Don Broco
at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, UK
words and photos by Dylan Maggs

Don Broco are a band that I have been into since 2016 when I first discovered them as second support on Bring Me The Horizons 2016 UK tour, alongside Basement at the Manchester AO Arena. As soon as I heard their iconic track ‘Everybody’ I was instantly hooked, making sure to binge-listen to their discography as soon as I got back.

However despite being a fan, I haven’t been able to catch them perform since that incredible show. But that all changed when I got approved to cover their show at the First Direct Arena in Leeds. My friends will tell you how on edge I was hoping for my press credentials to get approved as I didn’t want to miss this star-studded line-up.

Before heading to the venue, I carried out my traditional local pre-show ritual of grabbing a pint at the local Wetherspoons, and even there.. It was packed full of cool looking alternative people with brightly dyed hair and Don Broco band merch. This was surprising to me, not only because doors had technically opened, but also because the band had opened their pre-show merch and bar hangout titled ‘The Don Broco Arms’ at The Key Club, in which the members of the band were serving merch and pints - as well as witnessing a marriage proposal at the iconic Leeds venue.

I got there relatively early and stood with the rest of the eager photographers, some of which I had made friends with over the prior months. It was clear we were all excited to witness the artistry of Papa Roach and Don Broco.

The second support act on the line-up was none-other than alternative icons Papa Roach. A band that you would have to be living under a rock to have not heard of them before as their most popular track ‘Last Resort’ is an emo-anthem for all emo’s. Starting off their set with their relatively new ‘Kill the Noise’ was the perfect way to kick things off. Playing ‘Help’ whilst I was in the photo-pit temporarily stopped me in my tracks as it’s a song that holds sentimental value so-to-speak, and I just wanted to take it in. What I wasn’t expecting was a cover of The Prodigy’s ‘Firestarter’ which absolutely went down a treat. Other tracks included ‘Scars’, ‘Between Angels and Insects’, and of course ‘Last Resort’ which got the crowd completely warmed up and raring to go.

As soon as I took my first few steps into the photo-pit, the lights went down and the roars from the crowd filled the venue. With an incredible lighting display and stage layout, the band made their way onto the stage. Rob Damiani (vocals), Matt Donnelly (drums), Tom Doyle (bass) and Simon Delaney (guitar) started off by standing at the back of the venue in front of the screens as the opening intro played out. Out of nowhere, Rob Damiani pulls a red flare and they all take their positions. “ARE YOU READY LEEDS!?” screams Rob. It was definitely a cool way to kick things off!

Starting off with ‘Bruce Willis’ and ‘Gumshield’ from their latest album Amazing Things before turning things up a notch their powerful track ‘Technology’ which had crowd surfers rush the barrier and the entire venue on their feet. To most fans this setlist must've felt like a workout because I couldn’t see any signs of the mosh pits stopping, nor could I blame them.

The Bedford-based 4-piece put together a beautifully crafted setlist which made sure that everyone was happy, whether it was older fans with tracks like ‘Nerve’ or ‘Automatic’ or newer fans with tracks like ‘Endorphins’ or ‘Manchester Super Reds No.1 Fan’, the crowd were sold. Speaking of the latter, the boys were joined on stage by Papa Roach vocalist Jacoby Shaddix to perform ‘Manchester Super Reds No.1 Fan’ and ‘Thug Workout’ .. it works beautifully and I hope to see a Jacoby feature in the future.

And of course, it’s not a Don Broco show without the DB tradition of swinging your shirt over your head to their iconic ‘T-Shirt Song’. The boys put on an incredible night that left all fans happy, contempt and with a buzz - even long after the show had ended, fans kept the spirits high at The Key Clubs’ afterparty singing along to every DB song played.

DON BROCO: LEEDS UK

PAPA ROACH

DON BROCO