The Power of Palace Continues
Following on from my 2025 feature, The Uplifting Power of Palace, I finally had the pleasure of seeing the London band live on Friday 17th July at the breathtaking Somerset House. Performing to a sold-out crowd of 3,500 people, I honestly couldn’t have imagined a more fitting setting. There was something wonderfully dreamlike about seeing such a dreamy band beneath the summer sky in one of London’s most stunning venues.
I’ve spoken before on For Love and Gigs about the world of grief I’ve been navigating over the past 20 months. Throughout that time, Palace’s music has truly felt like a guiding light. They’ve soundtracked some of the hardest moments of my life, and the comfort I’ve found in their lyrics and melodies is something I’ll always be grateful for. This wasn’t just another gig for me—it was a moment I’d been holding onto for what feels like forever.
Finally Experiencing the Power of Palace Live
The excitement surrounding this night began long before the show was even announced. Once my ticket had been purchased, the anticipation only continued to grow.
Arriving at Somerset House around 6:45pm, I was greeted by an already sizable queue. With around 30 or 40 people ahead of me, I wasn’t quite sure just how close I’d manage to get, but much to my delight, I still made it to the barrier.
Before long, support act Truthpaste took to the stage, warming up the crowd with their whimsical sound. Between songs they sampled clips from Kay’s Cooking and Antiques Roadshow—an unexpected touch that worked brilliantly and added even more personality to their set.
Palace Simply Blew Me Away
Then came the moment I’d been waiting for.
As Palace walked onto the stage, the atmosphere instantly heightened. The anticipation in the crowd was electric, and from the opening moments it was clear we were in for something special.
The setlist effortlessly blended old favourites with newer material, featuring songs including Bitter, Greyhound, Let’s Go Swimming, Lover (Don’t Let Me Down) and one of my personal favourites, Family. Alongside these came recently released tracks Kid and Dream On from the upcoming album Ox, as well as the previously unheard Ohio, giving fans an exciting glimpse of what’s still to come.
One of my favourite moments of the evening came during a stripped-back performance of Holy Smoke. As smoke drifted around Wyndham while he sang, the whole scene felt ethereal. Combined with his breathtaking vocals, it genuinely looked as though an angel had wandered onto the stage.
A Moment for Live Well
The evening closed with Live Well.
Although the audience had been singing every word throughout the night, there was something especially captivating about hearing thousands of voices come together for this final song. Whether it was because it’s one of Palace’s most beloved tracks, because it marked the end of an unforgettable evening, or perhaps both, it was truly an enchanting moment.
The night was filled with wholesome memories beyond the music itself. Photographers captured the joy written across fans’ faces, colourful lights danced around the walls of Somerset House. It was a night of endearing moments that made me stop and smile, reminding me why live music is so incredibly special.
A State of Pure Gratitude
Before the show, I’d convinced myself I’d probably cry.
Instead, I spent the entire evening singing my heart out and floating somewhere high above cloud nine. I was overwhelmed—not by the sorrow of my grief, but with gratitude. Gratitude that I was there, finally seeing a band that means so much to me, and gratitude that I get to continue this journey.
As if the evening couldn’t become any more surreal, earlier that very day I had spontaneously booked tickets to see Palace again this October… in America.
Knowing this wasn’t goodbye, but simply the beginning of another chapter, made the whole night feel even more extraordinary. It made singing the words “I’ll see you soon” during Kid feel all the more meaningful.
More to the Palace Story
This is only Part II of my Power of Palace Chronicles.
Part III will follow later this year as I travel to America to see Palace once again.
I hope you’ll join me for whatever magical moments come next.