The boys are back, and they’re here to celebrate! This September marks the ten-year anniversary of The Vamps’ debut album ‘Meet The Vamps’, and they’ve made sure to mark the occasion with something special.
Speaking of the tour, the band said: “We are so excited for the fans to hear these re recordings, this was the album that started it all for us and songs that are very close to our hearts but they have evolved a lot over the past ten years so it was amazing to go back in and recapture the energy through our eyes now having toured for ten years “
It’s actually been a whole decade since they first hit the airwaves, and what a magical ten years it’s been. The Vamps have returned, better than ever, to celebrate their debut. It’s not every day you hear The Vamps performing in Bristol, and fans were ready and waiting from the early morning hours, all vying to snag a coveted spot at the front - of course, right up against the barrier.
You know the term "boy band" often gets a dismissive reaction, right? We’ve all seen it. But that label doesn't stick here. These guys are far beyond the boy band trope. They’ve grown into a full-fledged band, showcasing real musicianship, rock sensibilities, and even a dedicated three-minute drum solo by Tristan Evans. Returning to the stage for their anniversary celebration, The Vamps reminded everyone exactly why they captured hearts back in 2013 and why they’ve stayed relevant ever since.
As the lights dimmed and the first notes echoed through the venue, the crowd erupted in cheers. The Vamps emerged to thunderous applause, their stage presence as sharp and magnetic as ever. Under the bright spotlights, they took their places and launched into their opening track, Wild Hearts, which instantly had the entire audience singing along. It was the perfect opener - high-energy, anthemic, and brimming with the same youthful spirit that made them famous a decade ago.
Can We Dance, All Night and Wake Up brought a wave of nostalgia over the audience, as people belted out the chorus with the same passion they had when they first heard it years ago. Harmonies were tight, instrumentation crisp, and the chemistry between the band members was as electric as ever. The Vamps are no strangers to touring, and their experience showed; navigating the setlist with the finesse of seasoned performers, keeping the energy high without ever losing the intimacy of the moment in the 1,500 capped venue.
Mid set, drummer Tristan Evans was given his time to shine with an extended drum performance to 'Chemicals'. In that moment, The Vamps proved they were more than just a group of pretty faces; they’re accomplished musicians in their own right. It was a masterclass in precision and power; an attitude-fuelled blend of rock influences and a polished pop finish.
The atmosphere throughout the night was electric. Vocalist Bradley Simpson is a born frontman and he had the crowd in the palm of his hand - and always has. He used every inch of the stage and took the time between songs to share his thanks, tell stories of the early days and reflect on what they’ve achieved thus far. The gratitude was genuine and it was clear that this wasn’t just a celebration for the band but for the fans and everything they’d help build over the years.
They later treated the crowd to an intimate acoustic performance, where Connor Ball, Tristan Evans and James McVey took centre stage, joining Bradley Simpson, for two mash-ups; first up On The Floor and High Hopes, then Fall and Jack. Lights twinkled as the band pared it back for ten minutes.
But the calm didn’t last long. As soon as they kicked off the second set with ‘Wake Up’, the crowd went wild. Fans instantly recognized the opening chords, throwing their hands up and singing along. The energy surged as the band reignited the night with this fan-favourite anthem.
‘Somebody To You’ signalled the end, and they pulled out all the stops for the finale. It was bittersweet really. It was such a great night and the perfect track to end, but no one really wanted it to end. The show was a love letter to their fans, both for those who had been there from day one and those who tagged on along the way.
This was the second time I’ve seen The Vamps live, and I’ll admit that the first time, I wasn’t exactly a fan. I was there for the job, but by the end of the night, I left as a converted superfan - and this performance only solidified that feeling. The Vamps are a band that has grown with their audience, and if this show was anything to go by, they’re not slowing down anytime soon. Their Bristol show was a triumphant return, proving that after ten years, The Vamps are still at the top of their game.
Words/2nd image: Tate Powell (@tatepowellx)
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