Bastille: An Evening To Celebrate "&"

Last week, I was lucky to be invited to attend the live Ampersand show—an intimate, candlelit performance held in St Pancras Clock Tower.

I’ve been a fan of Bastille since 2011 and was so excited to celebrate the release of the band's latest album, Ampersand. The band’s latest project, marks a striking departure from the synth-heavy, futuristic vibes of Give Me The Future. Instead, this album has a strong focus on the stories that shaped the songs, drawing inspiration from historical figures and weaving them together with Smith’s own personal reflections and experiences.

The performance itself was intimate and was a celebration of Smith's skill as a songwriter and storyteller. With only 30 people in the room, the atmosphere was hushed and reverent, the London skyline framed by the large gothic windows. Smith played a selection of songs from &, with a focus on Part Four, including “Bored & Overboard (Pandora’s Box)”—a deeply personal track that captures Smith's struggles with coping with the band's whirlwind success.

One standout moment for me was “Leonard & Marianne,” which clearly resonated with the audience as much as it did with me. Between songs, Smith opened up about the creative process, sharing insights into the research and collaboration that went into crafting the album’s artwork and prints. It was a rare glimpse into the depth of thought and meaning behind Ampersand . By the end of the night, I left St Pancras clock tower feeling moved and inspired—not just by the performance, but by how far Smith has come, both with Bastille and in his solo projects. I’ll be seeing the band again this November on tour, and I'm really looking forward to celebrating the band's 15 year anniversary.