Chappell Roan: Londoners are in for 'ride of their life' as pop princess performs at O2 Academy


London is set to be hit by the ‘Femininomenon’ this week as ‘Good Luck, Babe’ singer Chappell Roan comes to the O2 Academy in Brixton for three highly-anticipated shows. And after witnessing a performance to behold in Manchester needless to say you’ll be in for what could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience if you attend.
With the probability of Grammy Awards, arena tours and eventually stadium tours, it is highly unlikely you’ll ever see Roan in such an intimate setting ever again so make the most of it!
Read more: What’s On in London?
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Hide AdWhen you watch her, you can’t help but feel that there’s something unique about Roan. It’s like you are transported to a world where you are free and comfortable to be yourself in whatever way you choose and can just have a blast. It’s an experience that you have to embrace, it’s a celebration of music, drag shows, gay culture and community in one rather than just a bog-standard concert. You can’t put a price on that and once you experience it you’ll just go “wow”.


After emerging as 2024’s breakout superstar, Roan has been catapulted into superstardom this summer With a high-profile set at Lollapalooza festival that drew record-setting crowds, a performance at Coachella Festival in April, success at the VMA Awards and peaking at the top of the UK charts, it’s safe to say that Roan is well on her way to becoming one of the biggest stars in music.
Her devoted army of fans certainly think so! Throughout roan’s 75 minute set in Manchester, they sang with fire and passion and at times louder than the singer herself. The crowd’s participation was a delight to watch and be involved with, but the singer’s crowd control was perhaps the most impressive aspect. Despite how energetic and animated Roan is on-stage, you can’t help but acknowledge her humility on-stage and how genuine she is with her fans. It’s easy to see why audiences gravitate so strongly towards her.
I think appreciation of Roan’s tireless efforts also plays a role in that. Roan’s rise to superstar status didn’t come ‘overnight’ and at the click of someone’s fingers. It came from years and years of grafting - years and years of overcoming adversity and years of waiting for that breakthrough. Roan’s first record deal came at 16-years-old, and she was later released by Atlantic Records after the pandemic first hit in 2020 before the release of ‘The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess’ to critical acclaim.
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Hide AdAs for the album, to quote WWE superstar Sheamus it is “banger after banger after banger”. Many artists and bands need to wait years to have a greatest hits album in their catalogue, but for Roan her first album has hits in abundance. Often compared to The Village People’s ‘YMCA’, ‘Hot To Go’ has gone viral online and inspired its own dance, which you’ll get to experience live in London. ‘Red Wine Supernova’ has become an anthem and ‘Pink Pony Club’ became a sleeper hit. That’s just to name a few.
On stage, Roan kept the choreography to a minimum and allowed the vocals to do the talking throughout most of the night. However, an exception is made during ‘Picture You’ when the singer sings directly to a wig attached to a mic stand.
As for the staging itself, it was simplistic and minimalistic. There were no pyrotechnics, no fireworks going off at will, no visual effects, no grandiose entrances, no intricate lighting and there were no dancers following Roan around. It was simply Roan and her backing band. It felt like an independent production, and you know what? It was amazing. The music took centre stage and the show was better for it.
Roan’s shows are flamboyant, explosive, honest, and celebrate themes that have helped shape Chappell Roan and her artistry. If I could sum it up in one word it’d be exhilarating.
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Hide AdFor those attending this week, you are in for the ride of your life.
When is Chappell Roan performing in London?
The pop princess will perform for three nights at London’s 02 Academy from September 19-21.
There are still tickets available, get yours on Ticketmaster here.
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