A READING band set to play a historic show in London next month have extended the opportunity for an unsigned band to join them.
Following the landmark announcement of their £1 headline show at O2 Academy Brixton, Only The Poets are taking their commitment to accessible live music one step further by offering one unsigned UK band/artist the chance to support them.
One unsigned band will be selected to join them at their sold-out show on Monday, February 2.
Seven years on from charging £1 for entry to their first ever gig, the Reading four-piece will become the first band ever to headline O2 Academy Brixton for just £1–a symbolic celebration of live music as something everyone should be able to experience, regardless of background or income.
Now the band are turning their focus to the next generation–opening the door for an unsigned band/artist from anywhere in the UK to perform at one of the country’s most iconic venues.
With grassroots venues closing and opportunities for emerging artists becoming increasingly limited, Only The Poets want to offer a rare platform: a chance to share the stage and play to a sold-out crowd at a truly landmark moment in the band’s story.
From all entries, five shortlisted acts will be personally selected by Only The Poets and invited to perform live at The Purple Turtle in Reading on January 31, as part of a special all-day celebration marking the release of the band’s debut album, complete with signings and fan events.
Reading’s Purple Turtle holds deep significance for Only The Poets, having played a crucial role in their early journey through the small-venues circuit.
The five shortlisted bands will perform, with fans choosing one final winner on the night.
The selected act will go on to support Only The Poets at O2 Academy Brixton, though all five acts will be paid a fee directly by the band.
“Without grassroots venues we won’t have the next big bands, and without bands and fans going to grassroots venues, they can’t keep the doors open.
“Growing up playing in local venues gave us our first chance to get on stage and perform to people, and supporting other artists down the line changed everything for us, so we wanted to bring the two together.
“We’re excited to support our favourite grassroots venue–The Purple Turtle–and invite five new artists to play to a packed-out room, showcasing the amazing new talent that’s out there.”
Potential bands can apply via: onlythepoetsartistapplication.os.fan/brixton
The Brixton show also supports The LIVE Trust, with an additional £1 per ticket donated to help protect and promote access to live music across the UK.
The announcement comes as Only The Poets kick of 2026 with the release of their much- anticipated debut album, And I’d Do It Again, out January 30.
The album title reflects the band’s seven-year journey, from DIY beginnings and manual labour jobs to relentless touring across the UK and Europe.
For frontman Tommy Longhurst, bassist Andrew “Roo” Burge, guitarist Clem Cherry and drummer Marcus Yates, the ethos behind both the £1 show and the unsigned-band opportunity is deeply personal.
As teenagers, the band says live music was their lifeline; a place to connect, escape and protect their mental health.
With fewer small venues, rising costs and diminishing club nights, opportunities for emerging artists are disappearing fast.
This initiative is the band’s way of giving back, creating space, opening doors, and ensuring live music remains something to be shared.
