for the band; it almost feels like a second home to them after so many years of them returning to play here.

With a career spanning almost two decades, choices within the setlist must not be a walk in the park. However, somehow they managed to create a set that felt like an intertwine and celebration of their journey so far but also bringing together songs including fan favourites.

Their connection was pretty evident when John ventured from the stage into the crowd, with the intention of asking a fan to sign the opening lyrics to the next song based off the backing provided by the remaining band on stage - Kennedy, Jared, Garrett and Pat.

When they found a fan who was willing after a few “nooo” almost too shy attempts from other fans, she agreed with no hesitation. The sheer passion and dedication in her voice was impossible to not grasp. Genuinely heart-warming.

‘Taxi’ is one of my personal favourite songs from their discography; so hearing it live was already super special. Their frontman - John, as the introduction was being played, asked everyone to raise their phone lights - or even lighters - as the house lights dimmed, the room transformed and it was stunning.

For me, there’s still something so incredibly special about watching an entire room illuminate itself through hundreds of tiny lights, rather than sole reliance on the production of the stage. Seeing the crowd purely glow around me during one of my favourite songs of theirs, genuinely did give me goosebumps and albeit slightly emotional.

‘You’ll never be lonely’ ~ I feel is also an interpretation of a nod to their amazing 8123 community.

And then came an unexpected particularly personal moment for me.

Their album ‘American Candy’ soundtracked my college years, becoming part of the education years I actually loved.

So, I was elated that London was treated to ‘English Girls’. Knowing that isn’t always a recurring setlist choice, but is often featured when they play a show in London - made it that bit extra special.

The whole set was just full of incredible talent, nostalgia, joy and most-importantly; community. The Maine have built and developed foundations that grow way beyond just music itself, and watching that connection blossom - between the band and their community unfold at the beautiful Roundhouse in a room full of people? Heartwarming.

Long live The Maine.

Long live 8123.