Channelling Scandinavian charm and a flair for the theatrical, Royal Republic turned Rock City into a Valentine’s dancefloor on their long-awaited return to English shores.

Words & photos by Sabrina Ramdoyal (sabrinaramdoyal)| March 15, 2026

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On Valentine’s Day, Nottingham’s bustling streets were filled with activity as the Scandinavian love cops prepared for their return to the English shores. With more than 15 years of experience, Royal Republic had long been a well-guarded secret within the rock community. The Swedish ensemble artfully combined elements of hard rock, alternative pop, and disco to create an engaging and elusive sound that defied easy categorisation. At the esteemed Rock City venue, an atmosphere of affection prevailed as Royal Republic reaffirmed their reputation as one of the most exhilarating bands—effortlessly showcasing their style, charm, and some of the finest rock compositions outside of Stockholm.

Lead vocalist and guitarist Adam Grahn was not merely the frontman but an authentic entertainer. He engaged with the audience, encouraging applause, dancing, and singing along through lively gestures and expressions. Despite their serious musical approach, the band maintained a playful atmosphere. They commenced their performance with selections such as “My House,” “LoveCop,” and “Getting Along,” delivering eagerness that encapsulated the spirit of their Swedish compatriots. The band seamlessly transitioned to the bouncing “Stop Movin’,” which was temporarily subdued by a swift drum solo from Per Andreasson, aligning perfectly with their signature punchy style. The surprise elements persisted with a barbershop-style acoustic rendition of “Boomerang,” demonstrating the band members’ talents as vocalists and musicians.

What distinguished the band was their vibrant pop-rock sound—a sophisticated fusion of sharp, rock-inspired riffs, melodic vocal harmonies, and danceable rhythms. Few bands could navigate so deftly between robust rock and acoustic pop. A notable moment for the Nottingham audience was their covers from the recent EP titled ‘The Blastbeaters,’ a project characterised by a satirical black-metal persona that evolved into a disco homage. Their high-energy, guitar-driven renditions of the Bee Gees’ “Stayin’ Alive” and Shocking Blue’s (or the 1980’s Bananarama) “Venus” electrified the venue. It demanded courage to reinterpret disco standards without falsetto and to incorporate distorted guitars, yet Royal Republic executed these challenges with excellence.

During “Ain’t Got Time,” Grahn engaged with fans, prompting one individual to join the performance on the cowbell. Although this appeared spontaneous, it was part of a well-planned event. The concert concluded with “Lazerlove” and a cover of Metallica’s “Battery,” ending with an energetic “RATA-TATA.” Grahn expressed gratitude, stating, “You did not disappoint us,” as they exited the stage, clearly having garnered widespread respect and admiration for the Swedish collective. Love was certainly in the air!