Imperial Leisure Farewell Show 02 Academy Islington

Imperial Leisure Farewell Show
02 Academy Islington

It sucks when a band you love announce that they are breaking up.

Like, really, really sucks.

It is no wonder that Imperial Leisure’s final show this evening is full of adoring fans and friends wanting to say goodbye to a band that have sound tracked so many of our festivals and late nights.

Formed in 2008, British ska-punk band, Imperial Leisure have been extensively touring around the U.K. and Europe with most festivals clawing to get the lively, party-starting band to grace their stages. Born out of school friendships, Imperial Leisure have built a reputation for delivering high-energy, booze filled performances that don’t let anyone leave the venue disappointed (or sober). Their sound combines elements of ska, punk and hip hop with their most famous tracks including the jig-inducing ‘Man on the Street’ and ‘The Landlord’s Daughter’.

One of the band’s unique characteristics, despite the music, is their desire to cover their entire fan base in cava- but hey, we aren’t complaining. There has not been one Imperial Leisure show in which I have not left the venue or field ringing out my hair and (normally) sucking the cava out the bottom of it. Tonight is no different. The band are playing their final show in Islington’s 02 Academy and the crowd are boozy before the show even begins. So, the night is to only get messier by the minute. There are signs all over the venue stating that there is to be no crowd surfing and no sitting upon people’s shoulders. This is obviously ignored by everyone in the room, much to the security guards’ anger. Sorry.

They play all manner of favourites this evening which don’t allow the crowd any space for respite. They also cover House of Pain’s famous ‘Jump Around’ that never fails to keep energy levels at their absolute maximum. In the world of ska punk, it is easy to become lost as a band in the diluted genre. It is easy to fall into the traps of the repetitive ska sounds. However, Imperial Leisure bring with them something special. They are unlike any other ska punk band that I have ever seen and it is a real shame to see them go.

Make no mistake, Imperial Leisure are fun. They never fail to lift the mood of anyone in their presence and it is a real shame to see them go. But more importantly, it was a real honour to be part of the magic they created.

Cheers to Imperial Leisure and to their individual and undoubtedly bright futures.