Skating Polly Bring Ugly-Pop to London’s Iconic 100 Club

On Friday night Skating Polly made their long-awaited return to London, lighting up the legendary 100 Club with a night that reminded everyone why they’ve become one of the most compelling acts in modern alternative rock. The sibling trio — known for their self-coined ugly-pop sound, a fierce mix of punk aggression, melodic hooks and grunge grit — played to a packed house of fans who sang and cheered through every track.

The show was part of their ongoing European tour, which began in Dortmund, Germany, before hitting Portsmouth, Swansea, Bristol and Liverpool, with a final stop set for Hull on October 16th. Each date has built momentum, and by the time the band reached London, anticipation was sky-high.

Opening the night were Townhouses, an indie rock band bridging the London and Bristol scenes. Their crisp guitars, driving rhythms and confident stage presence set the tone perfectly, earning cheers from a crowd eager for what was to come. Their upbeat set warmed the room, transforming polite anticipation into genuine excitement.

When Skating Polly hit the stage, they wasted no time launching into a blistering set that showcased both precision and chaos. The ugly-pop sibling trio from the States set the stage alight, giving the crowd a perfect Friday night treat. The setlist leaned heavily on their 2023 album ‘Chaos County Line’, with standout tracks like ‘Singalong’, ‘Man Out There’ and ‘Hickey King’. Each song carried that distinctive Skating Polly mix — punchy hooks layered with grit and emotion, balancing melody with mayhem.

Long-time fans were treated to older favourites too, including ‘Stop Digging’ and ‘Protective Boy’ from ‘The Big Fit’. Of course, no show would be complete without the old-time classic ‘Carrots’. Released during the band’s teenage years, it’s a track that now feels both nostalgic and powerful — a reminder of how far they’ve come. Seeing it performed with such confidence and conviction was a clear sign of their evolution.

They closed the night with ‘They’re Cheap (I’m Free)’, an explosive finale that sent the room into a final burst of motion. Mosh pits broke out and voices rose together for one last chorus. A group of girls near the front danced and screamed every word, embodying the wild, joyous spirit that defines Skating Polly’s live shows. As the last note faded and the lights came up, the crowd lingered, reluctant to let the moment go. After more than a decade of pushing boundaries, Skating Polly continue to sound fresh, fierce and entirely their own. At the 100 Club, they didn’t just perform, they celebrated everything ugly-pop stands for: honesty, imperfection and the sheer joy of making noise together.