Usually we have a grand intro here to explain why a certain gig matters. But tonight? It’s Bastille playing their first show in over 18 months at The 100 Club to celebrate Dork 100. No other words needed for what stands as one of the biggest shows your neighbourhood pop magazine has put on – and one of THE shows of 2025.
Future stardom radiates from every note Liang Lawrence performs. There’s a magic that signals not just a brilliant new voice, but one destined to become a favourite. Her blend echoes Cavetown, Medium Build and even Taylor Swift’s acoustic moments. Stepping on stage with two band members for a stripped-back set, she immediately captivates the room. ‘Kiss My Apocalypse’ builds hook upon hook, whilst ‘Eulogy’ arrives with a tale of bumping into her ex outside Tesco. ‘Not A Love Song’ closes a set that connects straight to the heart. The 100 Club falls for Liang Lawrence, and it’s clear she’s destined for bigger stages soon. Future superstar? Confirmed.
With The 100 Club packed and anticipation peaked, Bastille take the stage for one of their most intimate shows in a decade with one question: “What would you little maniacs want to do first?”. As ‘Good Grief’ sweeps through the venue, the reaction captures the night’s essence – witnessing this arena-filling, festival-headlining powerhouse in such close quarters. Their return connects to why they’ve become one of the planet’s biggest bands – combining grand vision with intimate precision. “It’s been a really long time since we’ve played a show,” remarks Dan, “and it’s an honour to do that with Dork and The 100 Club”. That pleasure resonates throughout a night of towering highs.
Bastille’s unique sound has drawn everyone here tonight. Within The 100 Club, each moment brings fresh energy. ‘Wild World’ receives devoted singalongs while ‘Things We Lost In The Fire’ raises every arm skyward. The playful ‘Survivin” flows into the electric ‘Quarter Past Midnight’, and Bastille’s joy becomes infectious. This return to intimate venues breathes special life into tonight – an untouchable performance as a stadium band brings their full force to a small room. They reimagine ‘Happier’ with a fresh twist, while ‘Flaws’ casts a spell of phone lights and unified voices across The 100 Club.
This is a historic venue, and tonight feels like history being written. Not just for Bastille’s remarkable growth, but for that undeniable sense of joy that comes with seeing a band who have pushed the boundaries of what chart-toppers can be. The strutting intensity of ‘Blame’ sits alongside the effervescent ‘Shut Off The Lights’, and it all feels natural. They’ve soundtracked the past decade yet remain unpredictable. Bastille are a worldwide force because whatever direction they choose, it’s never about if people will follow: the world simply gets in line.
As the refrain of ‘Pompeii’ begins, tonight secures its place in the history books. A show unlike their usual performances, it’s the perfect preview for a band celebrating their first 15 years with an arena tour later this year, while embracing the intimacy of a sweltering July evening. It’s a reminder of how connecting Bastille are – marking pivotal moments in people’s lives, from their earliest days to now. Tonight isn’t just momentous for Dork 100, it’s the reintroduction of a generation’s defining band. The giant stages they call home await, but tonight Bastille are ours. Nobody will forget this moment, and if that’s not what being in a band means, we at Dork don’t know what is.
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