The ICM Awards have returned once more after another game-changing year of incredible Indie music. Here at ICM, we’re all about giving the spotlight to the artists that we think you should be listening too. In the past five years, we’ve given the likes of Tom Grennan, Tom Walker, Sundara Karma and Lauran Hibberd the chance to shine on our platform and they’ve gone on to be some of the most successful artists the UK has to offer. Now that we come close to the end of 2019, it’s time to see the Best Live Performance nominees.
Flyte – 110 Above Festival (Leicestershire)
On a warm summers night in Leicestershire, Flyte were one of the last bands to play at 110 Above Festival and they finished it off with an almighty performance. The quartet played to a packed out Gospall Inn who were singing away to every song such as ‘Archie, Marry Me’ and ‘Faithless’. When the band’s set came to an end everyone wanted to hear more so they went into the middle of the crowd to perform a couple of acoustic songs. It was an incredible sight and shows off Flyte’s underrated talents.
The Vaccines – Roundhouse (London)
Indie rock giants The Vaccines entertained a sold-out crowd in London all the way back in February, but the show is still fresh in my mind to this day. As the video shows, the venue had a complete buzz around it. Playing old and new, the crowd was absolutely loving it the band are well-known for their sweaty performances and this one was just another well-rehearsed set.
The 1975 – O2 Arena (London)
As part of their UK tour for ‘A Brief Enquiry Into Online Relationships’, The 1975 played two shows at the O2 Arena in London – which somehow felt like an intimate show in a 20,000 capacity venue. The production of the show was spectacular as always: huge displays of artwork, lyrics, videos and of course, their infamous lighting illuminated the stage. Joined with guests on stage throughout, the band gripped the hearts and pleased the ears of their devoted fans once again.
Sounds Like A Storm – The Key Club (Leeds)
Having amassed a huge following in their hometown, Sounds Like A Storm had a headline show at The Key Club back in April which they completely rocked. The band released The Classic Way of Things EP this year with high-octane riffs, enthusiasm and true punk style, lead singer Sennen and the crew know how to put on a show. And boy didn’t everyone love that show; he took the mic and smashed it. Their journey has only just begun and we can’t wait for more. (There’s no video from The Key Club show, but here’s them in action at The Wardrobe in Leeds).
Friendly Fires – Roundhouse (London)
The video doesn’t quite do the show justice but Friendly Fires’ album tour was pretty much sold-out across the board and you can understand why as the band make their return to music in eight years. Even BBC Radio 1’s Greg James was at the back of the Roundhouse digging the tunes before his breakfast show. They had amazing lighting, cool dance moves and bags of energy which frontman Ed Mac had – he absolutely killed it. For the final song ‘Kiss Of Life’ no words can describe how good it was to be there in the moment, just take a look for yourself.
ICM AWARDS 2019
As 2019 draws to a close, IndieCentralMusic looks back at the greatest new guitar bands, right through some of the best live performances and even the most jaw-dropping videos! With an array of categories; Greatest Discovery, Best International Act, Best Music Video, Best Live Performance, Album of the Year, and the highly-anticipated, Track of the Year, find us on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date on all of the award category nominees, and more importantly, the winner announcements on Saturday, December 21st!
