Johnny Foreigner | Live Review

Well, well, well. Where to start? I met my lovely partner, Nick, four years ago today (the day I am writing), and it was through him that I was introduced to Johnny Foreigner. Although it wasn't quite as straightforward as that, he took me to see Yr Poetry and I adored them, met Alexei, added him on the ol' socials, bonded with him over the fact he said I looked like my aunt Donna, then listened to his other musical projects (Johnny Foreigner, itoldyouiwouldeatyou) and then commissioned him to write a soppy love song for Nick, as he is his hero, and I am a disgustingly romantic partner, and BREATHE.

ANYWAY, I didn't think I would ever get the chance to see Johnny Foreigner live, let alone with my Nick by my side. Alas, it happened, and it was as magical as I had expected it to be.

It was a super horrible day, weather-wise. Nick and I decided to stay in bed for as long as possible, cuddled up watching the 2003 masterpiece that is Spider-Man, starring Tobey Maguire. I was playing a wych elm gig in Southampton the next day, meaning staying in London for the night wasn't an option, so Nick volunteered to drive us there and back.

The drive was terrifying, could not see a thing. It was torrential rain, and we saw a car turned on its roof at one point. Not fun.

Alas, we made it to the almighty city of London, soaked through and ready for some food. The Dome have a sister venue next to it, which is a cute little pub, and they had a deal on where, if you showed your JoFo ticket at the bar, you could get a burger and chips for a tenner. Pretty sweet deal, that Nick and I fully took advantage of.

With our bellies full and our hair nearly dry, we headed to The Dome, excited to watch the support bands.

First up was Fightmilk, who, with their catchy hooks and energetic stage presence, warmed us up nicely.

Please give them a listen, they are super cool: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6W8Sktt0DXFb9akxFmnp3B?si=LwJHfeaMSQ2QFhL9nPIzgg&dl_branch=1

Next we had The Other Half, who seriously blew me away. Their bassist made me want to go home and practise playing because, wow. Super loud, super heavy, super stonky bass tone - everything I love in a band.

Listen to them here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/32ho80wRRKWv0oeaW2eyLX?si=Xhjh28DoRN21Cj5OoFTdUQ&dl_branch=1

*Just a quick note before we get to JoFo, I was so unbelievably chuffed with how inclusive this line-up was. Seeing badass ladies on big stages with huge crowds having a great time inspires me so much, and should not be as rare as it unfortunately is. Line-ups should always be like this, there are SO many women and non-binary artists out there. Take note, people.

So, here we are, sweaty and excited, desperate for some water. Anxiously awaiting being served at the bar for said water, time seemed to move scarily fast, as we were scared to be at the bar for when JoFo took to the stage. The team at The Dome did not let us down, however, and we were in the crowd, water in hand, as the main event began.

I'm not going to bore you with a minute-by-minute account of the next set, because a) this post would be 500000 words long, and b) I am positively sh*t at describing things, and I've used most of my vocabulary on the support bands, sorry.

Anyway, let's just outline my highlights, shall we? Yes, I am the writer, I get to choose.

The first two songs felt like a blur, I was so overwhelmed by being back in a crowd of over 100 people. When the opening chord of Le Sigh played, I was whipped back into reality. Hearing the full venue scream "THIS ONE GOES OUT TO THE KIDS IN SNOBS STILL FIGHTING THE FLOORS WHEN THE BATTLES ARE LOST" just felt so cathartic.

Hearing these songs that I have been listening to in my bedroom for the past couple years, and then seeing them brought to life by four people that chatted to the massive crowd as though we were all just out in the smoking area having a catch-up, was just magical.

Another of my highlights was when Alexei introduced a track that was a B-Side, and that apparently "nobody likes" and Nick's face just lit up as he sang along to every word. Our friend Tom said, quote, "How the f*ck do you know this one?"

Probably the moment that stole the show for me, however, was Johnny Foreigner vs You. Alexei and Kelly put their instruments down and headed into the crowd. Two circles formed around them on either side, and the venue lights came up, illuminating the entire crowd. Their voices sounded phenomenal, and with every single person in the venue singing along, it was a moment I will never forget. I genuinely got emotional, it was just perfect.

Also, just another general comment to note here. Kelly is a f*cking incredible bassist, and I can only dream of ever being as good as her. I remember when Nick and I first got together and I tried (and failed) to learn Custom Scenes and the Parties That Make Them. Just incredible.

The entire show was over too quickly, and just meant so much to everyone there.

Johnny Foreigner, we adore you, and YOU are the ones that belong in a museum.