The Subways - Live Review

The Subways Prove Their Staying Power with a High-Energy Set at Oxford’s O2 Academy

The Subways delivered a blistering performance at Oxford’s O2 Academy, showing that after 20 years, they’ve lost none of their fire. Frontman Billy Lunn, brimming with energy and infectious charisma, reminded the audience that the band has been playing these songs for two decades, but the power and passion behind each track felt as fresh as ever.

Kicking things off with “Oh Yeah,” the band wasted no time getting the room buzzing. From the adrenaline-pumping “We Don’t Need Money to Have a Good Time” to the singalong anthem “Rock & Roll Queen,” The Subways crafted a setlist that balanced fan-favorite classics with new material. Each track hit with the same explosive energy that’s been the band’s hallmark for years.

“Black Wax” saw the crowd completely engrossed, heads bobbing in rhythm to the gritty, distorted guitar lines. “Young for Eternity” had everyone shouting the chorus back at Billy, as the band’s iconic track brought a wave of nostalgia crashing over the room.

Newer material like “Influencer Killed the Rock Star” slotted in effortlessly alongside the older hits, demonstrating that The Subways aren’t just riding on past success—they’re still pushing boundaries and delivering. “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” was another standout, with its punchy rhythm and infectious hooks that had the whole room bouncing.

By the time they launched into their encore, featuring a high-octane run of “Girls & Boys,” “Holiday,” and the unstoppable “Rock & Roll Queen,” the crowd was fully charged, soaking up every second of the punk-rock party. With every chord, The Subways proved that after 20 years, they’re not just surviving—they’re thriving.