High octane riffs, groove-laden beats and shimmering guitars defined this historic Happy Mondays gig, reminding everyone why they remain one of the UK’s most essential live acts. Decades in, and the band has lost none of its bite, delivering a performance brimming with swagger, attitude and the unmistakable Madchester groove that made them legends.
Celebrating the Happy Mondays seminal third album
Celebrating 35 years of their seminal album Pills ’n’ Thrills and Bellyaches, the Mondays ran through a set at the sold-out O2 in Bournemouth that expertly blended the album’s finest tracks with a selection of fan favourites from their back catalogue.
From the very first chord of ‘Kinky Afro’, with its bouncing basslines and infectious rhythm, the crowd was instantly hooked. Psychedelic grooves of ‘God’s Cop’ and the funky punk energy of ‘Grandbag’s Funeral’ followed, each song delivered with the band’s inimitable style and stage presence.
An iconic and career-spanning set from the Happy Mondays
‘Dennis and Lois’ added a sweet Northern Soul twist, while ‘Holiday’ highlighted why it remains a standout track from the album. Then, as expected, ‘Step On’ arrived, the moment everyone had been waiting for.
From the jangling opening bars to its iconic riff, the room erupted. The energy was ferocious, fabulous and completely irresistible, a reminder of why this song became a defining anthem for the band.
The connection between the Happy Mondays, who first came together in Salford in 1980, was immediately apparent. Their chemistry crackled on stage, every member feeding off the other with effortless energy. The crowd responded in kind, dancing, singing along and fully immersed in the experience.
The setlist also included tracks like ‘Donovan’, ‘Loose Fit’ and deeper cuts such as ‘Mad Cyril’ and ‘Wrote for Luck’, showing the band’s ability to balance nostalgia with a fresh, living energy.
Each song flowed seamlessly into the next, keeping the momentum high while giving fans moments to catch their breath and revel in the grooves. Highlights such as ‘Hallelujah’ and ‘24 Hour Party People’ brought the gig to a thrilling peak, leaving the audience buzzing long after the final note.
A celebration of live music
It was more than just a trip down memory lane. The band’s set was electric, packed with swagger, infectious rhythm and the kind of loose-limbed grooves that cemented their place in Madchester history.
From start to finish, the Happy Mondays proved they are still at the top of their game. They reminded fans that their music is not just historic but still relevant, thrilling and capable of uniting generations under a single, pulsating groove.
By the final tracks, it was clear this was a gig that would be remembered: a performance that captured the essence of the band, their legacy, and the enduring power of the Madchester movement.
Few bands have left as indelible a mark on British music as the Happy Mondays. As pioneers of the Madchester movement, they not only defined a sound but also a whole attitude, blending funk, punk, rave and Northern Soul into something entirely their own.
Their influence can be heard across decades of indie, dance and alternative music, inspiring bands from the 1990s Britpop wave to today’s electronic-infused rock acts. Watching them live is not just a nostalgic trip but a reminder of how their fearless approach to music and performance reshaped the UK scene and set the standard for what it means to be a live act.
It was a night of groove, swagger and pure Madchester magic, with high octane riffs, iconic tracks and fan favourites coming together to create a performance that will be remembered by everyone lucky enough to be there.
