Rough Trade East, London. 6 November 2026.

I’d never been to a show at a Rough Trade shop before, but my God, it was cool. I was expecting something a little more low-key, but the space was fully transformed into a proper live music venue, with a fully kitted-out stage, lighting and sound system.

Do Nothing are just exceptional. They played almost the whole of their new album “Friend World”, which had been released earlier that day. I’d already listened to it a couple of times that afternoon, but hearing it live gave it a whole new life.

The whole band were clearly loving life up on stage, especially guitarist Kasper Sandstrøm. Just watching him vibe out to the new songs had me smiling the whole time.

Charlie Howarth’s bass playing was a joy to watch. As a bass player myself, I was in awe watching the fingers of his left hand dance up and down his instrument. It was also cool watching him switch between his bass and a Korg synthesiser, which provided some simpler moments of low end during certain songs, particularly “Stars”, the first single from “Friend World”. What a song, by the way.

Drummer Andrew Harrison’s beats and his marvellous hair were wonderfully consistent, but there was so much subtle creativity in his playing too. The clever little flourishes he threw in every now and then made me feel all warm inside. Strange, I know, but what can you do.

And finally, Chris Bailey and that powerful voice of his. At times he looked like an exasperated preacher on stage, mic in his right hand, leaning down towards the opposite knee, left hand gesticulating. Consider me a disciple of whatever it is he wants me to believe in.

Oh, and the finale. The last song wasn’t from the new album at all, but fan favourite “Nerve”. What a treat that was.

I’d paid for the exclusive Fish Eye vinyl pressing of “Friend World”, which looks far cooler and considerably less disgusting than I’d imagined, so of course I had to get it signed. I joined towards the back of the queue and waited patiently to meet the band, and I must say, what a lovely group of men. So friendly and so patient. The whole experience has cemented their (already secure) position as one of my favourite bands.

What an evening.