Big Special Return to Birmingham for Electrifying Sold-Out Headline Show
Black Country natives Big Special celebrated a remarkable homecoming on Saturday night, performing a sold-out headline gig at Birmingham's iconic O2 Institute. The duo, consisting of singer Joe Hicklin and drummer Callum Moloney, have seen their star rise rapidly since their acclaimed 2024 debut Postindustrial Hometown Blues, followed by last year's release National Average. This concert marked a pivotal moment in their biggest UK headline tour to date.
A Journey from Humble Beginnings to Sold-Out Success
Reflecting on their journey, it's a far cry from 2023 when Big Special first gained attention opening for Benefits during Independent Venue Week in Milton Keynes. Now, after extensive touring across Europe to promote their new material, the band arrived in Birmingham in formidable form, treating the audience to what felt like a true hometown performance. The 16-song set was dominated by tracks from their debut album, but also featured a substantial portion of their new record, alongside a couple of fresh tunes.
Support Acts Set the Stage for an Unforgettable Night
The evening kicked off with London's Good Health Good Wealth, who warmed up the crowd with their blend of alternative, guitar-led electronica. Frontman Bruce Breakey, sporting a sling after dislocating a collarbone, humorously noted that their debut album title, This Time Next Year We'll Be Millionaires, hadn't yet come to fruition. Standout songs included Beautiful Bow and Full Circle.
Following them were Ganns, a band familiar to Big Special fans from many shared stages. With drummer Euan Woodman and guitarist Thomas Rhodes joined by Tommy Lawther on sax and flute, Ganns maintained high intensity throughout their set, with I Think I Like You serving as a highlight. Poet Bradley Taylor also performed between acts, adding a unique touch to the proceedings.
Commanding the Stage with Ease and Charisma
Facing the O2 Institute's 1,500-capacity main stage, Big Special could have found it daunting, but they pulled it off with ease. With Moloney's drum kit perched on a riser, Hicklin took command of the remaining space, striding around the stage with a microphone lead curled around his forearm and frequently leaning out toward the enthusiastic crowd. The band's sound, described as soulful alternative post-punk, seamlessly blended the darker moments of their debut with the more humorous and fun elements of their latest work.
Highlights of the set included Black Dog / White Horse from their debut and the new track Sluglife, which saw Hicklin don a guitar. Upbeat new songs like God Save The Pony sat alongside tracks such as Desperate Breakfast, showcasing their dynamic range.
West Midlands Humour and Crowd Connection
Throughout the night, Hicklin and Moloney displayed a chatty and engaging rapport with the audience, infused with a quintessential West Midlands humour. They joked about the venue smelling of 'craft ale and Steve Lamacq' and playfully asked if there were any '6 Music Dads' in attendance. Their banter, including discussions on capitalism during Shop Money, added a personal touch to the performance.
In a memorable moment, a drum skin was 'frisbeed' out to the balcony for a fundraising raffle winner before Big Special closed their main set with S***house, dubbed 'the new national anthem'. For the encore, the duo descended among the crowd for a rousing version of Trees, followed by Dig! to bring the night to a close.
Looking Ahead to Future Performances
From here, Big Special are set to return to the region for this year's Moseley Folk & Arts Festival, with fans likely to see them on various stages throughout the summer. Their sold-out show at the O2 Institute not only solidified their status as a rising force in the music scene but also highlighted their deep connection to their West Midlands roots.
Setlist included: Black Country Gothic, Hug A B*****d, God Save The Pony, Desperate Breakfast, This Here Ain't Water, Mongrel, Black Dog/White Horse, Sluglife, Dragged Up A Hill (And Thrown Down The Other Side), Shop Music, Professionals, Yesboss, S***house, with an encore of Trees, For The Birds, and Dig!
