28 November 2025 (gig)
3 d
Aussie indie-pop duo Royel Otis played two sold-out shows in Manchester over the weekend, and I went to see night one at the O2 Victoria Warehouse. It was everything you could have ever dreamed of and more.
Entering the packed-out crowd and weaving my way in for a decent spot — in a venue well known for its poor sightlines, the atmosphere was already buzzing. The indie tracks played by the DJ only amplified the energy, getting the audience thoroughly warmed up.
The band graced the stage to a proper northern welcome, greeted by cheers and chants from everyone in the room. They launched into their first track of the night, ‘i hate this tune’, the opening song of the ‘Meet Me in the Car’ tour. Despite the name, the crowd loved it, and the band clearly enjoyed playing it too.
It’s worth pointing out that Royel Otis are not only great performers and musicians, but their production team is electric as well. Brilliant visuals lit up the backdrop as they played, with neon-pink lighting, uplifting quotes and even a few bits of Manchester lingo.
‘who’s your boyfriend’ really got the crowd going, arguably one of their best tracks, feeling carefully crafted and effortlessly sleek. As we moved into ‘Kool Aid’, the crowd began to sway, fired up to belt out this fan favourite, which the band delivered with joy, energy and precision throughout.
Two standout moments of the night included a cover of ‘Linger’ by The Cranberries, which showcased the band’s strong vocals, and an incredible rendition of the dance-hit ‘Murder on the Dancefloor’ by Sophie Ellis-Bextor, which had the room moving like it was The Warehouse Project.
Royel Otis left the stage after ‘say something’, but everyone knew it wasn’t over, we were all waiting for ‘Oysters in My Pocket’. Returning with a grin, the band shouted, “Shall we have some oysters, Manchester?” and the encore of our dreams arrived.
What a show. What a band. What a night!
