Pendulum Brought the House Down at London’s O2 with an Intensely Mesmerising Performance

Pendulum, on paper, are an unlikely group to have broken through to the rock and metal scene, however, the drum n’ bass collective, much like groups like the Prodigy, Cypress Hill and Machine Gun Kelly, has done exactly that. It really is a special kind of experience to attend such shows due to the diverse draw they have and on March 29, 2024 Pendulum brought that diversity to London’s massive O2 arena.

With support from Australian Electronic Dance DJ, Shockone, and English rapper, Scarlxrd, the diversity of the evening’s entertainment was on full display. Both artists put on outstanding performances to warm up the crowd with Scarlxrd ensuring mosh pits were emerging throughout a sea of headbangers, ravers and rap fans. Their musical contributions to the night vibrated from floor to ceiling. If this was loud, what did Pendulum have in store for their fans?

As the arena descended into darkness, an echoing cheer arose from the immense crowd as the black backdrop suddenly became awash with images of black and white explosions accompanied by a sinister cartoon professor who delivered a monolog introducing Pendulum to the stage blasting into “Napalm”. After what felt like a moment trapped in time with the blistering drum n’ bass, metal infused danceathon, vocalist Rob Swire took a moment to engage with the crowd. “We are about to play a song we’ve only played a few times before” announced Swire. “So, help us sing along”. Pendulum then moved into “Crash” to the delight of fans who willingly obliged his request.

“Let me see one hand in the air” exclaimed Swire. As the crowd followed this request with cheers, the recognisable intro of fan favourite “Propane Nightmares” permeated throughout the arena. It was in this moment anyone still not moving, raised to their feet and allowed the music to take them. From the pit filled main floor, right up to the VIP boxes, attendees were dancing like there was not a tomorrow.

The entirety of Pendulums set was jam packed with hits accompanied by light shows so intense they should have seizure warnings! Following an outstanding mashup of “Blood Sugar”, “Baddadan” (Chase & Status) and “Voodoo People” (Prodigy), “Colourfast”, a live debut of “Arch Angel”, and “Encoder” the outside world had become a distant memory with every moment spent engaging with the music, melted away the troubles of the outside world. Pendulum had created a completely carefree environment where nothing else mattered other than the groove. This was also only around the halfway mark of their show as well!

For “Mercy Killing” Scarlxrd returned to the stage to deliver a tune of pure intensity with Rou Reynolds of Enter Shikari joining Pendulum for a cover of “Sorry, You’re Not a Winner” a few songs later. It was a declaration by Pendulum that they were here to put on one of the best shows of their lives.

As the show began to draw to it’s conclusion Tetras blocks began falling down the multiple screens around the stage as a retro beat accompanied it before Pendulum blasted into “Self vs Self” once again drawing an unrelenting cascade of charring from fans. This was promptly followed by the early year crowd pleaser, the reggae inspired “Tarantula” before closing with the epic masterpiece that is “Watercolour”.

Of course, the band did return to the stage shortly after following a bout of unified calls from fans to deliver “The Tempest”. Alas, it was a single song encore much to the disappointment of the audience. Still, after the show that had been delivered, it would be next to impossible to show any animosity towards this decision.

It’s strange to think that in around 2004 (20 years ago) this very band played at my local club, The Black Sheep Bar, (may it rest in peace) a venue with a stage that was barely a step up from the main floor with a capacity less than I am even able to calculate to that of the O2. What a ride these guys have been on and what an honour it has been to witness their growth to this level! It must be declared right now, this show took place in March, the first quarter of the year and it is a strong contender for gig of the year without a doubt!

You can check out Pendulum’s website for up to date news on the band.

Setlist:

1. Napalm
2. Crush
3. Propane Nightmares
4. Come Alive
5. Blood Sugar / Baddadan / Voodoo People (Pendulum Remix)
6. Colourfast
7. Arch Angel
8. Encoder
9. Mercy Killing (feat. Scarlxrd)
10. The Island – Pt. 1 (Dawn)
11. Silent Spinner
12. Nothing for Free
13. Sorry, You’re Not a Winner (Enter Shikari cover feat. Rou Reynolds)
14. Halo
15. Witchcraft
16. Self vs Self
17. Tarantula
18. Watercolour
19. The Tempest

Pendulum (w/ Scarlxrd) @ First Direct Arena (Leeds, UK) on March 26th, 2024

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