Words & Pictures: Adrian Hextall / (C) MindHex Media
Where does one begin? How about the fact that some 13 albums into their career, The Charlatans continue to deliver the goods with ‘We Are Love’ an album that has received positive reviews from critics and fans alike. That’s not supposed to happen is it? Surely we’re supposed to consign our musical heroes to the bin when the new shiny thing appears over the horizon? Thankfully those who know.. know best and as such The Roundhouse sold out weeks in advance once the band’s show was announced at the iconic venue.
There are, to be fair, few bands in the British music scene that can boast the longevity, resilience, and consistent quality of The Charlatans. On a dampish Wednesday night in December at Camden’s Roundhouse, the band didn’t just play a gig; they delivered a masterclass in how to stay relevant after three decades. Riding high on the success of their latest album, We Are Love, which has seen them return to the top of the charts, the band treated the loyal London crowd to a night that felt less like a standard concert and more like a career-defining celebration.
Confidence is key for a band with this much history, and it showed immediately in the format of the night. There was no support act. The Charlatans backed themselves to hold the audience’s attention for the entire evening, splitting the show into two generous sets. It was a bold move that paid off perfectly, giving them the space to weave a narrative through their extensive catalogue.
The first set opened with the new album’s “Kingdom of Ours,” a track that already feels like it belongs alongside their best work. It set the tone for a performance where the new material sat comfortably next to the classics. Early in the set, they dropped “Weirdo,” a fan favourite that sparked an immediate reaction.
Seeing the crowd respond with the same energy to the fresh tracks as they did to a 90s classic like “North Country Boy” was a testament to how well the new record has been received. There was no lull, no “bar break” songs—just a solid body of work that kept the room moving.
If the first set was about establishing the groove, the second set was a full-blown party. The energy in the room shifted up a gear as the band launched into a run of songs that reminded everyone why they are national treasures. The undeniable highlight of this section was “One to Another.” As the opening drum loop kicked in, the entire floor seemed to heave. It remains a seminal hit, sounding as urgent and gritty today as it did when it first dominated the airwaves.
What was most striking about the evening was the unity of the crowd. This wasn’t a nostalgia trip for people standing still and stroking their chins; it was a room full of people cheering, dancing, and moving as one solid body. The connection between Tim Burgess and the audience is unique, built on years of mutual respect and a shared love for the music. Whether they were playing the soulful grooves of “Just When You’re Thinkin’ Things Over” or the driving rhythm of the new title track “We Are Love,” the band had the audience in the palm of their hand.
The night concluded with an encore that included the ritualistic frenzy of “Sproston Green,” leaving the Roundhouse shaking.
For a band over 30 years into their career, The Charlatans sound revitalised. By seamlessly integrating chart-topping new material with their golden-era hits, they proved they aren’t just surviving; they are thriving. This wasn’t just another stop on a tour; it was an iconic performance that those in attendance will be talking about for years to come.
Set 1
Kingdom of Ours,
Weirdo,
For The Girls,
North Country Boy,
Many A Day A Heartache,
Oh Vanity,
Let The Good Times,
Blackened Blue Eyes,
Then,
Set 2,
Forever,
We Are Love,
Tellin’ Stories,
Out On Our Own,
Deeper and Deeper,
Just When You’re Thinking,
Toothache,
Soul Saver,
Appetite,
In The Tall Grass,
One To Another,
The Only One I Know,
Get On It,
Encore,
Now Everything,
Tremelo Song,
Sproston Green,
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