Perfume Genius

Perfume Genius at The Roundhouse: A Night of Electrifying Emotion and Unforgettable Artistry

Prepare yourself for an evening of unparalleled artistic expression as Perfume Genius graces the iconic stage of The Roundhouse in London on Tuesday, 11 November 2025. This is more than just a concert; it’s an immersion into a world of raw vulnerability, pulsating beats, and breathtaking visual artistry. Mike Hadreas, the singular talent behind Perfume Genius, consistently delivers performances that transcend mere musicality, transforming each show into a profound and deeply personal experience for every attendee. His return to London, at a venue as steeped in history and character as The Roundhouse, promises to be an unforgettable highlight of the 2025 cultural calendar. Expect a night where convention is shed, boundaries are blurred, and the sheer power of human emotion, amplified by Hadreas’s distinctive genius, will leave you spellbound.

About Perfume Genius

Perfume Genius, the artistic moniker of American singer-songwriter Mike Hadreas, has carved a unique and indelible path through the contemporary music landscape since his debut in 2008. Emerging from the vibrant independent scene with his album Learning, Hadreas immediately distinguished himself with a sound that was both exquisitely delicate and powerfully unsettling. His music is a potent alchemy of piano-driven confessionals, synthesiser-laden anthems, and experimental textures, all unified by his remarkably expressive and often ethereal vocals.

Over the course of his career, Perfume Genius has released a string of critically acclaimed albums, each a bold evolution from the last. Put Your Back N 2 It (2012) delved deeper into themes of desire, trauma, and self-acceptance with unflinching honesty. Too Bright (2014) marked a significant shift, introducing a bolder, more assertive sound and the now-iconic hit “Queen,” a defiant anthem of queer identity and empowerment that resonated globally. No Shape (2017) was a sprawling, ambitious masterpiece, exploring love, divinity, and the complexities of the human heart with cinematic scope. More recently, So Happy Together (2020, a collection of covers) and the critically lauded Set My Heart On Fire Immediately (2020) have continued to showcase Hadreas’s fearless exploration of diverse musical styles and profound emotional landscapes. His latest offering, Ugly Season (2022), a collection of original compositions for his dance piece of the same name, further demonstrates his artistic breadth, blending ambient soundscapes with moments of intense emotional release. Notable hits such as “Slip Away,” “Normal Song,” and “Otherside” offer glimpses into the vast emotional spectrum that defines his work, showcasing his ability to articulate complex feelings with both poetic grace and visceral impact. Perfume Genius is not merely a musician; he is a curator of feeling, a sculptor of sonic vulnerability, and an artist whose work consistently challenges, comforts, and captivates.

Venue Information

The Roundhouse, located in the heart of Camden Town, London, is a venue synonymous with groundbreaking musical performances and artistic innovation. Housed within a stunning Victorian-era Grade II listed former railway engine shed, its distinctive circular architecture and cavernous interior create an unparalleled atmosphere for live music. The raw, industrial aesthetic of the building, combined with its world-class sound and lighting systems, provides a dramatic and immersive backdrop for artists of Perfume Genius’s calibre. For centuries, this space has witnessed history unfold, from its industrial origins to becoming a crucible for counter-culture and a launching pad for countless legendary artists. Its acoustics are renowned for their power and clarity, ensuring that every nuance of Hadreas’s intricate soundscapes will be felt and heard with exceptional fidelity. The sense of shared experience within its hallowed walls is palpable, making it the perfect setting for the deeply communal and emotionally resonant performances that Perfume Genius is celebrated for. For complete venue details, see our venue guide.

What to Expect

Prepare for a performance that is as much a visual spectacle as it is a sonic journey. Perfume Genius’s live shows are renowned for their meticulous attention to detail, seamlessly blending breathtaking choreography, evocative stage design, and Hadreas’s own magnetic stage presence. You can anticipate a setlist that draws from the entirety of his illustrious career, offering a rich tapestry of his artistic evolution. Expect to be moved by the raw intimacy of tracks from Learning and Put Your Back N 2 It, such as the haunting “Normal Song” or the tender “Hood.” The anthemic power of Too Bright will undoubtedly ignite the room with performances of “Queen” and the pulsating “Gridlock.” From the sweeping emotional arcs of No Shape, prepare for the cathartic release of “Otherside” and the sublime beauty of “Woppit.” His more recent material, including the urgent and compelling “Borrowed Light” from Set My Heart On Fire Immediately, will further showcase his ongoing artistic vitality.

Hadreas himself is a captivating performer, capable of transitioning from moments of profound stillness and vulnerability to explosive bursts of raw energy and theatrical flair. His movements are often as expressive as his voice, drawing inspiration from contemporary dance and performance art. The stage production will be meticulously crafted, with lighting design that accentuates the emotional weight of each song, shifting from stark intimacy to vibrant luminescence. Expect moments of profound connection, where the audience becomes an extension of the performance, united in the shared experience of Hadreas’s extraordinary artistry. The duration of the performance will typically be around 90 minutes to 2 hours, allowing ample time for a comprehensive exploration of his diverse catalogue, interspersed with moments of spoken word or extended instrumental passages that amplify the emotional impact. This is not a show to passively observe; it is an invitation to immerse yourself, to feel deeply, and to witness a truly singular artist at the height of his powers.

FAQs

Q1: Will Perfume Genius be performing songs from his latest album, Ugly Season? While the exact setlist is always subject to the artist’s discretion and can vary from night to night, given the profound artistic impact of Ugly Season, it is highly probable that elements of this collection will feature in the performance. Hadreas often weaves his most recent work into his live sets, allowing these new sonic explorations to take on a dynamic life of their own within the context of his live show.

Q2: Is Perfume Genius known for interacting with the audience during his shows? Perfume Genius’s interaction with the audience is unique and often deeply personal. While he may not engage in traditional banter, his performance itself is a profound form of connection. He often makes direct eye contact, his stage presence is incredibly commanding, and the emotional intensity of his delivery creates an undeniable bond. Moments of spoken word or poignant pauses can serve as powerful forms of communication.

Q3: What kind of atmosphere can I expect at a Perfume Genius concert? Expect an atmosphere that is both electrifying and intensely intimate. Perfume Genius’s concerts are known for their emotional depth, often leading to moments of collective catharsis and profound reflection. The audience is typically highly engaged, deeply invested in the artistic experience. The combination of powerful music, striking visuals, and Hadreas’s captivating performance creates an atmosphere that is simultaneously uplifting and deeply moving.

Q4: Will there be strobe lighting or flashing lights during the performance? It is common for artists who employ dramatic visual production, as Perfume Genius does, to incorporate lighting effects that may include strobes and flashing lights. While we cannot confirm specific effects for this particular show without direct artist input, it is advisable to be aware of this possibility. If you have specific sensitivities to flashing lights, we recommend checking the venue’s website closer to the date for any specific advisories, or speaking to venue staff on the night.

Q5: Is there an age restriction for this event? As The Roundhouse is a licensed venue, the standard age restriction for events is typically 16 or 18 and over for certain performances. Please refer to the specific ticketing information for this event or the venue’s website for the definitive age restriction. It is recommended that younger attendees are accompanied by an adult.

Q6: Can I request specific songs to be played? While we appreciate your enthusiasm for Perfume Genius’s extensive discography, setlists are curated by the artist and their team. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate individual song requests for the performance. However, the breadth of his catalogue ensures a diverse and rewarding selection of his most beloved and impactful tracks will likely be performed.