Live Review: White Lies - O2 Academy, Manchester 05/12/2019

This year marks ten years since the release of White Lies debut album ‘To Lose My Life’, the band have been celebrating by playing the album in full at select anniversary shows around Europe. Stopping off in Manchester, followed by two shows at Brixton Academy, White Lies showed us exactly what this decade has meant for them. 

Having been a White Lies fan since the early days, seeing their debut album played in full was no doubt going to be nostalgic, emotional and nothing short of exciting. This show came around quicker than I could ever prepare myself for, but the feelings were real. 

Support came from Boniface, who are becoming a regular opening act for White Lies shows. We last caught them when White Lies played at the Albert Hall back in February, and it’s fair to say they’ve come a very long way in this short space of time. Bringing their 80’s indie-pop vibes to Manchester Academy, the crowd were set up for the evening ahead.

Coming out to the M83 remix version of ‘Nothing To Give’, White Lies kicked off their set with ‘Death’, which might just be one of the best album openers of the decade. What came next was 45 minutes of pure nostalgic brilliance. ‘To Lose My Life’ is without a doubt one of my all-time favourite albums and for many others in the room this was also the case. With emotions running high, fans were cheering and passionately singing back the lyrics creating a beautiful moment.

The rest of the show comprised of a career-spanning setlist, including singles from each of the bands 4 other albums. We realise at this point just how big White Lies are, a well-established band who are at the height of their talent.

After thanking the crowd on numerous occasions, we see Harry McVeigh taking a swig of a beer, which comes in collaboration with Irish brewery, The White Hag. White Lies have released a limited-edition beer to coincide with the tour, aptly titled ‘Unfinished Business’. You can get your hands on one from various venues across the country, anybody want to hook me up with a couple of cans?

What we have here is White Lies at their absolute finest. These shows were a monumental milestone in their career, and it was a pleasure to be a part of it. 

Words and Photography by Abbie Jennings