Relentless Southampton rain couldn’t dampen the buzz outside The 1865 on Sunday afternoon. A line of drenched but grinning fans snaked around the venue, umbrellas up and party hats perched proudly. They’d come to celebrate not just the launch of The Last Dinner Party’s second album From The Pyre but also the birthday of lead singer Abigail Morris.
Vinilo Record Store hosted the outstore, and tickets disappeared so quickly the band added a matinee show to meet demand. In the queue, I met three fans who’d arrived at 8 a.m. One from Atlanta, Georgia, another from Belfast, and a third down from London. Their commitment captured exactly how magnetic this band has become.
Inside, The 1865 buzzed with energy. As the house lights dropped and the first chords of “Agnus Dei” hit, the crowd roared. From the opening note, every voice joined in, turning the venue into a single, unified chorus.
The band kept the set lean and powerful, playing ten songs from From The Pyre: “Agnus Dei,” “Count The Ways,” “Second Best,” “Rifle,” “Woman Is A Tree,” “Hold Your Anger,” “Sail Away,” “The Scythe,” “Inferno,” and the explosive closer “This Is The Killer Speaking.” They didn’t rush. Between songs, Lizzie led the crowd in a rousing “Happy Birthday” for Abigail, hats, cheers, and smiles all around. That shared moment only deepened the connection between stage and floor.
The band’s theatrical flair has always set them apart, and they delivered it in full. Sweeping melodies, dramatic vocal crescendos, and a stage presence that demanded attention. This wasn’t a box-ticking promotional stop. It felt like a victory lap, a band in full creative flight with an audience that’s grown right alongside them.
Their 2024 debut Prelude to Ecstasy earned huge acclaim, a BRIT Awards Rising Star win and a Mercury Prize shortlist. Since then, they’ve sold out venues across the UK and built a loyal, feverish fanbase. On this wet Southampton afternoon, they didn’t just reaffirm that promise, they raised the bar.
As the final chorus of “This Is The Killer Speaking” crashed to a close, the band stood smiling at a sea of soaked, singing faces. This wasn’t just another gig, it marked the start of what could become a legendary run for The Last Dinner Party. For everyone who braved the rain that afternoon, it’s a show they’ll talk about for years.
Words & Photos: Mark Butler
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