Watch Portishead play their first live show in seven years
The group returned to the stage as part of War Child's Ukraine benefit gig
By Tom Skinner
Portishead played their first live show in seven years last night (May 2) as part of a War Child UK benefit gig for Ukraine – check out footage below.
Performing at the O2 Academy in Bristol, the trip-hop group treated the crowd to a special five-song set consisting of ‘Mysterons’, ‘Magic Doors’, ‘Wandering Star’, ‘The Rip’ and ‘Roads’. It marked Portishead‘s first live appearance since their gig at Benicàssim Festival in July 2015 (via Setlist.FM).
“Thanks to everyone who were involved tonight to make it [a] very special gig,” the band tweeted following the show. “[From] the audience, crew, bands and organisers. Also thanks to everyone who payed [sic] for a stream or donated.”
Idles headlined last night’s charity event, which also featured performances from the likes of Billy Nomates, Willie J Healey, Katy J Pearson and Heavy Lungs. Portishead confirmed their involvement early last month, writing: “We will be performing a few live songs in support of the people of Ukraine in collaboration with the amazing War Child charity.”
Speaking about yesterday’s event, War Child tweeted: “What an incredible night! Thank you to everyone who entered the prize draw or donated to watch the live stream. You have all done something amazing for children in war zones.
“Donations will help the unfolding crisis in Ukraine, and match funding from the UK government will also go to Yemen where millions of children are still in desperate need of protection from conflict.”
The UK government will double all donations made up until Tuesday, May 31 – you can donate here.
Portishead released their most recent studio album, ‘Third’, in 2008. It followed on from 1994’s ‘Dummy’ and the group’s 1997 self-titled record. Last summer, Geoff Barrow and co. released their cover of ABBA‘s ‘SOS’ online for the first time in aid of mental health charity Mind.
Their rendition of the classic song was originally produced for the soundtrack to the 2016 film ‘High-Rise’, and was later recontextualised following the murder of Labour MP Jo Cox and the Brexit referendum.