When it comes to pure, high-energy pop-punk, few bands have managed to captivate audiences quite like State Champs. On a crisp London evening, they brought their electric performance to the O2 Forum Kentish Town, with support from Broadside and The Home Team, and the night turned out to be nothing short of exceptional pop-punk goodness. For fans of the genre, this was more than just a gig — it was a full-throttle, anthemic ride that left everyone buzzing long after the lights came up.
Kicking off the evening were Broadside, who immediately brought an energy boost to the venue. With their infectious melodies and energetic stage presence, the Virginia-based band showed exactly why they’re a band to watch in the scene. They quickly captured the audience’s attention with their relatable lyrics and tight performance, making it clear that they’re on the rise. And when a tour line-up makes as much sense on stage as it does on paper, it is no surprise, but a welcome treat, when The Home Team vocalist Brian joins Broadside on stage for Cruel.
Next up was The Home Team, whose blend of catchy pop-punk and melodic hooks kept the momentum rolling. The crowd’s enthusiasm built further as the band delivered anthems like Hell and Loud Their ability to balance upbeat, fast-paced tracks with more introspective moments gave the audience a well-rounded experience, showing the emotional depth behind their music. Broadside’s Ollie returned the earlier favour of a cameo by joining The Home Team on stage for Somebody Else’s Face. The band definitely had the crowd in their corner by the time they wrapped up their set, and by now, anticipation for State Champs was at an all-time high.
When State Champs took the stage, the energy in the room exploded. Opening with Silver Cloud, the band immediately set the tone for the night — loud, fast, and emotionally charged. From the very first riff, it was clear that the crowd was about to be treated to a punk rock performance of the highest order. There’s something undeniably magical about seeing State Champs live; their ability to blend the anthemic with the personal creates an atmosphere where everyone in the room feels connected.
Songs like Losing Myself and Mine Is Gold quickly followed, keeping the energy high and the crowd fully engaged. State Champs’ infectious melodies and sing-along choruses proved irresistible, and it was clear that the fans were feeding off the band’s enthusiasm.
One of the standout moments came with Outta My Head. The track is a perfect example of State Champs’ ability to craft songs that are both introspective and anthemic, and hearing it live was an experience that left everyone in the room singing at the top of their lungs. Light Blue followed, another crowd favorite that had the entire venue moving in unison. There was something special about this track, its infectious hooks and heart-on-sleeve lyrics making it one of the night’s defining moments.
As the set progressed, State Champs showcased their versatility. Criminal and Clueless brought even more energy, with the fast-paced rhythms and sing-along choruses causing the crowd to erupt into a frenzy. And then came the medley of Perfect Score / Frozen / Fake It, a nostalgic moment for longtime fans that blended three fan-favorites into one seamless, high-energy performance. It was a reminder of just how many anthems State Champs have in their arsenal, each one more powerful than the last.
Hell of It provided a bit of a breather, allowing for a slightly more reflective moment before the band dove back into their upbeat, crowd-pleasing hits. All You Are Is History was another crowd favorite that brought back the raw, emotional edge of their earlier work. With each song, the crowd’s connection to the band deepened, and by now, everyone was fully invested in the experience.
As the set neared its end, The Constant and Hard to Please added further emotional weight, but it was the anthemic Tight Grip that brought the room to a fever pitch. With fans screaming every lyric back to the band, it was a perfect reminder of the power of punk rock to unite and elevate. Just Sound and Act Like That kept things moving, ensuring the energy remained through to the very end of the main set.
The final stretch of the evening was a blur of high-energy anthems. Remedy brought a wave of nostalgia, its explosive chorus reminding everyone why State Champs are one of the biggest names in modern pop-punk. And as Elevated” and Dead and Gone closed the main set, the crowd was left feeling a mix of exhilaration and satisfaction, but there was still one more treat in store.
Returning for an encore, the band hit the stage again with Everybody but You, sending the crowd into a frenzy of movement and shouting lyrics in unison. This was the perfect closer to a night full of emotion, nostalgia, and raw punk rock energy. But just when the crowd thought it was all over, the band gave one last gift: Secrets. The track’s soaring chorus and infectious energy had the audience singing until the very last note, capping off what had been a flawless performance.
From start to finish, State Champs at the O2 Forum Kentish Town was a masterclass in pop-punk perfection. The band’s chemistry, energy, and tight musicianship made for an unforgettable experience that showcased just why they’ve remained at the top of the scene for so long. The setlist was a perfect blend of fan favorites, deep cuts, and newer hits, leaving the crowd completely satisfied and already itching for the next time they’ll get to witness the magic of State Champs live.
If you missed this show, it’s safe to say you’ve missed one of the best punk rock performances of the year. State Champs continue to prove that they are the gold standard in modern pop-punk, and for anyone lucky enough to be there, it was an experience they won’t soon forget.
High Fives & Stage Dives 