The Icicle Works

Here’s the event page content for The Icicle Works at O2 Academy 2 Birmingham:

About the Event

Prepare for a truly mesmeric evening as the legendary The Icicle Works grace the stage at O2 Academy 2 Birmingham on Friday, 12th December 2025. This isn’t just another gig; it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the distinctive, often psychedelic, and always thought-provoking soundscapes that have captivated audiences for decades. Known for their intelligent songwriting, evocative imagery, and electrifying live performances, The Icicle Works promise a night that transcends the ordinary, offering a potent blend of classic hits and fan favourites that will resonate long after the final chord. Get ready to be transported by a band that has consistently defied easy categorisation and continues to deliver a live experience that is both powerful and profoundly moving.

About The Icicle Works

Emerging from Liverpool in the early 1980s, The Icicle Works carved out a unique niche in the vibrant post-punk and new wave landscape with their distinctive blend of introspective lyrics, swirling guitars, and a touch of the avant-garde. Fronted by the enigmatic and compelling presence of Robert “Bobby” Durrant, the band quickly garnered critical acclaim for their debut album, The Icicle Works (1984), which spawned the atmospheric hit single “Understanding Jane.” This was swiftly followed by the equally impressive Speed of Sound (1985), featuring the iconic “Whisper,” a track that showcased their ability to craft expansive, emotionally resonant anthems.

Throughout their career, The Icicle Works have been celebrated for their uncompromising artistic vision and their refusal to conform to prevailing trends. Their music often delves into themes of alienation, perception, and the human condition, delivered with a poetic intensity that has earned them a fiercely loyal fanbase. Hits like “Jaws of the Crowd,” with its driving rhythm and urgent vocals, and the melancholic beauty of “Love is a Strange Thing” exemplify their diverse sonic palette. Beyond their well-known singles, their extensive catalogue is replete with deep cuts and fan favourites that reveal a band constantly pushing creative boundaries. With a discography spanning numerous studio albums and live recordings, The Icicle Works have consistently demonstrated their enduring creative spirit and their ability to craft music that is both challenging and deeply rewarding. Their live shows are a testament to this, offering a potent distillation of their recorded output, infused with an raw energy that is undeniably captivating.

Venue Information

O2 Academy 2 Birmingham is a renowned mid-sized venue situated in the heart of the city, known for its intimate atmosphere and excellent acoustics, making it the perfect setting for an artist like The Icicle Works. This space provides a fantastic platform for fans to connect with the music and experience the performance up close. The venue has a rich history of hosting a diverse range of musical acts, from emerging artists to established legends, and is well-equipped to ensure a memorable night for all attendees. For complete venue details, see our venue guide.

What to Expect

When The Icicle Works take to the stage at O2 Academy 2 Birmingham, expect an evening steeped in sonic exploration and emotional depth. Their setlists are a carefully curated journey through their impressive catalogue, expertly balancing their most celebrated hits with cherished album tracks and perhaps even a few unexpected gems. Fans can undoubtedly anticipate powerful renditions of anthems such as “Understanding Jane,” which is sure to ignite the room with its timeless appeal, and the anthemic might of “Whisper,” a track that showcases their knack for grand, sweeping arrangements. Expect to be moved by the introspective beauty of songs like “Love is a Strange Thing” and invigorated by the raw energy of “Jaws of the Crowd.”

The Icicle Works are renowned for their electrifying live performance style. Bobby Durrant remains a magnetic frontman, commanding the stage with his distinctive vocal delivery and a captivating intensity that draws the audience into the heart of each song. The band’s musicianship is consistently superb, with intricate guitar work weaving hypnotic melodies, underpinned by a solid and dynamic rhythm section. Their performance is characterised by a palpable energy, a blend of focused intensity and spontaneous moments that make each show unique. They possess an innate ability to create an atmosphere that is both intimate and expansive, allowing the nuanced layers of their songwriting to shine through. The set is likely to run for approximately 90 to 120 minutes, excluding any interval, providing ample time for them to showcase their extensive repertoire and engage with their devoted audience. Prepare for a show that is not just a concert, but an experience – a journey through the evocative and compelling world of The Icicle Works.

FAQs

Q1: Will The Icicle Works be playing their classic hits like “Understanding Jane” and “Whisper”? A1: Absolutely! The Icicle Works are known for delivering a setlist that includes their most beloved and enduring hits. You can certainly expect powerful renditions of “Understanding Jane,” “Whisper,” and other fan favourites that have defined their career.

Q2: Is Bobby Durrant still the frontman, and what is his stage presence like? A2: Yes, Bobby Durrant remains the charismatic and iconic frontman of The Icicle Works. His stage presence is legendary – expect a captivating performance filled with intensity, passion, and a unique ability to connect with the audience through his distinctive vocal style and commanding energy.

Q3: Can I expect The Icicle Works to play songs from their earlier albums, or will it be more recent material? A3: The Icicle Works typically craft their setlists to encompass their entire career, often balancing their early seminal works with material from later albums. This Birmingham show is expected to be a comprehensive showcase of their diverse and rich discography.

Q4: Is there an age restriction for this event? A4: Typically, O2 Academy venues have an age restriction of 14+. However, for specific events and under 16s, you may be required to be accompanied by an adult. Please check the venue’s specific policy for this event to be certain.

Q5: How long is The Icicle Works’ set expected to be? A5: You can anticipate a substantial performance from The Icicle Works. Their sets generally last between 90 and 120 minutes, allowing them to delve into a broad range of their acclaimed material and deliver a truly satisfying concert experience.

Q6: Will there be merchandise available at the venue? A6: It is highly probable that The Icicle Works will have merchandise available for purchase at O2 Academy 2 Birmingham. This often includes band t-shirts, records, and other exclusive items, providing a perfect memento of the evening.