Don Broco - Live Review

Don Broco Unleash Pre-Download Pandemonium in Oxford

On Thursday, June 12, 2025, Don Broco rolled into the O2 Academy Oxford for what was billed as a warm-up for their massive Download Festival slot two days later. What they delivered, however, was a full-blown, headline-worthy spectacle of chaos, energy, and pure joy. This was easily one of the most electric and brilliantly fun gigs I’ve witnessed at this venue in a very long time.

When Don Broco finally hit the stage, the room erupted. Launching straight into Everybody, the venue transformed into a swirling vortex of limbs, sweat, and singalongs. Frontman Rob Damiani wasted no time reminding the packed room why Oxford feels like a "second home" to them, even cheekily referencing the "famous toilet incident" from a previous tour that has clearly gone down in band lore. He also mentioned that guitarist Si Delaney had injured his foot, joking that they’d considered cancelling before deciding to power through - a decision the frenzied crowd was clearly grateful for.

The set was a relentless assault of fan favourites. Pretty, Technology, and Come Out to LA kept the circle pits spinning, while newer tracks like Manchester Super Reds No.1 Fan went off with just as much force. A particular high point came with Bruce Willis, where Damiani orchestrated a venue-wide roar of “Yippee Ki-Yay,” a moment of pure, unadulterated fun. The band’s chemistry was undeniable, and despite it only being their third show of the year, they jokingly declared it their "favourite" so far, and the incredible atmosphere made that feel entirely believable.

The encore was the perfect, chaotic climax. After a thunderous rendition of Fingernails, the familiar opening of T-Shirt Song sent the room into a final, euphoric frenzy. In what has become a beloved ritual, shirts came off across the venue, spun wildly in the air in a unified celebration. It was a spectacular, communal moment that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of a Don Broco show.

This wasn't just a warm-up; it was a statement. Don Broco are a finely tuned machine of rock, pop, and pure entertainment, and they are at the absolute top of their game. If this was just them getting ready, then the crowd at Download Festival is in for something truly special.

The evening kicked off with a blistering set from Scottish rockers Dead Pony. Frontwoman Anna Shields is a powerhouse, commanding the stage with a ferocious energy that had the crowd hooked from the very first chord. They were the perfect act to get the blood pumping, setting a high-octane tone that the rest of the night would struggle to match, but absolutely did.