Wolf Alice headlined a triumphant homecoming show at Finsbury Park on Sunday, drawing 45,000 fans to the North London venue. The band, which started playing in local basements and sticky-floored venues 15 years ago, performed a set that celebrated their journey from the Seven Sisters area to headlining major festivals.
Emotional Homecoming Moments
During the song The Sofa, lead singer Ellie Rowsell sang the line “Feels a little like I'm stuck in Seven Sisters, North London, oh England” and the crowd surprised her by singing along. Her surprised laugh was audible before she regained composure, reflecting, “And maybe that's OK.”
Bassist Theo Ellis looked out over the audience and said, “Finsbury Park, you have no idea how much this means to us. I grew up just over there.” He joked, “The weekend is still young, they’ve kept the pubs open as late as possible for us,” likely referencing the upcoming England football match.
Support Acts and Atmosphere
Earlier in the day, Rachel Chinouriri delivered a bright, jubilant set. Lykke Li performed on a stripped-back stage dressed in black to a mostly disinterested crowd, though her hit “I Follow Rivers” won them over by the end. The Last Dinner Party followed, finishing with the entire crowd singing “Nothing Matters” back at them.
Wolf Alice's Set Highlights
The stage was adorned with silver tinsel tassels and a large star, with Rowsell dressed in white. A disco ball appeared, which Rowsell noted was made by “a guy called Mirrorball Paul.” The set opened with “Bloom Baby Bloom,” showcasing the band's genre-jumping skill. “Bros,” an ode to friendship, featured shimmering guitars, while “How Can I Make It OK?” displayed wistful beauty.
Rowsell changed into black and returned with a megaphone for the explosive “Yuk Foo.” The main set ended with “Don’t Delete the Kisses” as the sun set, a song that captures the rush of falling in love. After the main set, the band returned for an encore, finishing with a surprise cover of Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and a snarling “Giant Peach.”
Significance of the Show
The concert marked a milestone for Wolf Alice, who have won a Mercury Prize and achieved a chart-topping album since their debut. The show, a stone's throw from the Seven Sisters area referenced in their songs, demonstrated their growth from local venues to headlining major outdoor events. As Rowsell noted, their best songs capture feelings of home and the life and friendships around these streets, but also the desire to go further. The Finsbury Park show proved they are ready to take on the world.
