Why Enter Shikari are one of the best bands you’ll ever see live
With the release of their 'Live at Wembley' album and film on the way, here’s a personal take on why no one does live music like Enter Shikari.
Last week, Enter Shikari announced ‘Live at Wembley,’ a live album and full concert film, set for release on 11th July.
Filmed at London’s OVO Arena during the final night of their 2024 UK arena tour, it captures a landmark moment for the band: their biggest headline show to date and a triumphant celebration of their first UK #1 album, ‘A Kiss for the Whole World’.
Following the announcement, here’s why I believe Enter Shikari aren’t just one of the best live bands around but have only strengthened that title year after year.
For what has been almost two decades, I’ve been fortunate enough to see Enter Shikari play in a range of venues, all across the country: from the Manchester Apollo, to Cardiff’s Student Union, at Reading Festival, and at London’s HERE @ Outernet.
One thing’s always been clear: whether they’re in a sweaty student union, a small-town venue in the middle of nowhere, or a packed arena like Wembley, Enter Shikari have mastered the art of delivering live shows that hit with the same explosive energy, no matter the setting.
Their OVO show was a proud moment for any fan lucky enough to be there. For two hours, the band churned out relentless, perfectly crafted chaos. And it was a show that didn’t just showcase the band at their peak, but truly honoured the fans who’ve stuck with them for the past twenty years.
New songs from A Kiss for the Whole World landed with real impact, sitting comfortably alongside classics like ‘Sssnakepit’ and ‘Mothership’ that still ignite the crowd. And while slick production is a staple of any Shikari gig this one raised the bar, with immersive visuals that took it the show to a whole new level.
But Enter Shikari’s magic isn’t just a UK phenomenon. I was lucky enough to catch them at New York City’s Palladium, last November, and while the American crowd weren’t as familiar with the new releases, the band’s signature energy didn’t waver.
The set opened with the familiar, steady build, of “System...Meltdown”. The rhythm of Rou’s spoken-words holding the crowd in suspense before finally giving them the signal to break into chaos with the opening lines of “....Meltdown.”
The deliberate transition from a poetically charged monologue to full-throttle energy captures exactly what Shikari are all about, and most importantly, makes this particular track such a powerful opener - one fans never seem to tire of.
Though not as well-known over the pond, newer tracks like ‘Giant Pacific Octopus (i don’t know you anymore)’ and ‘Bloodshot’, gave the band chance to show off their latest visuals - like those at the OVO - proving the band are evolving without losing their edge.
‘Losing My Grip’ was a standout moment as Rou filled in for Fever 333’s, Jason Butler, delivering screams reminiscent of Shikari’s raw earlier days. But of course, fan favourites remain the lifeblood of their live shows.
When ‘Anaesthetist’ kicks in, the crowd roars every word, in particular, the iconic line of “Step the f*** back!”. And ‘The Jester,’ even played partially, commands the room with its thunderous drops and Rou’s signature trumpet blasts.
The turning point of any Shikari gig then usually happens as the band launches into ‘Stand Your Ground; This Is Ancient Land’, and the anthemic ‘Enter Shikari’. Rou’s screams of “STILL WE WILL BE HERE” ring out as crowd surfers clamber forward to join him at the barrier.
It’s moments like these that remind you why Enter Shikari have earned their reputation as one of the best live bands around, and why they’ve taken home multiple ‘Best Live Band’ awards over the years.
In NYC, the main set closed with ‘The Dreamer’s Hotel,’ leaving the audience with chants of “F*** yeah!” before the band rejoined the stage to deliver a finale of ‘(pls) set me on fire,’ a short but sweet remix of ‘Sorry, You’re Not a Winner,’ and the latest soaring closer, ‘A Kiss for the Whole World x’.
With their upcoming OVO Arena live footage release, those who couldn’t be there will have an opportunity to witness the band at their absolute best, delivering one of their finest performances - one I could happily relive over again.
Enter Shikari were the first band I ever saw live, with my whole family in tow, and I’ll never forget the moment Rob abandoned his drums to climb onto the amps at the front of the stage as they launched into ‘Jonny Sniper’.
Since then, there have been so many more unforgettable memories etched into my mind, and that, to me, is what makes a band truly special. So yes, I might be biased, but honestly, they’re the best live band a fan could hope for.
At the end of the day, whether it’s a tiny club or a sold-out arena, Enter Shikari deliver the same thing every time: a fierce, thoughtful, unforgettable experience that is undeniably ‘Shikari’.
What’s your most unforgettable Enter Shikari moment? Drop me a message or let me know in the comments!
And still we will be here, standing like statues.