The Kooks Bring Big Energy And Bigger Feels To The O₂ Arena In London

Written and Captured By | Emily Snelling

---

For the first time ever, The Kooks took to the stage at The O₂ Arena to perform the final show of their UK tour. Beers in hand, the crowd beamed with love and nostalgia.

Opening the night at the O₂ Arena is no easy feat, but Day We Ran didn’t hesitate to grab everyone’s attention, diving headfirst into a blend of soaring indie-rock melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and driving rhythms. Delivering a short but curated setlist tailored to The Kooks’ fanbase, they featured their most popular song, “Foaming,” alongside the currently unreleased “Alive Again.” The smooth rhythms and familiar indie vibes created a welcoming warmth in the atmosphere, preparing the crowd for the rest of the show.

Taking the stage after Day We Ran, The K’s wasted no time cranking the energy up several notches. From the moment they stepped into the lights, it was clear they had a loyal following in the room — fans proudly sporting The K’s t-shirts and waiting patiently at the barricade. Their arrival instantly shifted the mood from warm anticipation to full-blown excitement. Their sound — high-octane indie rock packed with punchy guitar lines, thunderous drums, and hooks that demanded to be sung back — brought a stage presence that couldn’t be ignored.

Highlights of their set included fan favourites “Sarajevo” and “Glass Towns,” which turned the floor into a sea of excited fans singing along. Each song built on the momentum of the last, creating an explosion of energy that amplified throughout the room, even reaching those unfamiliar with the band. By the end of their set, everyone was ecstatic and eager for The Kooks to begin.

After some truly impressive warm-up acts, it was finally time for the main event. The lights dimmed, and instant eruptions of cheers and screams filled the room — a huge welcome for The Kooks as the band members took to the stage. Forty-five seconds felt like an eternity as we waited for Luke, The Kooks’ lead vocalist, to make his appearance — which led straight into the crowd favourite “Sofa Song.” From the start, the crowd was singing along, and the band’s upbeat energy filled the arena. Their set blended old favourites with newer tracks, keeping everyone hooked from beginning to end — something for every fan. From B-sides like “Gap” for die-hard followers to nostalgic hits like “Seaside” from the early 2000s, it was a setlist full of heart.

A special moment came when Luke Pritchard performed “See Me Now” as a piano ballad, dedicated to his late father, whose picture was displayed throughout the set — a deeply personal moment for the Brighton-based band, especially on their biggest UK headline show to date. The crowd fell silent, phone lights raised, as everyone soaked in the significance; Luke sang with pride and love, and the emotion in the room was undeniable.

To everyone’s delight, The Kooks closed the night with “Naïve” and a boatload of confetti — the whole venue sang every word. It was a fun, heartfelt show that perfectly wrapped up an amazing night of music.

Overall, the night was nothing short of incredible. As someone who’s loved The Kooks for years — this being my third time seeing them live — it was amazing to watch them perform so exquisitely on such a grand stage. They truly made the most of the O₂, using every inch of the space to celebrate their music, their fans, and the end of an unforgettable UK tour. It felt like a genuine love letter to everyone who’s grown up with their songs — a perfect reminder of why The Kooks remain one of the most beloved indie bands of our time.