LIVE FROM THE PIT: BOSTON MANOR

What do you think of when you think of Blackpool? Pleasure beach? Holidays? We think of

Boston Manor. They’ve been a band since 2013, with massive musical growth and versatility

throughout the years. Recently releasing a string of intimate shows all over the UK.

The band plays Yellow Arch Studios in Sheffield which has a friendly underground atmosphere. On the stage there’s an outline of a white balaclava on a black backdrop, minimal stage set up, bright intense lights and a huge feeling of suspense in the room.

Fans know in this small room, with a 200 person capacity, that this intends to be an intimate

special once in a lifetime kind of show, before the band goes back to also eagerly awaited

festival performances and bigger venues. The band opens with a newer release “Container”- the crowd reaction was visibly and emotionally wild. A mosh pit had already begun by the second chorus.   The crowd is bouncing, there is high energy and they are perfectly in time with the band. It’s like a hidden understanding between everyone. 

Five songs in and an accumulation of everyone’s sweat is literally dripping from the ceiling and landing on fans that barely notice they’re so engrossed in the performance. Their fans are die-hard and have a beautiful presence about them. Their music makes us feel powerful, heard and understood. For Crowd surfing enthusiasts this is a safe and welcoming space- as Henry-the lead singer invites fans on stage. He then helps them on to the stage while still giving perfected vocals and stage presence. When he asks for more energy, fans can’t help but deliver. He says “push up” and the crowd who started their show experience at the back end up in the middle. They listen intently to his every word while mesmerised by the band's presence. There’s something beautiful about the way they move so chaotically to his advice.

He also at points crowd surfs and ends up in the middle of the pit surrounded by people

jumping around him in intense timing. He lifts the mic stand almost hitting the ceiling while

simultaneously fans jump the highest they have all night, the friendliest madness that feels

like a giant hug. Intimate and delicate chaos, like having a mosh pit in your sitting room but

a lot more inclusive and nothing gets broken.

A unity of fans who are extremely open and engaging. The band is open and approachable

which makes the crowd open. Pits open spontaneously and quickly. It feels insane but safe

all at once. Fans know every single word of every single song; even the newest release

“Sliding doors” which has a heavy but melodic vibe to it. The energy in the room grows with

each song. Expressions on the band's faces prove they’re enjoying this experience as much as the crowd and it makes us feel included, invested and justified in our joy.

“Yorkshire, Yorkshire, Yorkshire” chanting was of course included at points of the show, as

always in Sheffield and was well received by the band. Henry happily announces how in

their early days growing up in Blackpool they didn’t have a wide range of venue

opportunities and made the crowd laugh by talking about early day performances in pubs

with two punters, this seems unbelievable now from seeing the fans dedication at this

show. He speaks about how the band plans on opening up a community centre venue for

young musicians. Proving this bands making supportive moves and how much they care

about their community. That’s exactly what this “fandom” is- a community of people

worldwide together in one tiny space. For the amount of love and people, this is a tiny space

and a tiny fraction when summing up the love people feel for this band and the gravity of

their impact on fans, musicians and the music scene.

The band announces they’ve two songs left and the mood lowers as we could have done

this night forever but everyone puts in a final huge wave of energy and the room erupts for

“Passenger” with what seems like everyone trying to get on the stage at one, it’s a sea of

crowd surfers and the loudest chanting. “Halo” was a beautiful and emotionally provoking

song to end on that I don’t think anyone in that room will forget for a long time. It is rare to see a set list where every song is so well received.

This show proves that all Boston Manor need is a stage and they will put on a performance

of a lifetime. Their music has always been unique, their performance style versatile and

they’ve proved they can perform anywhere and captivate any audience from any age range

with their immaculate stage presence and undisputable energy.

We leave the courtyard to typical English downpours of rain, matching our moods that this

night is over. We feel like we’ve been let into the worlds’ best known musical secret and

feel on a high for days. Extremely privileged to have attended this incredible show.

Words: Tanita Hingerty

Photos: Jake Griffin