The Enemy - Live Review
O2 Academy Oxford
Last night at O2 Academy Oxford, The Enemy didn’t just open their new tour, they kicked the doors down and made the city buzz. Twelve years since my last Enemy gig at this very venue, and what a way to come back. The place was totally sold out, bodies packed in, and the roar from the crowd was enough to make your ears ring.
Before The Enemy hit the stage, we managed to catch up-and-coming band The Bracknall deliver a confident and energetic set. Their sound had a raw edge and plenty of swagger, quickly winning over the early crowd. With catchy hooks and a tight performance, The Bracknall proved they’re ones to watch, the perfect warm-up for the night ahead.
As soon as Tom Clarke, Andy Hopkins, and Liam Watts hit the stage, you could see the grins on their faces. The band looked genuinely happy to be back, and the energy between them and the crowd was infectious. With it being a Friday night, the crowd were ready to party.
They started off with “Aggro” and it was like being thrown straight into the deep end. No time to warm up, just pure adrenaline. Hit after hit followed. “Away From Here,” “Pressure,” and “Had Enough” all landed perfectly. You could feel the floor shake as everyone jumped and sang along. When they launched into “We’ll Live and Die in These Towns,” it felt like the whole room lifted a few feet off the ground. It’s still an anthem that means the world to people, and last night it felt more powerful than ever. Whatever town you're from, this means something to you.
One of the stand-out moments was the live debut of “Not Going Your Way,” their first new song on stage in a decade. The excitement in the room was real. You could tell the band were buzzing to finally share something new, and the crowd lapped it up.
Throughout the night, you’d hear shouts of “Sky Blue Army” between songs, a nod to the band’s loyal Coventry supporters. It really brought home the sense of community and pride that surrounds The Enemy. To top it all off, the band were selling a special t-shirt in collaboration with Talk Club, supporting men’s mental health. It’s always good to see bands using their platform for something positive. Just as long as some people bought The Enemy merch so Tom could get a kebab...his words not mine.
There were a couple of moments where the band were wrestling with tuning issues (thanks to the heat in the room) but honestly, no one in the crowd noticed or cared. Everyone was too busy having a good time.
The encore was pure fire. “The Boxer,” “Be Somebody,” “Gimme the Sign / Saturday,” and “No Time for Tears” had the whole place bouncing. When “This Song” brought it all to a close, you could see everyone grinning, arms around mates, the room still buzzing like it didn’t want to let go.
The Enemy didn’t just come back to Oxford, they owned it. If you want to see a band that still plays every show like it’s their last, get yourself a ticket this autumn. You’ll leave hoarse, happy, and with a story worth telling, because nights like this remind you exactly why live music matters.
The Enemy – 2025 Tour Dates
October
- 11th – Margate – Dreamland
- 16th – Cardiff – University Great Hall
- 17th – London – Electric Ballroom
- 18th – Wolverhampton – Wulfrun Hall
- 23rd – Belfast – Limelight
- 25th – Liverpool – The Dome
- 30th – Sheffield – Foundry
- 31st – Leeds – Beckett SU
November
- 1st – Manchester – New Century Hall
- 6th – Glasgow – Barrowland
- 7th – Hull – Asylum
- 8th – Nottingham – Rock City
- 13th – Edinburgh – Portobello Town Hall
- 14th – Coventry – HMV Empire
- 15th – Coventry – HMV Empire