Don Broco in Plymouth-February 2011

On the 26th February 2011 Don Broco headlined at White Rabbit in Plymouth ahead of their UK tour. They played from 18:40-19:00 that night and Rob (vocals), Matt (drums and vocals), Luke (bass and vocals) and Simon (guitar and vocals) did an incredible job of putting on the show that lasted the forced 20 minutes of stage time. I found out that the Plymouth-based venue had double booked on this particular night and when they realised, it was too late to sort out the massive cock up that was made. This double booking involved Don Broco (plus support) and Your Demise all performing on the same night at the same venue. A reason why I think White Rabbit didn't rearrange another date for Your Demise was because they were shooting their music video for 'Life of Luxury' therefore if people found out where it was shot then the venue will get publicity which is a good idea in all fairness. However, due to this happening Don Broco only had 20 minutes to do what they do best; entertain their fans with great hooks and memorable lyrics. In my opinion they should've had a longer slot to perform because it was their headlining show before they started their official tour after all.

Before the gig started I was pumped and ready to go watch a band that I absolutely love and who I haven't seen for 5 months. Everyone was feeling the exact same and couldn't wait for the night ahead. The atmosphere inside the venue was amazing which gave the Bedford-born band a majorly positive vibe that came from the Plymouth crowd. If I'm totally honest my only attraction that night had to be Don Broco all the way because they can really put on a great show and I missed them so much. I paid £10 to gain entry to the venue that showcased 5 bands but I only watched Don Broco then left as soon as they finished because (this may sound harsh) I wasn't interested in the support bands or Your Demise (plus be in their video) because I never heard of them before and Your Demise aren't entirely my cup of tea. Actions like this prove that I'm a truly dedicated fan towards Don Broco.

Going to this gig was one of the best ideas I had and followed through with because I had such a great night. Although I felt rough due to lack of sleep and suffering from a cold, that didn't stop me from supporting one of my favourite British bands when they were in my hometown. Don Broco owned that stage at White Rabbit for the short amount of time they had and majorly killed it because it was a hot, sweaty and fast-paced set Donny B produced proving that this night was a huge success as always because they put on a fantastic show with a great set list and everytime livening up the crowd; even with the double booking screw up.

The set list included pre-big fat smile songs and post-big fat smile songs: 

1. Thug Workout 
2. Beautiful Morning 
3. Living The Dream 
4. Top Of The World 
5. Do What We Do
6. Dreamboy

To start off their set Don Broco performed 'Thug Workout' which went down like a thunder storm as always with the crowd who were already in the pit from the very first hook showing their love and support to the band. The second song performed was 'Beautiful Morning' which had everyone singing along with Rob (including me on the side lines) and proving that this night was amazing. During 'Do What We Do' Rob told everyone who was in the mosh pit to get into pairs and climb on each others shoulders in order to fight each other in a more fun way. I was stood halfway between the side of the stage and the pit so I was thinking 'okay I'm going to move just in case something happens' and good job I did too because if I hadn't moved half a meter or so back I would have been bundled to the floor by a pair that collapsed right in front of me.

Once Don Broco finished their set I wanted to meet them and ask if they could all sign my 'Big Fat Smile' album (a bit lame I know) but that never happened because I had to go straight away and the band would have been flocked with some many fans (mostly female fans) for photos and merch, however I did get something that I wasn't expecting at all. When I started walking from the stage, Rob and this random guy shook hands right in front of me and trying to be smart (and using my shortness) I walked underneath the handshake but it didn't go completely to plan as it resulted in me getting hit on the head by Rob-good times. When outside the venue I actually missed watching Don Broco a lot and listening to their music live so when I got home I played all their songs back-to-back, uploaded all the photos and videos I took when they were on stage on to facebook and had a scan through them to see which ones were the best.

A final note Don Broco are just 4 lively lads from Bedford who are talented, brilliant at what they do and just want to make it in the music industry which they are already cracking due to the week in May 2011 where they dominated Radio 1 and Kerrang! Radio by getting 'Beautiful Morning' played everyday by various dj's. This song alone got a hugely positive response via texts and tweets from the fans of Donny B and even people of the British nation who have never heard of them before but have now developed a love for them. Good on you lads and I hope you make it to the big time! I have enormous faith in this band I really do so check them out at any show near you :)

http://www.facebook.com/donbroco