PALE WAVES GIG – FIRE STATION, SUNDERLAND - 13th October 2025

Photography By Sam Wall

On October 13^th, Manchester rock quartet Pale Waves opened their ‘Still Smitten’ tour in the North East with an impeccable set at Sunderland’s Fire Station. 

The Fire Station is a fantastic venue, intimate without being cramped, right in the heart of the city. I’ve always preferred smaller venues for the atmosphere they create – making you feel as though you’re on stage with the artist themselves. With general admission seating and standing, fans could pick if they wanted a barrier experience or a relaxed one at back of the crowd. In my eyes, this venue was a perfect choice. The ‘Still Smitten’ tour aimed to reach areas the band deemed ‘overlooked’, a sentiment I appreciated in a time where live music is more inaccessible than ever. I noticed how varied the crowd was – older and younger fans of all genders, dressed casually in all black or wearing glitter and big coats. It was wonderful to see so many kinds of people brought together to support a band. 

In the final few minutes before Pale Waves’ set, I could feel the anticipation in the air. It’s truly one of my favourite feelings – when I know the pre-show playlist is about to end and the lights are about to go down. At 9pm, the crowd burst out with screams of excitement as the room was plunged into darkness. The members came on to a charming instrumental and an elated audience. Opening with ‘Kiss Me Again’, lead singer Heather Baron-Gracie made her own entrance with nothing but a microphone and her vocals. I was captivated by her energy and her ability to command the crowd and make them pay attention. Pale Waves created so much energy in that opening moment, and the stage, embellished with glowing chandeliers, matched the band’s aesthetic perfectly.  

Admittedly, I was not familiar with Pale Waves’ discography prior to this show. I was an outsider with few preconceptions of the band or any emotional attachment to their music. Despite knowing few lyrics, I was completely immersed by the setlist, a perfect mix of promoting their latest music and pleasing the crowd with old bangers. From the pop-punk of ‘Unwanted’ to the glittery 80s rock of ‘Smitten’ there were frequent changes in tone that kept the audience hooked. A notable performance for me was ‘Perfume’ from the band’s most recent album.

Photography By Sam Wall

The 80s influenced, queer pop-rock track translated amazingly from the record to the stage with its charming lyrics and production, and Baron-Gracie’s vocals blended wonderfully with the crowd’s chanting of the main hook. I was equally struck by the band’s cover of ‘Zombie’ by The Cranberries. It was surprising just how perfectly the moodiness of the track suited Heather Baron-Gracie’s vocal tone, reminding me of the sound present on their track ‘She’s My Religion’. In my opinion, a cover is always welcome on a band’s setlist as they can showcase a band’s range and provide a moment for audience members not familiar with the band’s music. I thoroughly enjoyed this cover and so did the crowd, singing along to the track’s most famous hook. 

However, my favourite moment from the set was when the band performed ‘Lies’, a song that they ‘hadn’t performed in a while.’ I had this song on my playlist a couple of years back and nostalgia, along with excitement, hit me immediately. The crowd lit up with excitement at being surprised with an older track, and so did I. It’s always fun to be part of a special moment like this. My favourite aspect of this song, the guitar work, was performed impeccably and seamlessly by bassist Charlie Wood and guitarist Hugo Silvani, and I was happy to have a sing-along to a song I knew! 

Photography By Sam Wall

Throughout the show the crowd was relaxed yet supportive. I have witnessed some chaotic crowds at gigs recently, but this one was safe and well managed with no pushing or incidents. There was a supportive and friendly atmosphere throughout the show, and it was lovely to feel part of that. Pale Waves frequently interacted with the crowd, teasing the next song and making little jokes with their fans. The audience sang their hearts out, and as an outsider looking in, it made me smile to see so many people come together and enjoy live music. 

The show ended with an energetic encore of ‘She’s My Religion’ and ‘Jealousy’, fandom favourites and perfect choices to close a stellar set. The 2000s pop-punk sound of ‘Jealousy’ was perfectly captured through Ciara Doran’s drumming. This was just the start of the ‘Still Smitten’ tour, which is hitting stops all over the UK including Wrexham, Southampton, and their home city of Manchester. Pale Waves’ discography provides something for everyone, and I would encourage anyone to go to one of their shows. I left The Fire Station a converted fan and excited to catch Pale Waves at another show in the future.

Photography By Sam Wall

Article By Emilie Shaw