*** Transparency note - article edited 07/03/24 by Rob Henry ***

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On a wet and windy Valentine's evening, we headed to the O2 Guildhall in Southampton after work to watch The Vaccines, an indie-rock band who I have seen at Festivals but always left wondering if they'd be as charismatic at their own headline shows; low and behold - they were!! The Vaccines are currently on tour for their new album ‘Pick-Up Full of Pink Carnations’, all about heartbreak and loss, where the likes of ‘Heartbreak Kid’ and ‘Sometimes, I swear’, have gained popularity due to the unforgettable tunes. 

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This venue of nearly 1750 standing capacity was inclusive, as most under O2 are, with friendly staff and quick service. It almost reminded me of a smaller Alexandra Palace with bars off to the side and hidden toilets.

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Prior to watching the headline act, like most gigs, we had some fantastic supporting bands. ‘Divorce’ and ‘Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers’, who were both captivating and brought their personality to the stage. 

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Starting with a soft, mesmerising sound, the ‘Divorce’, formed of ‘3 big boys and 1 little rascal’ , built a strong crowd of half the capacity. The harmonies were a beautiful contrast between a high and low range, occasionally performing a 4 part one which was impressive.

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With a van broken down whilst touring, they encouraged people to buy merch to help pay for the costs of repair - fortunately as it was valentine's day, they mentioned they'd still love us if we didn't. P.S I’ve linked the merch above.

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14th of February was ‘The Vaccines’, fifth time headlining Guildhall, they put on an entertaining show for us as I’d hoped for. Later in the evening, Southampton born and bred lead singer Justin Young, shared a fond youthful memory of attempting to skate outside the hall, and being chased out by security - what a full circle moment! 

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Taking their positions onto a stage filled with flowers and a backdrop which changed colour throughout with lighting, in smart clothes and sunglasses (that came off mid-way through the set),  they perfectly started with a dancy fan-favourite ‘Love to Walk Away’, from their latest album ‘Pick-Up Full of Pink Carnations’. 

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Bringing a British summer festival atmosphere in this rainy weather, they gave us classics such as ‘Wreckin’ Bar (Ra Ra Ra)’, ‘Post Break-Up Sex’ and ‘Teenage Icon’. Really building a community with the multi-generational crowd, who were all there for a good time.  

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Showing the love on such a monumental day for marketing, Young agreed to play a song some people in the crowd were asking for, ‘A Lack of Understanding’ from their renowned 2011 album ‘What Did You Expect from the Vaccines?’ It was great to see a band stay humble, connecting with fans and acknowledging they wouldn’t be there without them. 

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Finishing off with ‘All My Friends Are Falling in Love’ for the encore, the audience really became whole when dancing, hands in the air, hips swinging, mouths singing to the last song of the night. 

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It was so nice to be at a more intimate gig with The Vaccines, the story telling with hand actions and general body language really made this for me. 

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Do I recommend The Vaccines at their own gig? - Yes, 100%! 

Will I listen to their new album, ‘Pick-Up Full of Pink Carnations’ more - Also yes. 

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