Only The Poets to offer unsigned artists a support slot at Brixton Academy show
“Without grassroots venues we won’t have the next big bands."
By Nick Reilly
Only The Poets have announced they will offer one unsigned UK band or artist the chance to support them at their sold-out O2 Academy Brixton show in London next month.
The group will play a landmark date at the storied venue on February 2 and previously attracted praise for selling each ticket for just £1 in a commendable bid to make the gig as inclusive as possible.
Now, they’re offering the chance for an unsigned band or artist to open up for them at the Brixton show.
All potential artists are invited to submit their details here and five shortlisted acts will then be invited by the band to perform live at The Purple Turtle in Reading on January 31 as part of an all-day event to mark the release of their debut album.
Only The Poets’ fans will then choose the winner, while all five acts will be paid a fee directly by the band.
“Without grassroots venues we won’t have the next big bands, and without bands & fans going to grassroots venues, they can’t keep the doors open,” said the band.
“Growing up playing in local venues gave us our first chance to get on stage and perform to people, and supporting other artists down the line changed everything for us, so we wanted to bring the two together.
“We’re excited to support our favourite grassroots venue (The Purple Turtle) and invite five new artists to play to a packed-out room, showcasing the amazing new talent that’s out there.”
The Brixton show will also support The LIVE Trust, with an additional £1 per ticket donated to help protect and promote access to live music across the UK.
Explaining the decision to charge £1 for a ticket, singer Tommy Longhurst previously told Rolling Stone UK: “Brixton Academy has always been THE venue. We’ve seen so many of our favourite bands there – Foals, Bombay Bicycle Club, Two Door Cinema Club. It’s always been the dream.
“It’s even more special that we get to do it for just £1 a ticket. In the midst of a cost-of-living crisis, we wanted to make the show accessible to everyone. It takes place days after the albums released so it’s as much a celebration that we’ve come this far in a venue we’ve always wanted to play, alongside being able to give back to small venues through the LIVE Trust – we wouldn’t be here without the grassroots venues. We’re incredibly proud of that, it’s going to be wild.”