Rise Against’s performance last week at the O2 Academy Brixton will surely be remembered as a highlight in the venue’s history, cementing Rise Against’s reputation as a live force to be reckoned with.

Words & Images by Josephine Best (@josephinexbest) | Feb 13, 2025

---

Last Thursday, I attended a show at the legendary O2 Academy Brixton, marking my first visit since its reopening last year. The anticipation was palpable as fans queued around the venue, spilling out onto the block. The evening was a testament to music’s power as a unifying force, with fans passionately embracing the political and social messages woven throughout the performances.

California punks, Spiritual Cramp kicked off the night with an incredible high-energy performance, setting the tone with tracks like ‘Blowback’ and fan favourite ‘Talking On The Internet.’ A standout moment was of course Jose-Luna Gonzalez’s vigorous tambourine playing, which left a lasting impression on the audience. Their defiant stage presence, particularly that of frontman Michael Bingham’s fiery declarations of “FUCK THE US GOVERNMENT AND FUCK THE UK GOVERNMENT”. The crowd was suitably ignited with rage, perfectly warmed up for what was yet to come…

A personal favourite of mine, L.S. Dunes, followed suit. Only days after the release of their second full-length album, the seasoned veteran musicians delivered a dynamic set that balanced their signature melodic rock sound with explosive energy. Anthony (originally of Saosin and Circa Survive) ran around the stage with ferocity, accompanied by legends like Frank Iero of My Chemical Romance, Tucker Rule and Tim Payne of the band Thursday and Travis Stever of Coheed and Cambria. Their set was a perfect mix of new songs from their 2-day-old release ‘Violet’ and old-time favorites such as ‘Permanent Rebellion’, which had the crowd in a frenzy from the first note.

With anticipation at its peak, Rise Against took the stage, launching into “Satellite” with frontman Tim McIlrath’s vocals as raw and passionate as ever. Bringing out a megaphone to chant the chorus, a fiery passion and sense of community was lit within the audience. Their anti-establishment political agenda kept the crowd enthralled with their energetic performance, reaffirming their status as a powerhouse in the punk rock scene.

My personal standout moment and turning point of the night was Tim McIlrath’s impassioned speech leading into ‘State Of The Union.’ He declared, “There are no more adults in the White House… there are only total fucking lunatics. It’s not unique to America, and it can spread worldwide like a cancer if we don’t keep an eye on it.” This powerful statement was met with a thunderous roar and applause as the band launched into the song, with the crowd joining in to scream the politically charged and poignant lyrics. This moment brought everyone in the venue together in a rage-fueled catharsis.

Another highlight came when the band transitioned into an acoustic interlude with ‘Swing Life Away’ transforming the rowdy venue into a sea of swaying phone lights. This contrast between their aggressive punk sound and these more intimate moments showcased the band’s range and ability to create an emotional connection with their fans.

Closing out the night with a thunderous performance of “Savior,” Rise Against left the stage to deafening cheers, proving once again why they remain a must-see live act. This performance at O2 Academy Brixton will surely be remembered as a highlight in the venue’s history, cementing Rise Against’s reputation as a live force to be reckoned with.