Ten years since the last time they played at the iconic north London venue, Bedford rockers Don Broco made a raucuous return to KOKO for a triple-header of shows to conclude 2023, and in turn, the Amazing Things era.
Since that chart-topping album dropped in late 2021, the band have continued on a course of world domination, which has included appearances at Reading and Leeds Festivals, a second career headline show at Alexandra Palace and making the step up to headline the one and only Slam Dunk Festival. Therefore, an intimate setting such as the 1,500 capacity KOKO is a rare occasion these days.
As GROAT heads down for the middle of the three nights, Broco launch into 'Gumshield' and 'Manchester Super Reds No. 1' - the two lead singles that have come to define this era. The standing pit and balconies are packed to the brim with loyal fans who know every word; this is one of UK rock's most dedicated fanbases around. There's outings as usual for 'Pretty' and 'Everybody', the two standout tracks from Technology that really catapulted the quartet to arena status back in 2018.
Yet, the setlist takes a unique turn, as Broco bring back tracks that haven't seen the light of day in years. 'Actors' and an acoustic rendition of 'Yeah Man' find a home on this tour, much to the delight of the crowd who lap up these early Christmas presents. While there's no special guest apperance from Beartooth's Caleb Shomo for 'ACTION' as there had been the night before, Trash Boat's Tobi Duncan and Ocean Grove's Dale Tanner do a sterling job of lifting that track to another level.
A surprise Christmas cover of East 17's 'Stay Another Day' - in full white puffer jackets and beanies - to open the encore is the dose of silliness to top off the night, as the band tease their fan-favourite classic 'Thug Workout' before wrapping things up with 'Fingernails' and the inevitable 'T-Shirt Song.'
This was a tour about giving back to their devout following with a series of special, one-of-a-kind shows, before Broco go into hibernation to start work on the eagerly anticipated follow-up to Amazing Things.
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