It might be December but that doesn’t mean we’re on the go-slow here at Record Weekly. And courtesy of Chuff Media, Don Broco at Manchester’s O2 Victoria Warehouse was quite the midweek delight on Wednesday just gone*.

With support from Ocean Grove and Trash Boat, I was immediately submerged in a forestry wasteland of punk rock — all outrageous from the off, of course. And the crowd was beyond electric, moshing on cue; I didn’t spy even one unhappy face at any given time.

The supports provided a thrill ride of a warm-up, and many punters may have been just as eager to catch them as Don Broco themselves, as the headliner’s very dedicated fanbase turned out early doors. I saw plenty of merch sales, too. 

Among the other 14 photographers in the pit, I witnessed the epic natures of all three bands — and each of us with lenses were scrambling to get the most picturesque shots throughout the frenzied on-stage displays. The liveliness didn’t make it an easy task to capture the shot, but wow, it was well worth being up the front for this!

When Don Broco came on, it was visible from the get-go that their frontman Rob was in a neck brace/cast. But, in the band’s true style, that sure as anything didn’t stop him at all from giving it the utmost energy and delivering on all the hype. And during every song, the entire outfit was interactive — not just Rob himself. It was certainly more of a performance than just a set; it was a commanding exhibit that I was so grateful to be part of. 

Guest gig review contributed by Daniel Caddick

*With thanks to Jenny at Chuff Media for the press access and photo pass.