The K’s – Newton Mesnes Park, 2/8/2025

Review & Photo By John A Gilman

A second headline slot at Newton Music Festival for Earlestown’s finest was always going to carry a weight of emotion—and tonight, it overflowed. Just days after Pretty on the Internet, the band’s sophomore album, rocketed to the top of the UK album chart, this gig became more than just a homecoming—it was a full-blown celebration of roots, rise, and recognition. The K’s weren’t just returning to their patch of turf; they were claiming it like conquering heroes. The same park where the lads used to loiter as teens, White Lightning on the skate park, was now their stage—transformed into a sea of adoration.

From the moment the gates opened, the buzz was undeniable. A crowd of all ages poured in: kids with fresh merch, parents reliving their youth, old-school fans with gig tickets dating back to tiny pubs. One lad, Jack—15 years old and word-perfect on every song —screaming the lyrics with the same wild-eyed intensity as the veterans on the barrier. It was that kind of night. Even the weather seemed in on the party, gifting us golden hour sunshine that eased into a balmy August night.

If you’ve never been to a K’s gig, know this: it’s not just a concert, it’s a carnival. A tribal gathering. A heaving, bouncing, bucket-hatted eruption of joy. Pyro in the air. Pints in hand. Strangers becoming mates. It’s raucous and rapturous, but never hostile—just unfiltered, good-natured bedlam. First stop for me, naturally, was the sacred pilgrimage to The Sunbeam in Newton-le-Willows. A pint of the mythical Crystal lager—brewed more in folklore than yeast—and I ready. As the fan-favourite ‘Hometown’ famously name-checks, this isn’t just a pub, it’s part of K’s mythology.

As the band stormed the stage to the opening bars of Gravestone, it was clear no one came to stand still. Within seconds, the field transformed into a carnival of movement, flares painting the air, and mosh pits swirling with an odd kind of cheerful violence. There’s something about a K’s pit—it’s less “fight for your life” and more “hug your mate while nearly falling over.” And as Icarus followed without pause, the band took immediate control of the park like generals returning from campaign.

By the time Chancer hit the crowd was totally theirs. Arms in the air, voices raised, all sweat and grins. A slight lull came next, not in quality but in pace, with Hoping Maybe soaring into the night air. The emotional heft of this track never fades; it’s a song you feel in your chest. “A real goosebump moment for sure,” and a welcome breather for anyone not 19 anymore—myself included.

The real magic of the night was how well the new material sat beside the crowd favourites. Often, bands struggle to land fresh cuts in live sets—but not here. Bends (Here We Go Again) was proof enough. Pure indie gold—razor-sharp and euphoric, bursting with energy and that heartstring-tugging middle eight. You could feel it clicking into place with the fans. This wasn’t just new material; it was new anthems in the making.

As the show rolled into its final stretch, the energy only intensified. Throw It All Away, Black and Blue, and Hometown followed in a triumphant blur. The latter, complete with its beloved Sunbeam reference, felt especially poignant on this turf. Then came the now iconic Dirty Earlestown intro, crashing headlong into Sarajevo, the band switching up the spoken intro to shout: “We are The K’s, and we have a number one album!”—a moment met with a deafening roar. You could feel the pride ripple through the crowd like a shockwave.

Some might’ve flinched at the idea of closing such a monumental set with a brand-new track. But The K’s are not “some band.” Helen, Oh I was a bold, perfect choice. A sweeping emotional anthem, it rode on shimmering guitars and crashing drums, the lyrics cutting through the summer air like truth itself. There wasn’t a dry eye near me. This wasn’t just a song—it was a victory lap. As fireworks exploded overhead and the final chords rang out across Newton Mesnes Park, it was crystal clear: this was a masterclass in how to close a homecoming.

If the world didn’t know The K’s before, it sure does now. And if not? Well, it better get on that pretty internet sharpish.

Set List

Gravestone

Icarus

Chancer

Hoping Maybe

Glass Towns

Circles

The Bends (Here We Go Again)

Throw It All Away

Black and Blue

Hometown

Sarajevo (Dirty Earlestown intro)

Helen, Oh I