Live Review: Bambie Thug - Gorilla, Manchester 03/09/2024
Bringing together the mystical macabre of ouija-pop with the happy-go-lucky of Eurovision, Ireland’s rising witch Bambie Thug is back on the road. Travelling around the UK and Europe with a bigger fan base than ever, let the moonlight descend upon the Earth and dance all the bad energy away; it’s time to crown the witch.
Opening the night is fun-loving electronic-pop duo The Darklings. The project formed with artists Zuzu and Callum Crighton, they got the crowd all warmed up and bubbling over with their genuine best-friends-forever stage chemistry and their funny-because-it’s-true sense of humour. Performing a range of songs about love, heartbreak, murder and getting “the ick” from men in nightclubs, each number was paired with perfectly synchronised choreography that though simple was still very entertaining and incredibly contagious. Everyone was following those steps as they sang on, having a giggle, a sing-along and as the set ended, a massive round of applause.
If there is anyone to watch out for in the club circuit, it’s these two.
What was to commence was less in the way of one’s everyday concert, and more a visual art recital. Bambie Thug has made a name for themself by being uneasy on the eyes - in the best way. With intricate make-up styles painted on their skin; leather, lace and chains forming their supernatural characters; and movements and choreography that can cast spells on the most stubborn of creatures. There was always something to watch, to admire, and especially to pay attention to.
Mixing newer material such as ‘Hex So Heavy’ with their older tracks such as ‘Last Summer (I Know What You Did)’ and ‘Tsunami (11:11)’, what Thug pulled off was an absolute rollercoaster of emotion. From bravery to lust, to love to fear, to pain to belonging. The rainbow was painted for the room to see and everyone was taking it all in.
The most heartfelt moment of the show was during Thug’s performance of ‘Children Should Be Laughing’ while themself and their backing dancers held up Palestinian flags. From even before their involvement in Eurovision, Thug was always a vocal advocate for the Free Palestine movement, and this has never waned since after the competition earlier this year. Every word was felt, every cheer was accepted, and every literal call for ceasefire in that room was shared and echoed.
With Eurovision being a running theme, as being a pinnacle event in Thug’s career thus far, they rounded off their show with their competing track ‘Doomsday Blue’. The track that caught the greatest reactions from their fans. Performing with a transgender pride flag in hand, representing their and many others in attendance’s identities, it was a thoughtful and adoring way to end the show and the night.
For someone who is still finding their feet, while also being thrown into the deep end at the same time with the help of Europe’s biggest talent competition, Bambie Thug is an artist who knows who they are, knows what they believe in, and knows how to convey these messages without pandering or cheapening the causes. This is a voice for the newer generations, and with Thug being a leader for the new “outcasts” of the world, the kids may just be alright once again.
Words by Jo Cosgrove
Photography by Molly Baigent
