Another rainy, November evening trekking around Manchester in search of a good time. It’s becoming habit at this point, but a habit that’s paying off, nonetheless.
At Academy 3, right on the top floor of the university’s student’s union, an ‘evil, hate filled female’ preached her agenda of tolerance and self-love, accepting who you are and calling out the lack of justice that victims and minorities get.
It was the lovely Delilah Bon on her Princeless Princess tour, along with BEX!
BEX began her set right as I walked into the room, which felt like a movie scene if I’m honest. She’s a young, energetic and angry woman with a lot to say, and she’s determined to get her point across.
Her and her band were clearly good friends, they put on a great show together with a lot of dancing and setting off chants. The music was great, and at times her voice reminded me of Lauren Mayberry of Chvurches, although the music is a lot heavier. I was impressed by the creepy laugh she kept doing.
The highlight, though, may have been big BEX. Big BEX is a dancer, with a large, felt mask on which looks like a ragdoll version of BEX who seemingly has become a mascot during their song Politix, one of her latest singles along with Silence. It was a fun set, with some good punk music and BEX’s music is perfectly paired with Delilah Bon’s.
Delilah Bon took to the stage bang-on 9 o’clock, and opened with Princeless Princess, the track that named the tour and her latest, limited-edition EP. I really enjoyed the songs selected, it included all four songs from the EP, but then older, beloved songs like War on Women, Brat and, of course, Dead Men Don’t Rape.
It included WITCH, my favourite song of hers, and slowed down for Not the President. I’ll be honest, the odd fan made me nervous during that time, by waving real lighters around curtains and, what looked like, a sprinkler system. There was nothing to worry about, though. No fires, no false alarm.
I have seen Delilah Bon before, about two years ago as an opener. I loved her energy; I loved what she stood for. That’s what really drew me in with her. With the opportunity to headline, she was able to do so much more. There was constant communication with the audience, introducing each song and being open with the inspiration.
Her music, when it’s not embracing her individuality, is centred around quite serious topics. She doesn’t just spread a rhetoric, she brings facts, and she brings people’s stories forward.
She created a safe and open environment, and from where I stood, the audience were good and not just respectful, but uplifting. I was near the bar, so I could not hear anything that BEX said between songs. I did, however, see multiple people going out of their way to compliment someone and dancing with people they didn’t come with. I did, on my way out, hear some girls talking about getting pushed in a wheelchair. It seems like it shouldn’t be said, but don’t do that. Please have a bit of spatial awareness when you’re at a show, don’t just focus on getting the best view. Everyone deserves to have a wonderful night.
I really did love the show, and I do hope I get to see Delilah Bon again soon!
