In partnership with Bowie Nights and the groundbreaking show, David Bowie: You’re Not Alone, Lightroom delivered on the first of King’s Cross Summer Sounds 2026 with a free open air concert showcasing some new live talent, headlined by the exhilarating The Molotovs.
It’s 5pm on the hottest day of the year (so far). Having successfully navigated 12 minutes on the tube, feeling like I’d done an hour in a sauna, I took in the David Bowie: You’re Not Alone multimedia exhibition at Lightroom, King’s Cross. Intimate, yet immersive, it features narration by Bowie in the form of interviews whilst visually, travelling through his one-of-a-kind journey from growing up in post-war Bromley to conquering the world. It’s electrifying seeing and hearing his archive concert footage on a scale like this and gives me goosebumps on multiple occasions. Ten years after his death, he is still revered, celebrated and influencing music and culture, in a way no single human being has managed too.
Former frontman of The Magic Gang, Jack Kaye performed tracks from his debut EP, Go Easy which is out now on Fascination Street Records. Alongside bassist Angus Taylor from the Gang, Kaye performed recent singles Dora and The Weight. Ending with an indie-style cover of one of the most influential songs of all time: Bowie classic Heroes. When this song came on in the You’re Not Alone exhibit, it brought a tear to my eye. A ubiquitous song, one that we all attach emotions, thoughts and feelings too and hearing Kaye sing it on a warm summer evening was the perfect end to his set. Having been at The Magic Gang’s last show at London’s Roundhouse two years ago, it’s great to see Jack Kaye back on stage with new music and look forward to seeing his solo career thrive.
Jack Kaye @ King's Cross Summer Sounds, London - 2026.08.13 - © Pauline Di Silvestro
North London alternative singer-songwriter and guitarist Ashaine White was up next and really announced herself to those in attendance. Let Me Down was a standout from her set, blending a Radiohead-style guitar melody, the song showcases her wonderful voice whilst musically, there’s a there’s a raw edge. Having already supported Nova Twins and had festival appearances at 2000Trees and SXSW Austin, White’s short set caught the eyes and ears of many passersby, with plenty stopping to see her performance. She gives an introduction to her bass player, producer & boyfriend Jamie, who then turns lead guitar, accompanying her on her selected Bowie Cover: Life On Mars. One of Bowie’s greatest songs, White tackles it with ease, pouring her soul into iconic vocal. Nominated for an Ivor Novello Rising Star award, Ashaine White currently has four EP’s, her latest Look What You Made Me Do from 2025 showcases her way of blending genre combining alternative grunge energy with soulful vocals and almost Jazz-like arrangements. She’s definitely one to watch for the future.
Ashaine White @ King's Cross Summer Sounds, London - 2026.08.13 - © Pauline Di Silvestro
You can really tell that The Molotovs have cut their teeth on the live music circuit. Despite siblings Mathew & Issey Cartlidge’s COMBINED age being less than 40, they’ve played over 600 shows around the world, from supporting iconic artists like The Libertines, Iggy Pop and the Sex Pistols to playing pop up guerilla gigs shutting down streets in Soho. They exude confidence, storming onto the stage, adorned in their distinguished mod style, ploughing full pelt into Johnny Don’t be Scared. Singer and guitarist Mathew demands the crowd get up off their comfy deckchairs, get down the front and get moving.
Daydreaming and Today’s Gonna Be Our Day follow with sections of the crowd singing along to every word whilst those who stumbled across the event get on their feet and sway to the punk rhythms.
In a big year for the band, following their debut album Wasted On Youth getting to number 3 on the Official Album Chart, behind Olivia Dean and Lily Allen, The Molotovs are about to embark on their biggest tour to date, culminating in two London headline shows at the 2,300-capacity O2 Forum Kentish Town, one of which is already sold out.
They perform a new song Down At The Cafe before fan favourite Rhythm Of Yourself. Issey moves around the stage with such purpose. Surveying the crowd and swinging her head back and forth whilst driving each song forward with pulsing basslines. From the ending of Newsflash Matt Cries “This one’s for Bowie” and without a pause, or missing a beat, the band fly into a blistering punk cover of Suffragette
City. A fantastic tribute to the Thin White Duke getting scores of people dancing and singing.
The Molotovs @ King's Cross Summer Sounds, London - 2026.08.13 - © Pauline Di Silvestro
They debut another new song Stories which follows the same anthemic formula that littered their first album. Mathew launching himself into the air, his impeccable suit is making me hot just watching him. His energy is infectious and combined with Noah Riley’s work behind the drums, the band send striking punk rhythms through North London. Ending with More, More, More, the band have blasted through thirteen songs in 45 minutes, ending the free concert on a high and formally opening King’s Cross Summer Sounds 2026.
Few artists have had a lasting impact on this world than David Bowie. A man who fell to earth; a Starman no less, who came and met us and truly blew our minds. In his memory, we continue to create, to be bold, to think to the future. With Jack Kaye, Ashaine White and The Molotovs tonight, the future of rock is bright and this free event in King’s Cross crucially making live exciting music accessible to all.
The Molotovs’ Upcoming UK & Ireland Tour Dates:
SEPTEMBER
3rd – Tamshed, Cardiff
4th – Palais, Nottingham
5th – Chalk, Brighton
10th – TV Studio, Glasgow
11th – Digital, Newcastle
12th – Foundry, Sheffield
17th – Beckett SU, Leeds
18th – Arts Club, Liverpool
19th – Academy 2, Manchester
24th – O2 Academy 2, Birmingham
25th – O2 Forum Kentish Town, London
26th – O2 Forum Kentish Town, London
OCTOBER
2nd – Ulster Sports Club, Belfast
3rd – The Grand Social, Dublin
Live review of The Molotovs @ King’s Cross Summer Sounds, London on 13th August 2026 by Chris Lambert / @chris___lambert. Photography by Pauline Di Silvestro.
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