Public Service Broadcasting

Public Service Broadcasting Live at the Barbican Centre

About the Event

Prepare for an extraordinary sonic journey as Public Service Broadcasting descends upon the iconic Barbican Centre in London for a captivating live performance on Saturday, 1 November 2025. This is not merely a concert; it is an immersion into the meticulously crafted soundscapes and thought-provoking narratives that have defined Public Service Broadcasting’s unique artistic output. The Barbican, renowned for its world-class acoustics and commitment to presenting cutting-edge artistic experiences, provides the perfect canvas for J. Willgoose, Esq. and his sonic collaborators to weave their magic. Expect an evening that transcends the ordinary, blending historical spoken word samples with infectious grooves and expansive instrumental passages. This promises to be a night of both intellectual stimulation and pure musical enjoyment, a testament to Public Service Broadcasting’s enduring ability to connect with audiences on multiple levels. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness one of the most innovative and engaging live acts in contemporary music within one of London’s most esteemed cultural institutions.

About Public Service Broadcasting

Public Service Broadcasting (PSB) are a British musical duo renowned for their distinctive approach to songwriting, which artfully combines spoken-word samples from historical public information films, newsreels, and archival footage with original instrumental music. Spearheaded by J. Willgoose, Esq. (Richard Thomas) and formerly featuring Mr. Jones (Jonnie Kirkland) on drums and bass, the project emerged from a desire to explore the archives of the past and imbue them with new meaning through sonic exploration. Their debut album, Inform – Educate – Entertain (2013), established their signature sound, drawing heavily on the optimistic and instructional tones of mid-20th century Britain. This was followed by The Race for Space (2015), a critically acclaimed concept album that paid homage to the Apollo space missions, earning them widespread recognition and a Grammy nomination.

PSB’s music is characterized by its intelligent lyrical curation, weaving together disparate fragments of audio to create compelling narratives that touch upon themes of human endeavour, technological advancement, societal change, and the enduring spirit of exploration. Musically, they blend elements of electronic music, indie rock, and post-rock, often building towards grand, anthemic crescendos. Notable hits and fan favourites include the infectious and politically charged “Gagarin,” which samples Soviet-era space propaganda; the uplifting and optimistic “Go!”, featuring astronaut commentary from the Apollo missions; and the introspective and powerful “Everyman,” from their latest album The Race for Space, which delves into the personal sacrifices and universal dreams of space exploration. Their live shows are a testament to their meticulous craft, featuring immersive visuals that perfectly complement their sonic tapestries, creating a truly engaging and transportive experience for the audience.

Venue Information

The Barbican Centre is a magnificent performing arts centre located in the heart of London. It is one of Europe’s largest and most complex multi-arts venues, housing a concert hall, theatres, cinemas, art galleries, and a library. Known for its brutalist architecture, the Barbican Centre offers a unique and impressive setting for live performances. Its world-class acoustics ensure that every note and every spoken word resonates with clarity and power, making it an ideal venue for an artist like Public Service Broadcasting, whose sound relies so heavily on intricate detail and sonic depth. The Centre is easily accessible by public transport and offers a range of amenities for visitors. For complete venue details, see our venue guide.

What to Expect

An evening with Public Service Broadcasting at the Barbican Centre promises a meticulously curated and profoundly engaging live experience. The band’s setlist is always a carefully constructed journey, weaving together their most beloved tracks with deeper cuts and potentially new material, all unified by their signature thematic approach. Expect to be transported through history and inspired by the human spirit as they perform anthems like “Go!”, a euphoric celebration of space exploration, and “Gagarin,” a pulsating tribute to the first man in space. The lyrical content, drawn from archival sources, will be presented with a profound sense of narrative, allowing the voices of the past to converse with the present through the band’s innovative musical framework.

Their performance style is characterized by an understated yet powerful stage presence. J. Willgoose, Esq. is the focal point, masterfully manipulating his array of electronic instruments and guitars, often accompanied by live musicians who bring a tangible energy to the recorded sound. The band’s commitment to their craft is palpable, and their live shows are enhanced by immersive and often breathtaking visual projections. These visuals, often comprised of the very archival footage that inspires their music, create a multi-sensory experience that enriches the storytelling and draws the audience deeper into the sonic and thematic landscapes. The duration of the performance typically spans around 1.5 to 2 hours, including an interval, allowing ample time for the full arc of their musical and narrative explorations. Be prepared for moments of quiet reflection, bursts of infectious energy, and an overwhelming sense of shared experience.

FAQs

Q1: What kind of music does Public Service Broadcasting play? Public Service Broadcasting plays a unique blend of electronic, indie rock, and post-rock music. Their distinctive sound is built around the use of spoken-word samples from historical public information films, newsreels, and archival footage, integrated with original instrumental compositions.

Q2: Will Public Service Broadcasting perform songs from all their albums? While the exact setlist varies, Public Service Broadcasting typically draws from their acclaimed albums, including Inform – Educate – Entertain, The Race for Space, and Every Man Will Have His Day. You can expect to hear a selection of their most popular tracks alongside deeper cuts.

Q3: Is Public Service Broadcasting a visually engaging live act? Absolutely. Public Service Broadcasting’s live performances are renowned for their immersive visual elements. They often project archival footage and historical imagery that directly relates to the spoken-word samples used in their music, creating a powerful multi-sensory experience.

Q4: Are there any audience participation elements in a Public Service Broadcasting show? While not a traditional singalong band, the strength of Public Service Broadcasting’s music lies in its ability to create a shared emotional and intellectual experience. The audience is encouraged to engage with the narratives presented and the powerful sonic textures, often finding themselves moved and inspired by the performances.

Q5: What is the typical length of a Public Service Broadcasting concert? A typical Public Service Broadcasting concert usually lasts between 1.5 and 2 hours, including an interval. This allows them to explore their extensive back catalogue and deliver a comprehensive and satisfying performance.

Q6: Can I expect any new music at this event? While it’s always a possibility, Public Service Broadcasting are known for carefully developing and presenting new material. If new songs are performed, they will undoubtedly be integrated seamlessly into their thematic approach, offering a glimpse into their ongoing artistic evolution.