Amsterdam, Netherlands – British indie band The Wombats first found major success back in 2007 with their single “Let’s Dance To Joy Division”. Last month, they released their latest album, Oh! The Ocean, and have just kicked off their European tour. Their immense popularity is undeniable, as Paradiso was packed with fans eagerly awaiting the show.
For this tour, Red Rum Club joined as a special guest. Their energetic blend of indie rock and alternative pop, infused with brass elements, immediately won over the crowd. At times, their sound was reminiscent of Arctic Monkeys, and with songs like “Hole In My Home” and “Vanilla”, they had the entire venue dancing. The energy was so high that it felt like their own headline show. It’s no surprise that they later played an intimate set upstairs in Paradiso. Fans of The Last Shadow Puppets or Miles Kane should definitely keep an eye on them.
The Wombats were met with deafening cheers as they took the stage, opening with “Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want To Come” from their new album. The excitement only grew when they launched into “Moving to New York”, sending the crowd into a frenzy. From that moment on, the dancing and jumping never stopped.
No matter if they played a new track or an old favorite, every song was met with enthusiasm. The band’s energy was infectious—bassist Tord Øverland Knudsen, in particular, was constantly leaping across the stage. Impressively, the quality of the music never suffered despite their high-energy performance.
The setlist leaned heavily on Oh! The Ocean, with seven tracks from the album, including “Kate Moss”, “My Head Is Not My Friend”, and “I Love America and She Hates Me”. One of the night’s most entertaining moments came during “Ready for the High”, when a person in a wombat costume stormed the stage, “playing” the trumpet and teasing the band. Later, the crowd roared along to “Kill The Director”, while “Lethal Combination” provided a rare quiet moment as frontman Matthew Murphy performed it solo and acoustic, with the audience lighting up their phone flashlights for a magical effect.
However, the calm didn’t last long. “Method to the Madness” triggered an intense mosh pit toward the end, setting the tone for the wildest moment of the night—“Let’s Dance to Joy Division”. The venue erupted as four people in wombat costumes suddenly appeared on stage, adding to the chaos in the best way possible.
After a short break, The Wombats returned for an encore, closing the night with “Can’t Say No”, “Turn”, and fan-favorite “Greek Tragedy”. By the time the final notes rang out, there was no doubt that everyone left in high spirits.
The Wombats proved once again why they remain one of indie rock’s most enduring live acts. With their infectious energy, a perfect balance of old and new hits, and a strong connection with their audience, this was a night to remember. If you haven’t caught them live yet, now’s the time—click here for more tour dates.
Red Rum Club
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The Wombats
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Setlist
Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want to Come
Moving to New York
Cheetah Tongue
Techno Fan
Kate Moss
Ready for the High
1996
Pink Lemonade
I Love America and She Hates Me
Kill the Director
My Head Is Not My Friend
Lethal Combination
Blood On the Hospital Floor
Tokyo (Vampires & Wolves)
The World’s Not Out to Get Me, I Am
Method to the Madness
Lemon to a Knife Fight
If You Ever Leave, I’m Coming With You
Let’s Dance to Joy Division
Can’t Say No
Turn
Greek Tragedy
Show Date 31/3/2025
