Cat Burns at Moth Club for War Child

Indie singer-songwriter Cat Burns is the internet’s latest hyperfixation. After gradually gaining success since 2020, she released the single Girls! in late January. Both the song and her sparkling personality were met with love as she showcased the unique diversity of queer relationships. Her ability to connect with hundreds of thousands of individuals was evident at her latest gig at Moth Club in Hackney – an explosive start to the 2025 BRITs Week for War Child.

Nearly 20 years ago, War Child – a charity dedicated to supporting children in war-torn countries – began collaborating with the BRIT Awards. Over the years, they have raised funds for their cause by facilitating intimate gigs featuring popular artists across various genres. While these shows are cherished, small-scale celebrations, Cat Burns proved that she might be too momentous for a venue as intimate as Moth Club.

As the stellar opener Essence Martins wrapped up her set, the venue had clearly reached capacity. Attendees swarmed the doors leading to the standing area, making entry nearly impossible. Unfortunately, security had to shout during Martins’ final moments, urging the crowd to make way for others – yet this plea was met with no response. It wasn’t due to unwillingness but rather the sheer density of bodies blocking any possible movement in or out.

While it’s incredible that Cat Burns can draw such an intense level of attention – something especially beneficial for War Child – many attendees voiced concerns over health and safety. One concertgoer remarked: “God help us if there’s an incident, like a fire. We have no way out.”

Although the night got off to a worrying start, all was forgiven when Cat Burns took the stage. Her high energy and extraordinary stage presence had the crowd hooked from the beginning – despite being packed like sardines – and the excitement only grew as she seamlessly transitioned between Alone, Know That You’re Not Alone, Live More & Love More, End Game and Boy Crazy, each performance as powerful as the last.

With the sixth song of the night, Free, the singer infused a rhythmic pep into her step, and while the environment remained uncomfortably crowded, it didn’t stop those eager to dance and sing along. Her smile and humour were infectious, so much so that a few fans in the front row were left bawling by the end of the song. She made a point to interact with them, pausing to ensure they were crying tears of joy, not sadness. It’s clear that no matter how famous Cat Burns becomes, she will always treat her supporters like her closest friends.

The performance wasn’t just energetic – Burns showcased her versatility by delivering heartfelt favourites like Healing, Sleep at Night, Happier Without You and You Don’t Love Me Anymore. Admirers sang and wept from the front of the stage to the very back of Moth Club, but the tears turned to cheers when her beloved cover of Wheatus’ Teenage Dirtbag proved to be the highlight of the night.

Burns announced that this would be her final live performance of the cover, making the moment all the more special. To close out the evening, she performed all of her greatest hits so far – the crowd’s collective voice soared during People Pleaser, Girls!, Wasted Youth, and, for the grand finale, her first major success, Go.

All in all, the singer is a vision of perfection. Audience members set aside their overcrowding anxieties, focusing entirely on her. Artists like Cat Burns prove that no matter how chaotic a concert may be, adoration for the music rises above all – embodying the true essence of live performances.

Taryn Crowley
Photos: Aaron Parsons

For further information and future events visit Cat Burns’s website here.

Watch the video for Girls! here: