A View From The Back Of The Room: Those Damn Crows (Chris & Zoe Hutchinson)

Those Damn Crows, Autumn Kings & James Bruner, O2 Institute, Birmingham, 30.10.25

Starting off the night, James Bruner (7) entered to Frank Sinatra’s That’s Life. From the get-go, Bruner was bursting with energy, whilst the guitarist and bassist took a more static approach. By the third song, Bruner was down at the barrier, performing right in front of the audience, engaging directly with fans. His showmanship never waned, even as technical issues arose when his guitar gave out. Unfortunately, his vocals were often drowned out by the instruments, though the guitar and drums came through clearly. 

Early on, the room was still half-full as fans filtered in, with only a few clapping along to the second song. By the end the space had filled in and the band closed to a roar of applause. Bruner gave a shoutout to Ozzy Osbourne - crediting him for inspiring him to “put his crazy foot forward” - before introducing each member and finishing strong. A solid set from a promising band. With better mic balance and Bruner’s guitar back in the mix, they could easily elevate from good to great. 

Definitely one to catch again with the kinks ironed out.

Next up was Autumn Kings (9) they took the stage and immediately took the energy up several gears. From the opening notes of Sleep When I’m Dead, it was obvious these guys meant business. Every member moved with intent and their connection with the crowd was electric. By the second song, they had the audience clapping and cheering. 

Their setlist was a well-balanced mix of originals and a perfectly executed cover of Linkin Park's Bleed It Out. Musically, they were tight and polished. Vocals were crisp and clear, and the mix between instruments was near-perfect. The band’s stage presence was infectious, and by the end of the set, the room was packed, heads were banging and applause echoed long after they left the stage. A genuinely impressive performance from start to finish. 

Autumn Kings brought the energy, the hooks, and the charisma - the kind of support act that could easily headline their own night.

By the time Those Damn Crows (9) hit the stage to Dancing With The Enemy, the atmosphere was electric. The crowd erupted instantly with deafening cheers, raised horns, and a wave of energy that didn’t let up for a second. 

From the opening riff, it was obvious who everyone was here to see. The band matched the energy effortlessly. The frontman commanded the stage with raw enthusiasm, constantly interacting with the fans and keeping the entire room moving. Bright blinding lights filled the stage adding to the intensity of their performance. The set flowed seamlessly with back to back tracks that kept the momentum high, and the crowd singing every word. Midway through the set, the band thanked fans for helping their record hit No.1, which was met with thunderous applause and heartfelt cheers. Every song ended with the kind of reception that showed just how much the band has connected with their audience. 

Technically, the production was flawless with crystal clear vocals, well blended instruments and a sound mix that made every chorus soar. Those Damn Crows proved exactly why they were the headliners. Their set was a celebration, a show of strength, and a love letter to their fans.

Three bands, one stage, and a crowd that only grew louder as the night went on. From the early spark of James Bruner, through the explosive performance of Autumn Kings, to the triumphant closing set from Those Damn Crows, the O2 Institute was alive with energy from start to finish. A night of great musicianship, crowd connection and raw live power.