The band kicked off their set with Sofa Song, instantly energising the audience. Classic tracks such as Eddie’s Gun and She Moves In Her Own Way maintained the momentum, alongside their recent single Sunny Baby.
Frontman Luke Pritchard shared a personal moment with the audience before performing the piano ballad See Me Now. Reflecting on his childhood in nearby Forest Hill and the loss of his father, Pritchard dedicated the song to anyone missing a loved one, as the crowd illuminated the venue with phone lights. The band also performed a stripped-back rendition of Seaside, recalling their early days rehearsing in Brighton.
The performance concluded with an encore featuring Ooh La and Naive, accompanied by a fireworks display over the River Thames.
Supporting acts for the evening included Circa Waves, who performed popular tracks such as T-Shirt Weather and Movies. Frontman Kieran Shuddall acknowledged headliners The Kooks onstage, noting their influence on his own music. Sunderland’s Tom A. Smith performed material from his EP Put On A Record Tommy, while Girl In The Year Above, Danny Griffiths, and Granada completed the day’s lineup.
Two decades after their debut, The Kooks continue to engage audiences across generations. Following the release of their seventh studio album Never/Know in 2025—which reached Number 5 on the UK Albums Chart—the band completed major headline performances at Manchester’s Co-op Live and London’s O2 Arena. The Kooks are scheduled to continue touring with a series of outdoor performances next year.
