Gig: Jimmy Eat World @ Alexandra Palace, London
Jimmy Eat World by Jez Pennington
On 15 November, Alexandra Palace became the epicenter of emo nostalgia and raw energy as Jimmy Eat World brought their tour to London, with Canadian punk rockers PUP opening the night. The Arizona quartet delivered a heartfelt and electric performance, seamlessly blending classic anthems with fresh material. Meanwhile, PUP set the tone with their blistering set, packed with sharp humor and raw intensity, igniting the crowd from the very start. The packed venue buzzed with fans of all ages, united by a shared love for music that resonates deeply, no matter how much time has passed.
PUP
PUP kicked off the night with a blistering set that didn’t waste a second. They launched into “Totally Fine” and “Concrete” with unrelenting energy, igniting the crowd from the get-go. Their signature blend of biting humor and raw vulnerability took center stage on tracks like “Kids” and “If This Tour Doesn’t Kill You, I Will,” both delivered with a sharp edge that had fans shouting along. By the time they wrapped up with the emotional gut-punch of “Sleep in the Heat,” the crowd was buzzing, perfectly teed up for the rest of the night.
Jimmy Eat World
Jimmy Eat World hit the stage to an electrified crowd, kicking things off with “Pain.” Its driving energy set the tone for what was shaping up to be a stellar night. They kept the momentum going with fan-favorites “Just Tonight...” and “If You Don’t, Don’t,” the audience belting out every word like a second lead singer. The place erupted for “Sweetness,” with its soaring chorus practically shaking the walls. Newer tracks like “Sure and Certain” and “Something Loud” added a fresh edge, blending nostalgia with proof that the band’s creative fire is far from fading.
In a quieter moment, Jim Adkins stepped into the spotlight solo for an acoustic take on “555,” stripping the song down to its raw, emotional core. The crowd hit peak feels during “Hear You Me,” swaying in unison to one of the band’s most heartfelt tributes. They wrapped up the main set with a knockout trio: “Bleed American,” “A Praise Chorus,” and, of course, “The Middle”—timeless anthems that felt just as alive as ever.
For the encore, they brought it home with “Night Drive” and “The World You Love,” leaving the crowd on a high note that was equal parts rousing and emotional. It wasn’t just a show—it was a celebration of everything Jimmy Eat World has been and continues to be.
