Neck Deep

Neck Deep Live at O2 Academy Leeds - A Night of Pop-Punk Power

Get ready to dive headfirst into a tidal wave of energetic anthems and singalong choruses as UK pop-punk titans, Neck Deep, descend upon the legendary O2 Academy Leeds on Sunday, 14 December 2025. This isn’t just another gig; it’s an unmissable celebration of all things punk rock, promising a night that will leave you breathless, exhilarated, and with your voice thoroughly hoarse. For fans who have followed their meteoric rise from the Welsh underground to global festival headliners, this concert represents a chance to experience the raw, unadulterated power of Neck Deep in an intimate and electrifying setting. The O2 Academy Leeds, a renowned hub for live music, will be transformed into a sonic playground, perfectly suited to the band’s infectious brand of punk rock. Prepare for a night where moshing is not just encouraged, it’s inevitable, and where every lyric is shouted back with the ferocity of a thousand fists in the air.

About Neck Deep

Hailing from Wrexham, North Wales, Neck Deep have carved out a significant niche in the modern pop-punk landscape since their formation in 2012. Their meteoric rise is a testament to their authentic songwriting, relentless touring, and a genuine connection with their fanbase. The band’s sound is a potent blend of infectious melodies, driving guitar riffs, and Ben Barlow’s distinctive vocal delivery, which oscillates between impassioned screams and heartfelt croons. Early EPs like “If You Can’t Hang” quickly garnered attention, showcasing their knack for crafting anthemic tracks that resonate with themes of adolescence, friendship, and the struggles of growing up. Their full-length debut, “Wishful Thinking” (2014), solidified their position, brimming with tracks like “Can’t Kick Up the Roots” that became instant fan favourites.

The subsequent release of “Life’s Not Out to Get You” (2015) saw them reach new heights, earning critical acclaim and commercial success. This album featured some of their most enduring hits, including the anthemic “Gold Steps” and the introspective “Kali Ma.” Neck Deep continued to evolve their sound with “The Peace and the Panic” (2017), which showcased a slightly more mature and experimental edge, while still retaining their signature pop-punk energy. Tracks like “Motion Sickness” and “In Bloom” demonstrated their lyrical depth and musical versatility. Their most recent album, “All Distortions Are Intentional” (2020), continued this exploration, offering a concept-driven narrative and further refining their sonic palette. Throughout their career, Neck Deep have remained steadfast in their commitment to delivering high-energy live performances, earning them a reputation as one of the most exciting bands on the touring circuit. Their notable hits like “Sweet and Sour,” “December,” “Edge of the World,” and “She’s a Nightmare” are guaranteed to ignite the crowd at the O2 Academy Leeds.

Venue Information

The O2 Academy Leeds is a premier live music venue situated in the heart of Leeds, known for its impressive capacity and excellent acoustics. Housed within a former cinema, the venue retains some of its original architectural charm while boasting state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, creating the perfect atmosphere for a high-octane performance. Its central location makes it easily accessible for fans travelling from across the city and beyond. For complete venue details, see our venue guide.

What to Expect

When Neck Deep take the stage at the O2 Academy Leeds, expect an electrifying onslaught of pure pop-punk energy. Their live shows are renowned for their unbridled enthusiasm and the palpable connection they forge with their audience. Ben Barlow is a charismatic frontman, effortlessly commanding the stage and encouraging the crowd to participate in every chorus, breakdown, and stagedive. Expect a setlist that masterfully blends fan-favourite anthems with newer material, ensuring that both long-time devotees and newcomers will be on their feet.

Anticipate explosive renditions of their most iconic tracks. “Can’t Kick Up the Roots” will undoubtedly be a moment where the entire venue erupts in a unified roar. Prepare for the infectious optimism of “Gold Steps” to have everyone bouncing, and the raw emotion of “December” to resonate deeply. Expect the high-octane energy of “Sweet and Sour” to fuel a whirlwind of moshing and crowd surfing. The band’s performance style is inherently interactive. They thrive on the energy of the room, often engaging in banter, sharing anecdotes, and making the audience feel like an integral part of the performance. Expect plenty of call-and-response moments, where Ben will cue the crowd to sing back specific lines, creating a truly communal experience. The stage production, while not overly elaborate, is always effective, focusing on powerful lighting that complements the intensity of their music. The set duration will likely be a substantial ninety minutes or more, packed with a high-energy set that leaves no room for lulls. This is a band that pours every ounce of their being into their live performances, delivering a show that is as emotionally resonant as it is exhilarating.

FAQs

Q1: What is Neck Deep’s typical setlist like? Neck Deep’s setlists are a carefully curated journey through their impressive discography. You can expect a strong representation of their most popular albums, with a focus on anthemic tracks that encourage singalongs and high energy. Expect to hear absolute staples like “Can’t Kick Up the Roots,” “Gold Steps,” “December,” and “Sweet and Sour.” They also consistently weave in fan-favourite tracks from their earlier EPs and albums, ensuring a nostalgic element for long-term fans. Newer material from their latest releases is also typically included, showcasing their continued musical evolution. The band is known for playing a good selection of their most energetic and crowd-pleasing songs, often building to a powerful climax.

Q2: How energetic are Neck Deep’s live shows? Neck Deep are renowned for delivering incredibly energetic and passionate live performances. They are a band that thrives on audience participation. Expect a high-octane show filled with driving guitar riffs, pounding drums, and Ben Barlow’s dynamic vocal performance, which moves from heartfelt melodies to powerful screams. The band actively encourages moshing, crowd surfing, and singing along, creating a vibrant and communal atmosphere. Their energy is infectious, and they have a knack for getting every single person in the room involved.

Q3: Is Neck Deep suitable for younger fans? Neck Deep’s music generally explores themes of adolescence, friendship, mental health, and societal frustrations. While their music can be energetic and occasionally features strong language typical of the punk genre, it is generally considered suitable for teenagers. Parents should be aware of the lyrical content and the potential for a lively mosh pit environment. It’s always advisable to check specific age restrictions for the venue if you have concerns.

Q4: Does Neck Deep play acoustic versions of their songs live? While Neck Deep are primarily known for their high-energy, amplified live shows, they have occasionally incorporated acoustic elements into their sets or performed special acoustic sets at certain events. However, for a standard headline show at a venue like the O2 Academy Leeds, you should expect their full, electric performance. Acoustic renditions are more common at intimate, stripped-back shows or festivals with specific stages for acoustic performances.

Q5: What should I wear to a Neck Deep concert? The dress code for a Neck Deep concert is typically casual and comfortable, reflecting the punk and pop-punk ethos. Many attendees opt for band t-shirts (their own or other punk/rock bands), jeans, shorts, or comfortable trousers. Footwear that is sturdy and suitable for standing for long periods and potentially moshing is recommended – trainers or boots are a popular choice. The key is to wear something you feel comfortable moving around in and that can withstand the energetic environment of a live gig.

Q6: How long is Neck Deep’s typical set? A typical headline set from Neck Deep usually lasts between 90 minutes and 2 hours. This allows them ample time to play a comprehensive selection of their hits, fan favourites, and newer material, ensuring a full and satisfying experience for the audience. The show is packed with music, with minimal downtime between songs to maintain the high level of energy.