Shame

Here is the event page content for Shame at O2 Forum Kentish Town:

About the Event

Prepare for an electrifying night as South London’s own Shame descend upon the iconic O2 Forum Kentish Town on Thursday, 20th November 2025. This isn’t just another gig; it’s a full-throttle immersion into the raw, untamed energy that has cemented Shame’s reputation as one of the most vital live acts in contemporary British music. For anyone seeking a visceral, sweat-drenched experience that captures the zeitgeist of modern punk, this is an unmissable date in the London calendar. The O2 Forum, with its grand, historic setting and renowned acoustics, will undoubtedly provide the perfect canvas for Shame’s explosive performance. Get ready to be swept away by their uncompromising sound, sharp lyrical wit, and a stage presence that is nothing short of magnetic.

About Shame

Emerging from the vibrant post-punk scene of South London, Shame have rapidly ascended to become a formidable force in the UK’s alternative music landscape. Since their formation in 2014, the quintet – comprising Charlie Steen (vocals), Sean Coyle-Smith (guitar), Eddie Green (guitar), Josh Finerty (bass), and Charlie Forbes (drums) – has been lauded for their ferocious live shows and their ability to channel societal anxieties into anthemic, often darkly humorous, punk rock. Their debut album, Songs of Praise (2018), was a critical success, showcasing a swaggering confidence and a knack for sharp, observational lyricism. Tracks like “Concrete” and “One Rizla” immediately established their signature sound: driving basslines, jagged guitar riffs, and Steen’s distinctive, charismatic vocal delivery.

Their follow-up, Drunk Tank Pink (2021), demonstrated a maturation in their songwriting, exploring more complex themes and sonic textures while retaining their signature intensity. This album saw them delving into introspection and the anxieties of modern life, yielding fan favourites such as the propulsive “Alphabet” and the more melodic yet still potent “Snow Day.” Shame’s live performances are renowned for their chaotic brilliance, with frontman Charlie Steen often diving into the crowd, blurring the lines between performer and audience. They possess an almost punk-rock shamanistic quality, whipping the room into a frenzy with their unwavering energy and undeniable stagecraft. Having toured extensively and built a fervent global fanbase, Shame have proven their ability to captivate diverse audiences, transforming any venue into a cauldron of raw emotion and communal catharsis. Their setlists are a thrilling blend of crowd-pleasing anthems and deeper cuts, each delivered with an unyielding passion that makes every performance feel unique and vital.

Venue Information

The O2 Forum Kentish Town is a historic and celebrated music venue nestled in the heart of North London. With its capacity of over 2,000, it offers an intimate yet grand setting, perfect for experiencing the raw power of a band like Shame. Known for its excellent sound system and atmospheric Victorian architecture, the venue has played host to countless legendary artists across a spectrum of genres. Its central location makes it easily accessible via public transport, with Kentish Town station just a short walk away. The O2 Forum Kentish Town promises a night of unforgettable sound and spectacle for all attendees. For complete venue details, see our venue guide.

What to Expect

Attendees can anticipate an evening of unadulterated sonic intensity from Shame. Their live performances are legendary for a reason, characterized by a relentless energy that rarely, if ever, falters. Frontman Charlie Steen is a captivating force of nature, prowling the stage with a magnetic charisma, his vocals a potent mix of sneering defiance and raw vulnerability. Expect him to be fully immersed in the performance, likely venturing off the stage and into the heart of the audience, creating an electrifying sense of shared experience.

The setlist will undoubtedly be a high-octane journey through their acclaimed discography. You can expect anthemic renditions of beloved tracks such as the primal roar of “Concrete,” the infectious, politically charged “One Rizla,” and the undeniable groove of “Alphabet.” Deeper cuts and fan favourites from Songs of Praise and Drunk Tank Pink are also highly probable, ensuring a comprehensive showcase of their evolution and enduring appeal. The band’s performance style is inherently physical and dynamic; expect driving, intricate basslines from Josh Finerty, razor-sharp guitar interplay between Sean Coyle-Smith and Eddie Green, and the thunderous, precise drumming of Charlie Forbes. The overall duration of the set will likely be around 90 minutes to two hours, including any potential encore, packed with every ounce of energy the band can muster. Shame don’t just play songs; they deliver them with a fervent urgency that leaves audiences breathless and exhilarated. Prepare for mosh pits, passionate singalongs, and a truly unforgettable live spectacle.

FAQs

Q1: Will Charlie Steen be crowd-surfing or jumping into the audience during the gig?

A1: Shame’s live performances are known for their high energy and unpredictability. Charlie Steen is renowned for his stage presence, which often includes him interacting directly with the crowd, sometimes by jumping into the mosh pit or being carried by the audience. While not guaranteed for every single moment, it’s a strong possibility that you’ll witness this iconic aspect of their live show at the O2 Forum Kentish Town.

Q2: Can I expect Shame to play songs from both their albums, Songs of Praise and Drunk Tank Pink?

A2: Absolutely. Shame typically delivers a well-rounded setlist that draws from their entire catalogue. You can expect to hear fan favourites and seminal tracks from their debut album, Songs of Praise, such as “Concrete” and “One Rizla.” Equally, songs from their critically acclaimed sophomore album, Drunk Tank Pink, like “Alphabet” and “Snow Day,” will feature prominently. Their sets are designed to give fans a comprehensive taste of their musical journey.

Q3: What kind of atmosphere should I expect at a Shame gig?

A3: Shame gigs are celebrated for their intense, energetic, and often cathartic atmosphere. Expect a lively crowd, a palpable buzz of excitement, and a band that gives absolutely everything on stage. The music is designed to incite movement, so mosh pits are common, as are passionate singalongs. It’s a communal experience where the audience and the band feed off each other’s energy, creating a truly exhilarating environment.

Q4: How long is Shame’s typical set duration?

A4: Shame typically performs for approximately 90 minutes to two hours. This duration allows them to cover a substantial amount of their material, including both well-known hits and fan-favourite album tracks, without compromising on the relentless energy that defines their live performances. This timeframe usually includes time for an encore.

Q5: Is there an age restriction for this event?

A5: As a general rule for most O2 Forum Kentish Town events, attendees must be 14 years or older. However, it is always best practice to check the specific event details on the O2 Forum Kentish Town website or your ticketing provider for the most accurate and up-to-date age restrictions. If you are under 16, you may be required to be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over.