From Laughs to Anthems: The Lottery Winners Own the Stage at Shepherd’s Bush Empire
Indie pop sensations The Lottery Winners took to the stage at London’s O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire on February 23 2025, delivering an unforgettable night of music, laughter, and pure energy.
The Valla had the pleasure of kicking off the night, an emerging London-based band who made the most of their short but sweet set. Their enthusiasm was infectious, and it was evident they were thrilled to be performing on such a stage.
Lead singer George Coulson couldn’t hide his excitement, sharing his amazement with the audience - a moment that felt both genuine and heartwarming. Despite their brief time on stage, The Valla packed in an impressive collection of indie anthems, each one bursting with catchy choruses and undeniable energy. If you haven’t checked them out yet, consider this your sign to do so!
Following them was The Covasettes, who took things up a notch with a punchier, rock-infused indie set. Their performance offered the perfect transition into The Lottery Winners, keeping the momentum and energy alive while adding a little extra grit to the night.
By the time The Lottery Winners took the stage, the crowd was more than ready. Despite it being a Sunday night, lead singer Thom Rylance made sure no one was treating this like a quiet end to the weekend. Known for his playful stage presence, Rylance wasted no time engaging with the audience, bringing humour and spontaneity into the mix. Fans who had seen them supporting Nickelback at The O2 knew what to expect—but even they were in for a surprise. From playfully knocking photographers on the head with mic stands to pulling out a camera of his own to snap photos of the photographers, his antics kept the crowd entertained between - and sometimes during - songs.
But beneath the comedy, the band’s talent as musicians was undeniable. Even after performing at Alexandra Palace the night before, they showed no signs of fatigue. Their setlist was a well-balanced mix of fan favourites and fresh material, with ‘21’ proving to be a standout moment as the entire venue belted out the chorus. Another unexpected highlight was their rendition of Robbie Williams’ ‘Angels,’ reimagined with an indie-pop twist that was nothing short of spectacular.
That said, there was one noticeable missing track - ‘The Meaning of Life,’ a song known for its high-energy and feel-good vibes. However, with a new album on the horizon, ‘KOKO,’ set to drop on March 21, 2025, it’s understandable that the band would focus on showcasing their latest work. And with songs like ‘Turn Around’ - an upbeat, irresistibly catchy track making its live debut - it was a trade-off well worth it.
Despite missing some fan-favourite tracks, The Lottery Winners reaffirmed why they are one of the UK’s most exciting rising bands. Their infectious energy, top-tier songwriting, and ability to turn a gig into a full-blown experience make them a must-see act. With ‘KOKO’ on the way, their trajectory is only heading upwards. If you can catch them live, don’t hesitate - you won’t regret it.
