Past their Prime: Primal Scream at the O2 Academy
O2 Academy, Birmingham, 7 April 2024
For over 30 years Primal Scream have lived in the shadow of Screamdelica, a sprawling rock infusion album that could only have been born out of the remnants of the second summer of love. The hedonistic overcoat that wraps around each overlaid vocal and extended bassline is interplayed with moments of introspective political thought — even if frontman Bobby Gillespie finds the hedonism of “we wanna get loaded” a much more inviting prospect. It’s a weaving of club music and rock, a partnership between Gillespie and producer Andy Weatherall, that created this sprawling album, with tinges of indulgence that have given Screamdelica, and by extension Primal Scream, an established place within rock music. You see inflections of their music in bands like Fontaines DC and English Teacher, Dua Lipa cited them as a major influence on her last album, Radical Optimism. However, a Primal Scream concert should not serve as an affirmation of the quality of an album from 1991, it should be an indicator of what has allowed them to remain a prominent band since its release instead of retreating from the public eye as many of their contemporaries have.
Most of them are consummate performers, dutifully playing the setlist they’ve played countless times before, but Gillespie seems profoundly disinterested throughout
As the band, several evolutions from the Screamdelica line-up, heads on stage there is the hope that they will showcase what has granted them this longevity. The opener, Baxter Dury, who has the cadence of David Byrne if he had mysteriously ended up in the band IDLES, has this frenetic energy as he moves across the stage, tugging at his sweat-soaked suit, served as a lively prologue that you expect to be amplified when Primal Scream start performing, doused in shimmering neon lights.
Only they never really do. Most of them are consummate performers, dutifully playing the setlist they’ve played countless times before, but Gillespie seems profoundly disinterested throughout. He mutters out the lyrics to ‘Don’t Fight It, Feel It’ with the same energy someone would have after being talked into performing it at karaoke after one too many drinks. This is not a persona of suave, feigned disinterest that you see in performers like Jarvis Cocker or late-stage Alex Turner where their nonchalance feels like a flourish on top of the rest of their performance, it’s someone who’s wearing the sheen of that to cover up for how disengaged they are. It does not help that Gillespie’s outfit, a white suit paired with a slightly too big black shirt, adorned with bright pink patches, feels like a second-rate version of an outfit Cocker would have worn in the mid-1990s.
On some level the crowd register this disinterest and slowly start to check out of the set
On some level the crowd register this disinterest and slowly start to check out of the set. After the first couple of songs, the applause begins to morph into quiet mutterings and then full-blown conversations between people. At one point a guy starts talking to the people near him about how much he likes the bassist, and I can hear it clearly. The guy isn’t yelling and I’m not trying to eavesdrop, it’s just that at points throughout the concert it’s easier to hear the conversations of people around you than it is the actual band on stage. Even up at the barricade, people who waited for a long time to see Primal Scream, adorned with merch from countless other tours they’ve been to, can’t really hide their boredom. When Gillespie wanders towards the front of the stage, gazing off into different sections of the crowd, it doesn’t feel as though he even registers that the audience are there, nor does he go to the pains of interacting with them in any meaningful way. His eyes glaze over as he warbles out lyrics as though he’s giving a presentation on something he doesn’t really care about.
But it is not as if the things that are contained within Primal Scream’s songs are trivial. During multiple songs distorted footage of current political events flicker across the screen at the back of the stage. Trump, Gaza, Ukraine, elections, natural disasters are a backdrop, a framing device, but never really interacted with. There isn’t even the juxtaposition of commitment to the moments of self-indulgence, the repetition of “gimme, gimme, gimme medication” on ‘Medication’ has just as little energy put into it as attacks on the oppressive nature of capitalism.
Yet even when the audience are being drip fed nostalgia through some of Primal Scream’s most famous songs, they aren’t being greeted with anything by Gillespie or the rest of the band who dully play the songs
There are moments where the concert wakes up. When the Peter Fonda sample opening refrain of ‘Loaded’ starts the crowd snaps back into the performance, attention that is able to be maintained throughout the following song ‘Swastika Eyes’ as well as ‘Movin’ On Up’. Yet even when the audience are being drip fed nostalgia through some of Primal Scream’s most famous songs, they aren’t being greeted with anything by Gillespie or the rest of the band who dully play the songs with Gillespie not even bothering to really sing ‘Movin On Up’, just meandering about the stage.
Primal Scream are not an innately untalented band, Screamdelica has become a classic album for a reason and they have managed to create a litany of great songs, some that have existed in that album’s shadow, some that have tried to exist outside of it. However that talent doesn’t seem to be interested in being on the stage or performing, either the classics or anything up to or including the songs off Primal Scream’s latest album Come Ahead. If you want to go to a concert in the vein of classic Primal Scream, go and see the artists they inspired, see Fontaines DC or Lorde or Kasabian, at least they care enough to put energy into their performances.
★★
Comments (35)
Couldn’t agree with anything in this review! Was at Dublin show last night. They were F#*ing excellent! Have seen them 4 or 5 times over the years. This gig had a good mix of new album(which is a cracker to be fair) and hits. Full marks to them, they’re getting better with age. Backing singers and Bobby’s voice were flawless.
Just home from the Dublin show. Brilliant mix of new and old material. I love a band who don’t just play the hits. Fantastic atmosphere and the band members were beaming throughout.
Having read this review for the Birmingham gig, I’ve waited a few days to comment. I was at this actual gig. Down the front too. I can honestly say this review does not represent this gig in the slightest.
You stated that the audience were “greeted with anything by Gillespie or the rest of the band who dully play the songs” well from where I was standing the band fully performed on point, appeared to be totally engaged with the audience and the audience revelled in it. The band fully embraced the gig, the audience and interacted too. There was no sign of disinterest by the band whatsoever.
The footage and stills I captured fully show this and from the still you added to this article seems to show you didn’t particularly have the greatest of views to be fair.
The crowd continued to fill the venue. It was packed.
Really not sure if you were having a generally bad day Erin but your review however, your opinion was not at all a true reflection on the gig in Birmingham and any article wanting to see honest accountability of this gig would be more than welcome to view the footage taken and images by myself. As an ex music reviewer and band photographer in my previous occupation, it’s always best to give a fair account of these events
Absolutely agree with you … also seen them a lot over the years and last time at Albert hall was great .. but they looked and sounded like it was a bit of a chore . It is possible to play bad gigs even when you’re a great band but people get defensive instead of being honest about a review of that night and not the band involved… it’s also possible that different people have different views that need to be respected… even if you disagree
Everyone is entitled to their opinion which is sometimes seen at a football match when the home team supporter say that they were robbed, despite losing 3-0. Therefore, journalists like Erin Lewis can say anything they like as they have the soapbox to air their opinions but not always from a balanced viewpoint. I may not give you the time or my money for certain artists but I respect their craft, ability or stage presence.
So, we get back to the recent review by Erin on the O2 in Birmingham on 7th April. I wasn’t there, but I attended the Bristol gig at the end of March. I love going to concerts and will go and see any bands / artists even if I am not a big fan of their music such as Primal Scream. I thought that they were excellent that evening and well worth the price of the ticket. The band were professional from start to finish with a good balance of new and old songs throughout. Probably a 4-star review for me, but for some others in the crowd understandably a 5 star.
I have looked at other reviews on the tour and some of these include:
‘Ignites Manchester with a sonic time machine’
‘Hammersmith – far from nostalgia (4 stars)’
In Edinburgh – Delivers phenomenal sound and energy’
‘Brings a career spanning party to Liverpool Mountford Hall’
‘Raised the roof at Bristol Beacon’
At Birmingham ‘ Aren’t ready to join the heritage circuit yet’ …….which is the same concert which Erin attended
Therefore, decide for yourself which is the more accurate review when you are faced with overwhelming evidence as opposed from ‘Fake News’
Utter drivel. Saw them in Manchester on Friday (seen them 15 times in total over the years), this would have to be right up with the best of them.
Bobby was having a blast, the crowd were mad for it, venue superb.
Reviewer sound like they just don’t like Primal Scream full stop so won’t give any credit. A unanimously positive response from all commenters gives no cred to the reviewer.
I literally said that I’ve liked a bunch of their stuff and people inspired by them. Besides I don’t think seeing a band 15 times gives you an objective perspective of whether or not a negative review is “utter drivel”
Primal Scream at Rock City on Saturday 12th April were awesome.
The power of one jaundiced reviewer and the internet is being broken by real people negating what this reviewer is saying by what they witnessed.
The scream weaved a back catalogue of hits from different albums alongside new material which will stand the test of time and extend the Screams classic set list.
Primal Scream remain one of the best live bands, who are releasing classic albums in 2025.
Bllcks review..
..at Southampton the evening heaved….Screadmadelica only provided about 3 songs from the full set list….
..utter tosh journalism
shocked at such a bad review , did you really see the same bamd i saw on Friday in Manchester it was one hour amd 40 minutes of pure class . Bobby totally interacted woth the croud at the front and even mentioned a few times the people way over at the back of the venue . Still buzzing a few days later that shows what a great gig it was and ive seen many a great perfomer in my time . I urge anyone not to listen yo this review and go check them out yourself. Music brings all ages together and this was evident with the mix of ages in the crowd . Dont be a hater Bobby is a legend amd he stayed behind when the rest of tge band left the stage to wave and show his appreciation.
I’m surprised at the dip in performance from Primal Scream over a very short period. I saw them in Edinburgh at the end of March and this review bears no resemblance to my experience. Primal Scream were produced their A game in Edinburgh. The only downside to the Edinburgh concert was Baxter Drury………… dreadful!
Absolutely brilliant in Southampton a few weeks ago. If anything a total breath of fresh air after the support from Baxter Drury. Brilliant band and a great performance with an energy lots of young bands could learn from
Saw them at the Glasgow Acadamy, which was packed to bursting, and they were electric…took the whole audience with them for the whole show…Gillespie couldn’t have been more engaged
Perhaps you just think it’s cool to rubbish a band who’s been around a while.. ..I suspect they will be around much longer than this critic
Saw them in Glasgow and it was one of the best gigs I have seen.
They were engaging the crowd in the wide mix of music and background clips and feeding off of the reactions with Gillespie leading and the crowd lapped it up.
Gillespie is not a Pulp front man, but no one going should be expecting that.
Rock City last night was the exact opposite of what you have written.
Bobby with huge grin on face, talking to the crowd, encouraging great singalongs.
Felt like he was really enjoying himself and the rest of the band certainly were.
Only thing I agree with is the bloke who likes the bassist……
Awesome gig Manchester on Friday, this review seems completely random compared to people’s experience at other venues. Maybe the Birmingham crowd were feeling down because of the stench from unemptied bins!
Just watched them at Manchester on Friday night and they were brilliant. Everyone around me was singing and dancing. Good set list too, a mix of old and new
Same, they were superb in Manchester on Friday night. The crowd were up for it and so were the band. Loved every minute of it!
Saw them in Manchester on the 11th, they were amazing! Audience loved the performance and the band.
Thats playing to a southern audience for you
Saw them last week in Glasgow they immense. Gillespie was bounding across the stage loving it crowd was wild. Maybe cos it was a home town reunion
Yes i travelled to Glasgow from Devon to see .They were fantastic.The Birmingham reviewer had a real jaded palate,should’ve stayed home .
I don’t know if ithe reviewer watched the same band I saw on Friday night they were excellent. Lots of different age range bounce along with the frantic music. I’ve seen them a lot over the years and they have never disappointed.. Even the last album got very mixed reviews but I still really liked it, and they performed some of the tracks beautifully. And a added bonus is the bass later was one very sexy looking woman and excellent musician.
Saw them at Southampton where they were awesome and engaging. Seen them many times before and that was one of the best to be honest. Just! I possibly wouldn’t go off this review if considering getting a last minute ticket but go off the many positive comments.
Gig of the year so far for me. I don’t know what show you were watching but it wasn’t Hammersmith because they put on a blinding show .
Whatever this reviewer witnessed, I can assure you they were on top form in Southampton a couple of weeks back. A well formed mixture of new stuff and the classics that were delivered with class and energy.
This does not sound like the same band that played in Bristol on the 31st March, the band was brilliant and plenty of interaction between Bobby and the crowd ….maybe because of the audience constantly chatting at this gig the band did get bored and couldn’t be arsed to put any effort in either…..
This is NOT the same band that performed in Manchester 11 April 2025, they were excellent 👌.
Granted Mr Guillespie doesn’t have an enormous amount of interaction with the crowd, but I went to listen to their music, not to hear their political views or what he had for lunch.
We found the gig filled with great music, great performance. Granted, some of the songs lost the crowd (me included, not the best album), but they soon pulled the crowd back with some great tunes.
A great gig.
I disagree, I saw them at the Usher hall in Edinburgh on April 3rd, the atmosphere was electric, I have never seen Bobby G smile so much. At one point he had a massive cheesy grin on his face as he stared up at the full house all chanting lyrics back at him.
There was highs & lows during the performance, newer songs not as instantly recognised, but on the whole, a great night. I was surrounded by fans of all ages, the most enthusiastic, a young Chinese boy in a Jesus & mary chain t shirt waving his phone in the air recording everything as he bounced about
Full on enjoying himself in the front row
I don’t know which venue you were at but it certainly was not the same night that I saw them.
And I have seen them many times over the past 30 yrs in England & Scotland so can compare gigs they have played.
Has they played a second night, I would be tempted to go again.
What a terrible review… From what you have written you are someone who liked Screamadelica and then was expecting all other stuff to be the same. Unsure who you are to be part of the fashion police either. Old school fila t shirt for you ? After seeing Bobby and crew last night in Notts truly blow the roof off rock city and to see ages from 18 to 70 all grooving up the same beat I just said to my girlfriend I can see why bands don’t read reviews ! Go and enjoy Serge from Kasabian doing his Michael Jackson type performance and leave Primal Scream to theirs…. True rock gods
I don’t agree ,based on my experience at the Edinburgh concert-he raised the roof and the audience absolutely loved them .
Terrible review of a great band and gig. Gillespie engaged the audience into singalongs and danced the length of the stage many times. Backing singers were on form. Sax player was buzzing with energy too. They aren’t 20 year olds or even 30 year olds for that matter any more, neither are their audience.
Obviously people were there for the classics but had they took the time to absorb the new album they’d recognise the vibe of Don’t Fight It Feel It. A lot of soul, torch singing and funk infused songs. Overall I think if one thing was lacking it was an extra guitarist filling the sound.
Bollocks i seen them in liverpool on the 8th, they were superb
Me too! My first time drinking them live and they smashed it out of the park! Fantastic gig !
Good review. Gillespie can’t sing properly anyway regardless of everything else.