The Somerset House Summer Series consistently stands out on the London live music scene. With its distinct venue hosting a variety of artists over ten days, combined with the unpredictability of British summer weather, it promises an unforgettable night out. It had been nearly a decade since my last visit, but it was impossible to overlook the legendary Giggs closing out the 2025 Summer Series in his hometown.
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On a lovely Sunday evening (despite the presence of several individuals in puffer jackets), an excited crowd gathered in the Somerset House courtyard for Giggs’ headline performance. The audience leaned heavily male, featuring many “old heads” who have followed Giggs and his contemporaries for two decades.
Launching into ‘Whippin Excursion’ and then ‘KMT’, Giggs exploded onto the stage with palpable energy and appreciation. His performance was characterized by an almost child-like joy at being there, as he bounced around the stage while rapping. Whether one is familiar with Giggs’ entire discography or just a few of his songs, his sheer delight is enough to bring a smile.
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The set was filled with numerous guest appearances, which was expected since the event was promoted as “Giggs & Family.” However, the show might have benefited from fewer guests to allow the audience more personal interaction with Giggs himself. Nevertheless, Giggs’ welcoming attitude towards both legendary and up-and-coming rappers was heartwarming. For the day one fans, he invited P Money, Lethal B, Scorcher, Smila, and Blade Brown to the stage. More contemporary names included Strandz, Suspect, and Skrapz, who performed the beloved ‘One More Chance Freestyle’. We also saw younger artists Mazza and Kasst from Liverpool, who both made a strong impression on the daunting stage.
As the 10:30 pm curfew approached and several of Giggs’ biggest hits remained unperformed, there was a hint of concern considering venues' strictness, particularly on a Sunday. Giggs then announced it would cost “5 grand to keep the show going,” to which the crowd erupted in cheers. In response, we were treated to ‘Baby’, ‘Look What the Cat Dragged In’, and the “national anthem” of sorts, ‘Talking the Hardest’. Experiencing Giggs perform this live felt nearly euphoric, especially with all his guests joining him for the grand finale.
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For someone with numerous tracks in the British rap canon who has had limited opportunities to perform live compared to peers, this show felt like a long-overdue acknowledgment of Giggs’ contributions. His significance to the music scene was evidenced by the recognition he received from beyond his immediate circle, and he appeared to fully feel this on stage.
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Words: Nicola Davies
Photography: Ben McQuaide
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The Somerset House Summer Series consistently stands out in London's live music events. This distinctive venue welcomes a diverse array of artists each year.