Poppy

Poppy Live at SWG3, Glasgow

About the Event

Prepare for a night of electrifying sonic exploration as the boundary-pushing artist Poppy descends upon Glasgow for a headline performance at the iconic SWG3 on Wednesday, 4th March 2026. This isn’t just another gig; it’s an immersion into a singular artistic vision that defies easy categorisation. Poppy’s live shows are renowned for their theatricality, raw energy, and a fearless embrace of sonic experimentation, promising an unforgettable experience for fans and newcomers alike. SWG3, a venue celebrated for its industrial-chic aesthetic and its commitment to showcasing cutting-edge talent, provides the perfect canvas for Poppy’s avant-garde artistry. Expect a night where raw emotion collides with meticulously crafted soundscapes, leaving you exhilarated and questioning the very definition of modern pop.

About Poppy

Poppy, born Moriah Rose Pereira, has carved a unique and compelling path through the contemporary music landscape. Emerging in the mid-2010s, she initially gained traction with a series of viral YouTube videos that blended unsettling imagery with saccharine-sweet pop melodies. This juxtaposition was a deliberate artistic choice, a prelude to the multifaceted artist she would become. Her early work, often described as “bubblegum bass” or “vaporwave-adjacent,” laid the groundwork for a significant evolution in her sound.

Her debut album, Am I a Girl? (2018), marked a departure from her online persona, delving into themes of identity, artificiality, and societal expectations with a more experimental pop sensibility. However, it was her subsequent album, I Disagree (2020), that truly signalled her bold reinvention. Shedding her previous image, Poppy embraced a heavier, industrial-tinged sound, incorporating elements of nu-metal, industrial metal, and hyperpop. This shift was met with critical acclaim, cementing her status as a genre-defying innovator.

Notable hits that showcase her diverse artistry include the deceptively catchy “Computer Boy,” the anthemic and powerful “Concrete,” and the visceral and aggressive “I Disagree.” More recently, tracks like “Flux” from her self-titled album demonstrate her continued willingness to explore melodic and introspective territories, while “Suffocate at Your Own Guilt” from SICK (2023) showcases a continued embrace of heavier, more confrontational sonic textures. Poppy’s ability to seamlessly blend pop sensibilities with aggressive industrial and metal influences, coupled with her visually striking and often provocative aesthetic, makes her one of the most compelling and unpredictable artists of her generation. Her live performances are a testament to this evolution, offering a dynamic and often cathartic experience for her dedicated fanbase.

Venue Information

SWG3 is a dynamic and multi-disciplinary arts venue situated in the heart of Glasgow’s West End. Housed within a former galvanising works, the space retains its industrial heritage, offering a raw and atmospheric backdrop for live music, exhibitions, and creative events. The venue comprises several distinct spaces, each with its own unique character, including the main TV Studio, the Boiler Room, and outdoor areas. Known for its cutting-edge programming and commitment to supporting emerging and established artists across diverse genres, SWG3 has become a cornerstone of Glasgow’s vibrant cultural scene. Its reputation for hosting intense and immersive live performances makes it an ideal setting for an artist like Poppy. For complete venue details, see our venue guide.

What to Expect

A live performance by Poppy is far from a passive listening experience; it’s an immersive spectacle designed to engage all senses. Audiences can anticipate a setlist that masterfully navigates her diverse discography, weaving together the infectious melodies of her earlier work with the ferocious intensity of her recent material. Expect to hear crowd favourites like the glitchy, pop-infused “Lowlife,” the defiant roar of “Concrete,” and the cathartic release of “I Disagree.” Newer tracks from her latest projects are also sure to feature, showcasing her continued evolution and willingness to push sonic boundaries.

Poppy’s performance style is a captivating blend of high-energy stage presence and meticulous artistic direction. She is known for her striking visual aesthetic, often incorporating avant-garde costumes and elaborate stage designs that complement the themes of her music. Her vocal delivery is equally versatile, shifting from delicate and ethereal to raw and powerful, often within the same song. Expect moments of intense sonic aggression, punctuated by surprising shifts into more melodic and introspective passages. The live band typically delivers a tight and impactful performance, mirroring Poppy’s dynamic energy.

While the exact duration of a Poppy set can vary, fans can generally expect a full headline show lasting approximately 75 to 90 minutes, including any encore performances. This timeframe allows for a comprehensive journey through her evolving artistry, ensuring a satisfying and memorable experience that leaves the audience buzzing. Be prepared for a performance that is both musically challenging and emotionally resonant, a true testament to Poppy’s unique artistic vision.

FAQs

Q1: Will Poppy play songs from her earlier, more pop-oriented work, or will the setlist focus solely on her heavier material?

Poppy is known for her ability to craft a setlist that acknowledges her entire artistic journey. While her more recent, industrial and metal-influenced tracks are a significant part of her current live show, she often includes fan-favourite songs from her earlier albums, such as Am I a Girl? and even some of her viral early hits. The setlist typically aims to provide a dynamic range, showcasing the evolution of her sound while still appealing to long-time fans who appreciate her diverse output. Expect a thoughtful curation that bridges her different sonic eras.

Q2: What is Poppy’s typical stage presence like during her live shows?

Poppy’s stage presence is highly theatrical and captivating. She is not one to stand idly by; expect energetic performances that often involve choreographed movements, dynamic interactions with her band, and a commanding vocal delivery. Her visual aesthetic is also a key component, with distinctive costumes and stage props that enhance the mood and themes of her music. She often oscillates between moments of vulnerability and fierce power, creating a compelling and unpredictable performance that draws the audience in.

Q3: How intense are Poppy’s live shows, particularly regarding the heavier music?

Poppy’s live shows can be quite intense, especially when she delves into her heavier, industrial-metal-influenced material. The sound is often powerful and driving, with a strong emphasis on rhythmic intensity and aggressive guitar work. While there are certainly moments of cathartic release and headbanging energy, her performances are also carefully constructed to offer a dynamic range. It’s a show that can cater to those seeking raw energy and sonic power, but it’s not solely about aggression. Expect a powerful sound that can be immersive and overwhelming in the best possible way.

Q4: Is Poppy known for any specific audience interactions or signature elements during her performances?

While Poppy’s shows are primarily focused on her artistic presentation and musical performance, she does engage with her audience in her own unique way. This might involve spoken word interludes, direct eye contact, or moments of shared intensity with the crowd. She’s not known for traditional crowd-surfing or extended banter, but rather for creating a shared emotional space through her performance. Her signature elements often lie in her striking visual presentation and the profound emotional impact of her music.

Q5: How does Poppy typically incorporate visual elements into her live performances?

Visuals are a crucial aspect of Poppy’s live shows. She often employs striking stage design, including lighting effects, backdrops, and even props that complement the thematic content of her songs. Her costumes are also a significant visual element, often pushing artistic boundaries and contributing to the overall narrative of her performance. Whether it’s minimalist and stark or elaborately detailed, the visual elements are carefully curated to enhance the immersive quality of her shows and reinforce her unique artistic identity.

Q6: Is Poppy’s music suitable for younger audiences, or is it primarily for adults?

Poppy’s music often explores mature themes, including identity, societal pressures, and darker emotional territories. Her sound can also be quite intense and abrasive, incorporating elements of heavy music that might not be suitable for all younger listeners. While her early work had a more innocent, albeit unsettling, pop facade, her evolution has seen her embrace a more challenging and provocative artistic direction. Parental guidance is generally recommended for younger fans, and it’s advisable to research her latest material to gauge its suitability for specific age groups.