Sleaford Mods / Rock City / Nottingham

Mar 3

Mar 3 Sleaford Mods / Rock City / Nottingham

Following the release of their stunning new album “The Demise of Planet X” Nottingham’s own Sleaford Mods head to the iconic Rock City in their home town for two nights on the ‘No War No Death’ tour. Both nights are completely sold out, an indication of the popularity of the minimalist post-punk duo.

First on stage in support is Heartworms, (Jojo Orme) a post-punk, London based musician. She released her debut EP “A Comforting Notion” in 2023 and her debut album “Glutton for Punishment” in 2025.

Heartworms delivered a great opening set, clearly influenced by the likes of The Cure Killing Joke and the Sisters of Mercy the post-punk sound is mixed with elements of gothic rock, techno and dance to create a unique style of post-industrial electronic dance. Catchy and enjoyable, I liked the contrast compared to Sleaford Mods, and they did a great job at warming the crowd up.

Setlist

Beat Poem

Extraordinary Wings

Warplane

May I Comply

Retributions Of An Awful Life

Consistent Dedication

Jacked

Formed in 2007 by Jason Williamson and Simon Parfrement, the Sleaford Mods have developed into a worldwide phenomenon. Parfrement, replaced by Andrew Fearn in 2012 remains involved with the band.

With a unique sound they are known for their abrasive, minimalist musical style and bitter analysis of the class system, working class life and austerity Britain. In many way, this platform, and the way they deliver it, makes it something that so many can equate to, and sympathise with. They released their self-titled debut album in 2007 and January this year saw the release of their critically acclaimed latest offering “The Demise of Planet X”.

The Rock City stage was sparsely set out. A screen at the rear and LED light panels and TV screens doted around and a wheeled travel case adorned with ‘War Child’ slickers. The crowd roar as Andrew walks out, and plugs in his laptop as a short burst of music blasts out. That’s it….. set up done !

The lights go out as Williamson and Fearns step out. Williamson in black shorts and t-shirt and bullet belt, whilst Fearns looks set for the beach in shorts t-shirt and baseball cap.

They open the set with The Unwrap, Williamson moving erratically in his iconic twitchy style whilst Fearns dances at the back of the stage by his laptop. The first three tracks are all from the new album “The Demise of Planet X” and The Good life follows. The TV screens flick into life and carry sections from the music video with special guests Gwendoline Christie and Big Special appearing during their lines. A racking track where the contrast between the dance beat rhythm sits askew with the mellow laid back chorus vocals from Joe Hicklin.

Next is the brilliant Megaton with its anti-war message with lyrics like ‘Megaton, You think you’re Nasty Nas, You’re just cringy as…. Megaton Whose side are you on” Williamsons vocals are spot on, and spat out with venom and passion, often delivered in his familiar stance, standing side on holding the mic stand at an angle. Visually, Williamson is captivating, especially his facial expressions that change constantly from apparent anger, to frustration, an almost schizophrenic shift at any given moment as different personalities come to the fore.

Fan favourite T.C.R. has the packed Rock City crowd chanting along to the chorus as one, with its heavy beats propel along a story line of trying to have a night out while looking after the kids.

Flood The Zone featuring Liam bailey from the new album is another amazing yet minimalist tune, with its catchy repetitive refrains, it still gets the crowd dancing along, as does the brilliant Mork And Mindy which features the amazing Billy Nomates on guest vocals. No Touch from “The Demise of Planet X” delivers some fantastic melodic vocals in the chorus from Sue Tompkins against a back drop of thunderous beats and basslines.

I think what makes Sleaford Mods so appealing, is how they observe the world and everyday life around them, and the things that wind Williamson up, and the convey his rage with creative humour and poignant observations. It’s just so relatable.

As the set progresses it turns more towards fan favourites, with the likes of Force 10 Navarone taken from 2023’s “UK Grim”, which is a hypnotic beats. The crowd go wild as the electro pop refrains of the Pet Shop Boys’ classic track West End Girls drops. With a heavy beats and a thumping bass it’s a brilliant cover that the Sleaford mods have truly put their own stamp on.

Rock City is bouncing now as we enjoy three classics from 2020’s “All That Glue”, first the iconic heavy beats of Tied Up In Nottz drop, followed by Jobseeker is a fired up account of life on the dole and the frustration of the interactions with work coaches.

As the night draws to a close, the menacing bass beats of Tweet Tweet Tweet ring out (Iggy Pop’s parrots fave tune!), the crowd bouncing along to the deep rumbling tones and mellow lyrical delivery flows.

Two men, one laptop and one mic stand. That’s it…. and yet Fearns and Williamson don’t just hold the audience’s attention for an hour and a half, they provide validation for how many feel about the weird world around us, and socio-political commentary as well as damn fine beats which feel like the perfect remedy!

It’s urban poetry at its finest.

Setlist

Unwrap

The Good Life

Megaton

TCR

Dad’s Corner

Shoving the Images

Flood the Zone

I Don’t Rate You

Mork N Mindy

Gina Was