READING’S Only The Poets have announced that they are performing a show at the iconic O2 Academy in Brixton–for just £1 a ticket.
Seven years after their first ever gig, the four-piece has announced that they will be taking to the stage in one of the capital’s most celebrated venues, and they’ll be charging the same price for entry: £1.
It comes as part of a celebration of live music as something which should be affordable and accessible for everyone, and something of a protest against rising costs of attending gigs.
It will also follow hot on the heels of the release of the band’s debut album, And I’d Do It Again, which drops on January 30.
The band has consistently supported causes which matter to them during their rise, and say that music was a ‘lifeline’ for them as they were growing up.
As such, the initiative will also serve to support the LIVE Trust, with an additional £1 per ticket to be donated to the initiative to help protect and promote access to live music.
LIVE Trust CEO Jon Collins says, “This is a wonderful, positive move by Only the Poets, giving back to the grassroots while giving back to their fans.
“Making this show accessible to all means everyone can enjoy the associated mental health, communal and emotional benefits.
“Funds raised for the LIVE Trust will go directly to support artists, venues, promoters, festivals and more across the UK grassroots.
“A young band like Only the Poets stepping up while artists like Biffy Clyro and My Chemical Romance back the Trust at their arena and stadia shows is further evidence of the growing levels of support for the LIVE Trust across all parts of the live music scene.”
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Frontman Tommy Longhurst said: “We charged £1 for our first ever gig–back then we only had a couple of songs, so anything more felt like too much for us.
“We wouldn’t have been able to see half the gigs we went to if ticket prices were what they are now, so we wanted to make sure that this show was open to everyone.”
Guitarist Clem Cherry explained: “Our fans know our shows are a safe space–this is about making sure anybody can come and have an amazing night in an iconic venue.
“It’s also a thank you to everyone who’s supported us to this point.”
All tickets are priced at £1, with £1 venue restoration, £1 Ticketmaster fee, and a £1 Live
Trust donation–totalling £4.
Pre-sale begins at 10am, September 10, via: onlythepoets.os.fan/brixtonacademy
