10 December 2025 (gig)
3 d
The Charlatans took the stage at Camden's Roundhouse with "Kingdom of Ours," the first track of their latest album. They immediately set the tone for the night: a band comfortable with their decades-long history but clearly focused on their current work, as they should be. A two set format allowed the Mancunian veterans time to showcase their full catalogue of work.
Frontman Tim Burgess, dressed in white and sporting a custom t-shirt that read ‘Best lips in London,’ moved with a youthful energy that belied the band’s tenure. His stage presence remains an anchor, a blend of casual swagger and warm engagement, often using his phone to film the crowd, creating a loop of observation and performance.
The band quickly launched into "Weirdo," which Burgess introduced with a knowing nod: "This song is dedicated to everyone that has been living as long as we have!" The track immediately identified the sonic signature of the group, Martin Blunt's steady bass and, crucially, the swirling, distinctive Hammond keys of Tony Rogers originally mastered by Rob Collins. These organ flourishes have always provided the original, soulful heartbeat of the band’s sound, and they endure. "North Country Boy" and the more melodic "For the Girls" followed as The Charlatans warmed up the sold out crowd finishing the first set with a personal highlight 'Then'.
The Beach Boys’ classic, "God Only Knows," sounded through the break before the second half picked up with "Forever," before moving into the title track from their latest album, "We Are Love." The newer material sitting perfectly alongside the older cannon of work.
The Roundhouse was then treated to a succession of signature tracks. "Just When You're Thinkin' Things Over" retained its trademark understated charm, while the coupling of two definitive hits "One to Another" and "The Only One I Know" provided the emotional peak of the evening. Guitarist Mark Collins's classic riffs and the buoyant rhythm section, a pure celebratory delight.
Pictures of the past and present line-up were projected onto three large, raised screens positioned behind the band. The enduring camaraderie and confidence of the group were evident in the stage banter. Burgess’s rushed, off-hand introduction of "on guitar, Mark Collins," followed by his assurance that the atmosphere was simply "a good vibe," spoke volumes. It was an indication that, despite the years and the changes, the core strength of The Charlatans remains robust.
The main set closed with "Get On It," paving the way for a three-song encore. They returned with "Now Everything" before delivering a powerful rendition of "Tremelo Song." The evening was brought to a fervent conclusion with the anthemic "Sproston Green." This was The Charlatans delivering a well rounded performance, one that was clearly savoured by all here. They remain a band with significant momentum and creative life left to offer, long may they continue.
Setlist:
Setlist
Set 1:
Kingdom of Ours
Weirdo
For the Girls
North Country Boy
Many a Day a Heartache
Oh! Vanity
Let the Good Times Be Never Ending
Blackened Blue Eyes
Then
Set 2:
Forever
We Are Love
Tellin' Stories
Out on Our Own
Deeper and Deeper
Just When You're Thinkin' Things Over
Toothache
Here Comes a Soul Saver
Appetite
In the Tall Grass
One to Another
The Only One I Know
Get On It
Encore:
Now Everything
Tremelo Song
Sproston Green
