Bradley Simpson Delivers A Nearly-Hometown Triumph Filled With Charm, Emotion, And Anthemic Moments

by | Mar 4, 2025

Bradley Simpson returned to the stage at Coventry’s HMV Empire, delivering an electrifying and intimate set that felt like a homecoming before his full tour kicks off in May. While not quite Birmingham, Coventry is close enough to count as a near-hometown show, and you could feel the warmth and excitement from both Simpson and the crowd throughout the night.

Bradley Simpson @ HMV Empire, Coventry

Bradley Simpson @ HMV Empire, Coventry (Josh Tanner)
Bradley Simpson @ HMV Empire, Coventry (Josh Tanner)

From the moment he walked on stage, there was an effortless charisma about him—something that has drawn comparisons to Harry Styles. It’s not just in the vocals, which glide smoothly from tender falsettos to commanding rock-infused belts, but in the way he carries himself: playful, engaging, and completely in control of the stage. His banter with the crowd was a highlight, filled with cheeky remarks and back-and-forth moments that made the night feel truly special.

The 29-year-old opened with Daisies, a stunning track that immediately pulled the audience into his world. It was a delicate yet confident start, allowing his storytelling to take center stage before he picked up the pace with Cry at the Moon—a song that felt like it was meant to be screamed back by an audience. The energy in the room was undeniable, building with each track.

Bradley Simpson @ HMV Empire, Coventry

Bradley Simpson @ HMV Empire, Coventry (Josh Tanner)
Bradley Simpson @ HMV Empire, Coventry (Josh Tanner)

One of the most emotionally charged moments of the set came with Getting Clear, a song that showcased his raw, introspective lyricism. It was impossible not to be drawn in as he delivered each line with conviction, letting every word hit home. That vulnerability quickly gave way to the grittier Carpet Burn, which had a real edge—gritty, anthemic, and impossible to ignore.

The night flowed effortlessly, with Simpson switching between deeply personal moments and pure, unfiltered fun. Not Us Anymore and The Panic Years felt like instant classics, offering nostalgia and reflection in equal measure, while Favourite Band was a joyous singalong that had the whole room involved. His ability to balance stadium-sized hooks with intimate storytelling is what makes him such an engaging performer.

As the night drew to a close, The Band Is Not Breaking Up carried a bittersweet undertone—a reminder that while this is a solo venture, his journey with The Vamps remains ever-present. And with Picasso, he ended on a high, leaving the stage to roaring applause and the kind of atmosphere that suggests this is only the beginning of an incredible new chapter.

Bradley Simpson isn’t just stepping out on his own—he’s carving out something truly special. With the charm of a seasoned frontman, a sound that bridges indie-rock intimacy with pop-star energy, and an effortless connection with his audience, this show proved that his solo career is one to watch. If this was the warm-up, his tour in May is going to be unmissable.

Bradley Simpson @ HMV Empire, Coventry

Bradley Simpson @ HMV Empire, Coventry (Josh Tanner)
Bradley Simpson @ HMV Empire, Coventry (Josh Tanner)

Live review of Bradley Simpson at the HMV Empire, Coventry on 2nd March 2025 by Nick Allan. Photography by Josh Tanner.

Beth Hart Live At Warwick Arts Centre – A Night Of Raw Emotion And Fiery Soul

Sting @ Latitude Festival 2025 (Kalpesh Patel)

Latitude Festival 2025 Day One: Sting Shines, Basement Jaxx Bring The Heat & Rising Stars Steal The Spotlight

Friday at Latitude Festival 2025 launched three days of genre-crossing celebration with an eclectic, emotionally rich...
Good Charlotte (Jen Rosenstein)

Good Charlotte Unveil Empowering New Single ‘Stepper’ Ahead Of Eighth Album ‘Motel Du Cap’

Genre-blurring pop-punk icons Good Charlotte continue their triumphant return with the release of the official video for latest single Stepper. Marking another taste of their highly anticipated eighth studio album Motel Du Cap, due out on 8th August, the track is an infectious anthem of perseverance, underscored by the band’s signature mix of honest lyricism, swaggering hooks, and high-octane rock energy.

Dylan Gossett (Tanner Johnson)

Dylan Gossett Rides ‘Westward’ With Self-Produced Debut Album

Emerging as one of country music’s most compelling breakout artists, Dylan Gossett has officially released his long-awaited debut album Westward, a bold 17-track journey that showcases the Texas native’s deeply personal storytelling, genre-blurring style, and self-made ethos. Released via Big Loud Texas/Mercury Records, Westward marks a significant milestone for the multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer—who wrote and self-produced the entire album.

Hannah McFarland (Chris Ashlee)

Hannah McFarland Joins Riley Green’s UK Tour This September Following Breakout Year And Acclaimed EP ‘Broken Hearts’

Fast-rising Alabama-born country artist Hannah McFarland is set to make her UK live debut this September as the official support act for Riley Green’s UK and Ireland tour. The announcement marks a milestone moment for the Broken Hearts singer-songwriter, who has spent 2025 building unstoppable momentum with her emotionally candid music and compelling live performances.

Idlewild (Euan Robertson)

Idlewild Announce Self-Titled Album & Share Stirring New Single ‘It’s Not The First Time’

Scottish alternative rock stalwarts Idlewild have followed up the announcement of their first album in six years with...
Tim Wheeler of Ash @ Wembley Arena (Kalpesh Patel)

Ash Announce Ninth Studio Album ‘Ad Astra’ Alongside New Single ‘Give Me Back My World’

Northern Ireland’s enduring power-pop trio Ash have announced their hotly anticipated ninth studio album, Ad Astra,...
Madi Diaz (Allister Ann)

Madi Diaz Announces Haunting New Album ‘Fatal Optimist’, Shares Raw Lead Single ‘Feel Something’

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Madi Diaz has announced her much-anticipated new album, Fatal Optimist, set for release on...
For Those I Love (Hugh Quberzk)

For Those I Love Announces Second Album ‘Carving The Stone’, Shares Ferocious New Single ‘Mirror’

Dublin-based poet, producer, and musical agitator David Balfe — better known as For Those I Love — is charging back into the spotlight with the announcement of his much-anticipated second album Carving The Stone, set for release on 8th August via September Recordings.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This

Share Thing