On 15 November 2022, it was like any other Tuesday for me but when a call dropped from the team at Strong Island for a great last-minute opportunity, I picked up my gear and dashed to the biggest venue in the heart of Portsmouth. For a night of classic indie-pop rocking as the Blossoms played to a packed Guildhall in Portsmouth. 

The room was full of bouncing energy with die-hard fans leading the way and the more chilled listeners following the groove. The atmosphere was more on the mellow side but nonetheless, it felt like a warm, homey vibe for music lovers. 

Originally from Stockport, Greater Manchester, the band is made up of best friends Tom Ogden, Charlie Salt, Josh Dewhurst, Joe Donovan and Myles Kellock. All born in the same hospital, the group, who named themselves after the 192 Manchester bus route, got together in 2013 after playing independently in local groups. 

As an events photographer, I notice that production levels can really vary. The Blossoms impressed me with their use of unique lightning and seemingly custom-made sets. Particularly, the orange lightning effects in the show helped to create an easy-going feel with frontman Ogden hosting all the classic Blossoms bangers. They clearly thought about what their show looks and sounds like. Their music gives me a Bowie and U2 vibe with a modern twist by using synth instruments, making their music suitable for various age ranges.

It was a head-bop, hand-wave kind of flow with hits like Your Girlfriend, There’s a Reason Why and Charlemagne lightning the room with smiles from adoring fans and not the kind of show to wait for an encore to play crowd favourites.

Website: blossomsband.co.uk
Facebook: facebook.com/blossomsband
Twitter: twitter.com/BlossomsBand
Instagram: instagram.com/blossomsband

Words and Photos: Matt Clark