A £1 Gig That Turned Into a Major Moment
Indie pop band Only the Poets has sold out the O2 Brixton Academy by offering tickets for just £1. Nearly 5,000 fans will attend the special show on Monday night.
The band comes from Reading in Berkshire and Banbury in Oxfordshire. They chose the £1 price to match what fans paid at their very first gig seven years ago. The move has sparked wide attention across the UK music scene.
Celebrating a Debut Album Release
The concert also marks the release week of the band’s debut album, And I’d Do It Again, which came out on Friday. Playing a sold out show at one of London’s most famous venues has made the moment even more meaningful for the group.
Lead singer Tommy Longhurst said the band wanted to send a clear message. He believes live music should stay accessible, especially for young people.
Supporting New Artists on a Big Stage
Only the Poets invited unsigned artists to apply for the support slot. More than 1,000 acts entered the competition. The band originally planned to choose one act, but they could not decide between two.
As a result, SEREN from London and Belle Dame from Bristol will both perform before the headline set. The final decision came after a live show at the Purple Turtle in Reading.
Longhurst said the band plans to watch both acts from the wings. He added that supporting new artists matters deeply to them.
Giving Back to the Live Music Industry
Fans attending the gig have also been encouraged to donate £1 to the LIVE Trust. The charity supports workers and businesses in the live music and entertainment industry.
The ticket price includes a £1 venue restoration fee and a £1 Ticketmaster fee. Both charges were reduced to support the band’s aim of keeping the event affordable.
A Statement Bigger Than One Night
Longhurst said the band hopes this show starts a wider conversation. He wants people to rethink rising ticket prices and access to live music.
For Only the Poets, this night is not just about an album or a venue. It is about staying true to where they started.
