Towards the end of their 3-week-long UK tour, As It Is stopped in Blackpool for one of their high energy shows.

Words by Lucy Meakin

Greywind kicked off the night, boosting the morale of the building crowd at Bootleg Social, as more and more people came rushing in.

Shortly after, once the room was packed and growing excitedly impatient, the volume on ‘Angels’ by Robbie Williams increased, and the crowd erupted into singing along. This wasn’t just any crowd, from this show alone, you could feel that As It Is has one of the most loyal, dedicated, involved, passionate fanbases. They knew what was coming next, yet they still carried so much enthusiasm on their faces.

Photos by Lucy Meakin

From the angle I was standing at, I could see the band on the side stage ready to go, huge smiles ear to ear. As each member took the stage, they were met with cheers from their biggest supporters. Then it started. 21 songs, all from different eras spread across 15 years’ worth of music. Almost every song holding lyrics that weigh a ton, yet one glance across the room was all it took to warm my heart. Everybody was smiling wide, everybody was jumping and screaming those words, everybody was laughing with their friends, and everybody looked like they were exactly where they belonged. I will never forget the fans along the barricade; witnessing their love for the moment was the most beautiful sight. They would never leave Patty Walters to sing all alone.

A short while into their set, they decided to switch it up a little. Choosing to play 3 songs from The Great Depression album in a row. I grew up listening to this album on repeat, and it is still one of my favourite records all these years later. With that knowledge, it was as clear as day to see the growth the band has had since that era of their music. Those iconic songs filled the room, and filled a tiny part of the hearts of everyone in it.

Photographing from side stage, I could see every emotion on each of the band, the happiness, the surreal nature of being there, and the exhaustion of giving their all to what they do. The hard work paid off, and although their first performance in Blackpool was a sweaty one, it was one full of love.

After a few jokes & fun facts, the night ended with their biggest song, ‘Dial Tones’. 

I’ve attended and photographed many many shows in my life, including seeing As It Is in Liverpool back when I was 14 years old, my first experience in a mosh pit. However, all bias aside, one thing I can say for sure, this show was by far the most fun to photograph/review.

As It Is and their team are awesome at creating such a kind, wholesome atmosphere within their concerts. It has been an honour to capture their incredible performance, and it seems there will be big things in store for As It Is.

Photos by Lucy Meakin