Celebrating two decades of music, The Horrors brought their highly anticipated Night Life tour to a sold-out crowd at The Crossing in Digbeth, Birmingham, on Friday, November 21, 2025. The band delivered a powerful performance, showcasing their first new album in eight years alongside beloved classics.
A New Era on Stage
Marking a significant chapter for the group, the current tour features a refreshed line-up. Founding members, frontman Faris Badwan and bassist Rhys Webb, were joined by keyboard player Amelia Kidd, drummer Jordan Cook, and the latest addition, guitarist John Victor. The band emerged from the shadows to kick off the night with the lead single from Night Life, 'The Silence That Remains', its dominating bassline and eerie synths immediately setting the tone for the evening.
A Setlist Spanning Genres and Decades
The performance was a masterful journey through the band's eclectic 20-year career. Early tracks like 'Three Decades' and 'Mirror’s Edge' from their 2009 album Primary Colours were met with roaring approval. The band's heavier, industrial rock edge was unleashed during 'Silent Sister', with Victor thrashing on guitar and Badwan whipping his microphone lead across the stage.
Atmospheric production played a key role throughout the night. Each band member shifted in and out of a thick haze, bathed in gloomy red, purple, and blue lights. Badwan, in a rare moment of banter, amusingly requested "more smoke" and commented on the minimal front-facing lighting. After playing 'Endless Blue', he wryly noted, "That was Endless Blue tonight presented in red," in reference to the venue's crimson lighting.
Standout Moments and a Bowie Tribute
Recent single 'More Than Life' was a clear highlight, demonstrating the band's ability to temper their chaotic energy with melodic, goth-pop sensibilities. This trend continued with the dreamy 'LA Runaway'.
Following a brief departure, the band returned for a three-song encore. It began with 'Lotus Eater', a track that highlighted the distinct electronic edge brought by Amelia Kidd. The band then displayed immense bravado with a stunning cover of David Bowie's 'Heroes', making the iconic track sound quintessentially their own while honouring the original. They closed the magnificent set with 'Something To Remember Me By', another example of their knack for a powerful, melodic pop chorus.
Reflecting on their journey mid-set, Faris Badwan remarked on the band's 20th anniversary, asking the crowd, "can you imagine that." Based on the evidence of this electrifying, sold-out gig, after two decades, The Horrors are sounding better than ever.
