Seven years ago, Reading four-piece Only The Poets charged just £1 for entry to their first ever gig. Seven years on they’re making history and doing that all over again. Hitting up one of London’s most iconic venues, O2 Academy Brixton, fans will be able to get stuck into live music for an incredibly affordable price. Showing off a celebration of live music and encouraging that its something everyone should have access to.
This landmark show will come just days after the release of debut album, And I’d Do It Again (out January 30th 2026) Offering a bold 14 track alt-pop statement with raw honesty and infectious soaring hooks, there’s so much to look forward to. The album title offers a nods to the band’s seven-year journey. Beginning as DIY and holding down manual labour jobs in order to play hundreds of shows across the UK and Europe, to now having built a huge dedicated fan base.
For a long time, the band have championed causes that matter. From preserving grassroots venues, to sparking open conversations around mental health. For Only The Poets, the decision to price tickets at £1 is both symbolic and deeply personal. As teenagers, live music was a lifeline. Acting as a place to connect, escape, and look after their mental health. Now, they want to pass that opportunity on to others, and give back to their fans,
“We charged £1 for our first ever gig — back then we only had a couple of songs, so anything more felt like too much for us,” front man Tommy Longhurst recalls. “We wouldn’t have been able to see half the gigs we went to if ticket prices were what they are now, so we wanted to make sure that this show was open to everyone.” Band Guitarist Clem Cherry adds: “Our fans know our shows are a safe space. This is about making sure anybody can come and have an amazing night in an iconic venue. It’s also a thank you to everyone who’s supported us to this point.”
As part of the initiative, the band will also support the LIVE Trust — the voice of the UK’s live music and entertainment sector — with an additional £1 per ticket donated directly to help protect and promote access to live music for all.
LIVE Trust CEO Jon Collins says, “This is a wonderful, positive move by Only the Poets, giving back to the grassroots while giving back to their fans. Making this show accessible to all means everyone can enjoy the associated mental health, communal and emotional benefits. Funds raised for the LIVE Trust will go directly to support artists, venues, promoters, festivals and more across the UK grassroots. A young band like Only the Poets stepping up while artists like Biffy Clyro and My Chemical Romance back the Trust at their arena and stadia shows is further evidence of the growing levels of support for the LIVE Trust across all parts of the live music scene.”
Each ticket will be priced at £1 (Plus fees which include £1 venue restoration, £1 Ticketmaster fee, and a £1 Live Trust donation.) Both the venue and Ticketmaster have actively supported the initiative and are lowering their usual rates in solidarity with the band’s commitment to accessibility.
Tickets will go on sale in two stages:
Fan Pre-Sale – 10am BST 11th September
General Sale – 10am BST 12th September
Please visit this link for more information and to join the Only The Poets fan club.
