Clean Bandit for War Child at the London Palladium

Not your usual concert. For one night only, Clean Bandit bring all their friends, old and new, to the London Palladium. The concert is part of #BRITsWeek for War Child, an independent non-governmental organisation that advocates for the rights of children affected by conflict, providing mental health support to improve their well-being. With Palestine being one the deadliest places to be a child right now, the concert serves as a reminder of music’s role in raising awareness and support.

Overall, the evening is a celebration of collaboration, with each guest artist adding their own unique flair. Intimate and well-produced, devoted fans get to experience Clean Bandit’s signature electronic sound alongside once-in-a-lifetime live pairings. The format is unconventional: the stage transforms into a train station, with Grace Chatto and her majestic cello, Jack Patterson, and Luke Patterson at its centre. At one point, Jack relocates atop a metal structure, watching it all unfold from above. Special guests and longtime collaborators come out of a train wagon made of screens, including Kirsten Joy, Jess Glynne, LeoStayTrill, Lloyiso, Daramola, Dyo, Gracey, Yasmin Green, Elyanna and Belén Aguilera.

Dyo sets the tone early in the set. Known for penning hits for others, she takes centre stage to debut a brand-new Clean Bandit track, It’s Over, showcasing her rich vocals in its first-ever live performance. Later, Aguilera unexpectedly emerges from the shadows, an ethereal vision in draped white fabric. Her performance of Mago, moving between English and Spanish lyrics, is a goosebump-inducing moment. It arrives with no warning and builds into a stunning climax that allows her to fully showcase her vocal range.

While it’s difficult to pinpoint specific highlights with such a diverse lineup, some moments linger longer than others. One of the most electrifying ones is brought on by rising rapper LeoStayTrill, with the live debut of his song 2s n 3s. His presence injects gritty UK rap into the set; a jolt of energy that makes everyone want to stand up (it is a seated concert) and shake the week’s off. The track samples Rather Be, and as soon as the audience recognises the familiar melody weaved through his verses, that energy can’t be contained. It feels, in a way, like a collective release of stress and tension, with a touch of nostalgia.

Another highlight is Clean Bandit’s performance of Believe with South African artist Lloyiso, an unreleased (and unfinished) track that will no doubt be warmly welcomed once it officially drops. He closes his eyes as he belts it out, as if it were a personal testimony, and maybe it is. Before that, Lloyiso also gifts the audience an impromptu rendition of Symphony, explaining how much the song meant to him and how it shaped his approach to music, and making music. As he performs, audience members seem to be collectively holding their breath – from the moment he steps on stage, Lloyiso’s storytelling is so captivating and authentic that it is impossible to look away.

This performance perfectly encapsulates what the concert represents: the importance of coming together for a vital cause while celebrating an eclectic career. A rarity on the pop landscape, Clean Bandit have shown much devotion to their craft, a craft that never stops evolving, never stops surprising, and never stops pulling in fresh talent.

Benedetta Mancusi
Photos: Patrick Gunning

For further information and future events visit Clean Bandit’s website here.

Watch the video for the single Rockabye here: