Concerts of the Year 2025

      Live performances are essential to music. They serve as a direct channel of communication between artists and fans, a platform where music, visuals, and authentic emotion can blend seamlessly.

      The valuable work of Music Venue Trust has highlighted the severe challenges facing this segment of the music industry. When CLASH reviews the year's standout live music moments, we naturally focus on a few key events, but we also recognize the countless smaller shows where underrepresented voices seek to be heard.

      In compiling this list, we've aimed to capture the essence of live music across the country, showcasing everything from monumental stadium events to community-driven block parties and important independent venues.

      Of course, this is subjective, but as the CLASH team journeyed across various locations, these 12 performances truly stood out.

      —

      Oasis – Principality Stadium, Cardiff

      Cardiff felt rejuvenated even before Oasis took the stage—murals of the Gallagher brothers, vendors selling bucket hats, and the city buzzing as if Britpop had never faded. Then the lights dimmed, and the brothers emerged as if summoned by the collective spirit of the nation. With a setlist that included ‘Hello’, ‘Acquiesce’, and ‘Supersonic’, there was no unnecessary flair, just a straight shot of energy. The audience was not chaotic but rather reverent, holding its breath as a tribute to Diogo Jota hung above ‘Live Forever’. It was ‘Slide Away’ that truly unleashed Cardiff: Liam’s raw intensity, Noel’s brilliance, both impossible to ignore. The encore was radiant—featuring ‘The Masterplan’, ‘Don’t Look Back in Anger’, and ‘Champagne Supernova’. The myth of their reunion came to life. A perfect 10/10. Josh Crowe

      —

      Lady Gaga – The O2 Arena, London

      (Photo by Samir Hussein/Getty Images for Live Nation)

      While there are many pop stars, Lady Gaga stands apart. Heeding the aptly named MAYHEM Ball on her tour, she transitioned from stadiums to arenas, creating a unique intimacy that resulted in one of the year's standout live performances. Bold, theatrical, and vibrant, Lady Gaga deconstructed her past to forge a path to her future.

      Drawing from the finest elements of her emphatic ‘MAYHEM’ album, she interwove it with her iconic hits. A heartfelt rendition of ‘The Edge Of Glory’ revealed the person behind the headlines, while the towering ‘Bad Romance’ served as a reminder of her singular prowess. Robin Murray

      —

      Sam Fender – St James’ Park, Newcastle

      With a setlist that blends infectious indie-rock anthems, chart-topping hits, and moments of genuine emotional depth, it’s no surprise that Sam Fender’s star continues to rise. Even amidst his largest headline show at London Stadium, the energy from his hometown crowds remains unmatched. Five sold-out performances at St James’ Park—each sold out within minutes—demonstrate that when it comes to contemporary guitar music, this isn’t just the hottest ticket in the North East, but in the entire country. Sam could headline St James’ every year for the next decade, and the combination of that electric hometown enthusiasm and his steadfast artistic integrity would still make it one of the UK’s most essential live experiences. Finlay Holden

      —

      Radiohead – The O2 Arena, London

      The lead-up to Radiohead’s current tour hasn’t been smooth. Rumors of disagreements over BDS and the ongoing Middle East conflict cast a shadow over the Oxford band, with a clarifying discussion in The Times prompting backlash on social media.

      However, Radiohead's in-the-round performance at The O2 Arena turned out to be a resounding success. Focused on the songs themselves, this career-spanning set saw the band cater to fans, traversing the peaks of their 30-year journey. The highlights are almost too numerous to list, but an encore featuring ‘Let Down’, a powerful ‘Just’, and an exceptional ‘Karma Police’ served as a testament to the lasting impact of the band’s music. Robin Murray

      —

      IDLES Block Party – Queens Square, Bristol

      Attending the first night of the IDLES Block Party felt like witnessing a full-circle moment. Although I experienced many great shows this year, nothing compared to the sensation of standing in Queen Square as an entire city celebrated a band that helped shape its identity. Bristol didn’t merely show up; it erupted, laughed, danced, and offered full support.

      From the moment Lambrini Girls and SOFT PLAY electrified the audience, the atmosphere transformed into something beyond just a concert. By the time IDLES arrived on stage, the energy was palpable. What followed was sheer enjoyment and chaos: crowd surfers soaring in every direction, strangers helping each other up, choruses sung so loudly they barely required amplification.

      What made it unforgettable wasn’t polish; it was the history. You could feel years of loyalty, effort, and

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