Only The Poets

Seven years after charging just £1 for entry to their first ever gig, Reading four-piece Only The Poets will make history on Monday, 2nd February 2026 as the first band ever to headline London’s legendary O2 Academy Brixton for the same symbolic price — a celebration of live music as something everyone should have access to, regardless of background or income.

The landmark show comes just days after the release of the band’s debut album, And I’d Do It Again (out January 30th 2026) — a bold 14-track alt-pop statement brimming with raw honesty, soaring hooks, and widescreen ambition. The album title nods to the band’s seven-year journey — from DIY beginnings and manual labour jobs to playing hundreds of shows across the UK and Europe — building a devoted fanbase one gig at a time.

Only The Poets are a Reading-based four-piece known for their emotionally charged, anthemic indie-pop and a deep commitment to connection—within the band and with fans. Formed through a chain of chance meetings, frontman Tommy Longhurst joined forces with bassist Roo Burge, drummer Marcus Yates, and guitarist Clem Cherry to form a group bound by mutual creativity and shared purpose. From the start, inclusivity has defined their ethos—not just among themselves, but with audiences drawn to their heartfelt lyrics and sing-along choruses.

Inspired by the likes of The Cure and 90s British indie, alongside the theatrical flair of Queen and Elton John, their songs combine emotional vulnerability with expansive, festival-ready energy. Growing up near the Reading Festival gave the band early proof that music could offer an escape from small-town limits—and it’s that same sense of possibility they now pass on through their own songs.

They built their fanbase the old-school way: touring relentlessly, playing tiny venues and festivals, and forging real relationships with fans. That connection only deepened during lockdown, when they shifted focus to refining their recorded sound. Tracks like “Waking In The Dark,” born from mental health struggles, exemplify their mix of lyrical honesty and sonic ambition.

Their DIY ethos led to sold-out shows across Europe, culminating in a deal with EMI in 2023. Their single “Even Hell” is a powerful celebration of music’s ability to heal, and marks the start of an exciting new chapter. “We’re honest about life,” says Longhurst, “but musically we create a world you can escape into.” With more new music coming, Only The Poets continue to build not just a discography, but a true community.