Live Review: Bob Vylan – Viva La Vylan Tour 2023 – O2 Forum Kentish Town, London

Bob Vylan are on the frontline when it comes to bands who are outspoken and pushing to make the world a better place, so to review their show like any other show would be a disservice. Yes, all the trimmings of a normal show were on display, with the peek-a-boo encore, the pyrotechnics, and big old mosh pits. And yes, the band were at the top of their game performance wise, really bringing to life their tracks (some of which feel frankly dull on their recordings in comparison). But more importantly than all of that, every word that was said by the band over the set had meaning that will undoubtedly last longer than the hour and a half set.

Whether it be moments like the inclusive pit for their latest single ‘He’s A Man’ (where vocalist Bobby, told the men to “Fuck off” to the back), or the speech before ‘Pretty Song’ calling out Sleaford Mods and IDLES (Unnamed at the London show) for portraying themselves as left wing punks, but not bringing up or talking about the current events surrounding Palestinians, and BLM. Every opportunity was taken to talk about the injustices that need to be fixed in the world.

The set also provided some humbling moments, seeing Bobby introduce his daughter to the stage, and reminded the audience that everything they’ve done has been off their own back, self published, and it’s thanks to friends and family supporting them that they have been able to make it to stages the size of Kentish Town’s.

Of course there was more to love than just the two Bobbies on this tour, with support from Kid Bookie and Panic Shack, the latter showing their raw but incredibly catchy hooks, and the former breaking down the established walls of genre, providing a high octane release of Rap and Metal.

With this tour Bob Vylan are proving that they are not just a band, they are a movement. They are not afraid to speak their mind, challenge the status quo, and inspire their fans to do the same, but that doesn’t come at the cost of their musical spectacle. Pulling of a well executed live show that’ll have left fans eager for the next time the duo roll into town.