The Linda Lindas on their first UK/EU Tour
Photos by Levi Ocean
The Linda Lindas are nearing the end of their very first EU/UK tour, a milestone that already feels like the start of something bigger for the band. I was lucky enough to catch their London stop at the O2 Academy in Islington, a night that drew fans of all ages and backgrounds, all buzzing with anticipation to finally see the band live on this side of the Atlantic.
The night opened with Bristol’s queer punk band The Menstrual Cramps, who wasted no time making their presence felt. From the moment they hit the stage, the energy in the room began to build. They launched into a ferocious set featuring tracks like ‘Body Politics’, ‘Boycott the Lot’, and their latest single, ‘Kiss on the Pitch’, and it’s heavily queer. Emilia’s raw, politically charged vocals brought the crowd to life, especially during the band’s signature anthem ‘Body Politics’. Inspired by Judith Butler’s ‘Gender Trouble’, the lyrics delivered a fierce, unapologetic message, perfectly setting the tone for a night that carried punk’s edge and spirit.
The anticipation in the room was tangible as fans waited for The Linda Lindas. When the band finally hit the stage, they exploded into a set packed with fierce punk energy and infectious hooks, launching the crowd into euphoria. It’s not every day you see a band with no single front person — each member takes turns on vocals, giving their set a dynamic, ever-shifting energy to their performance. Their individual styles blend into something raw, honest, and refreshingly fun.
Late last year, The Linda Lindas released their third album, ‘No Obligations’, and their live performance showed just how far they’ve come. Tracks like ‘Oh!, Linda Linda’, and ‘Too Many Things’ lit up the room with unrelenting energy. But the real shock came when Hayley Williams made a surprise appearance, joining the band on stage to scream along to ‘Racist, Sexist Boy’, sending the crowd into total chaos.
Leaving the O2 Academy, it was clear this tour is a big step forward for The Linda Lindas. They’ve already proven they can hold their own on a London stage, and now they’re taking that same energy to Reading and Leeds this weekend before finishing things up in Glasgow next week. For a first run through the UK and Europe, it feels less like an introduction and more like the start of something much bigger.
