The Pharcyde’s show at the Old Woollen in Farsley was one of those gigs that reminds you why live music matters so much. The venue itself was small, cute and beautifully intimate. The room had a closeness that made everything feel immediate and personal, with the crowd buzzing and ready to witness a one-of-a-kind performance.

From the moment they hit the stage, The Pharcyde’s energy was undeniable. The bodies in the room were dancing almost instantly — the kind of movement without self-consciousness, that only happens when everyone’s completely in sync with music. They fed off this brilliantly, clearly enjoying themselves as well, and making the evening loose and fun rather than scripted and overpolished. The moves coming from the artists were unmatched, with Imani (Emandu Wilcox) taking no rests and constantly keeping the energy high.

Their relationship with the crowd was a defining feature of the night. Rather than simply performing, they actively engaged, drawing people in through call-and-response exchanges and elements of direct acknowledgement that dissolved any distance between the stage and floor. This transformed the set into a shared experience, reinforcing the intimacy that lingered through the whole venue.

There were also expertly judged interludes, with the group performing tracks by Erykah Badu, De La Soul and Common. One of the most poignant moments came when the trio decided to pay tribute to their legendary producer J Dilla. This was something that resonated deeply with the whole room.

The Pharcyde delivered their most celebrated tracks with confidence and care, giving each song the time and space to connect with the audience. And they maintained a seamless flow from one track to the next. When they drew everything to an end, it felt as though it had been more than a conventional gig — instead, something bound together by movement, emotion and a tangible sense of joy.

Guest gig review contributed by Tom Vrahoulakis.