Wallows Rock Newcastle on ‘Model’ Tour: Concert Review

Indie icons, Wallows, take on Newcastle for the first time ever at the O2 City Hall for their ‘Model’ world tour, and it was an electric first impression for the Tyne.

After anticipating Wallow’s latest album, ‘Model’, for months, I knew I had to be in attendance to their tour, especially since they were playing a Newcastle venue barely 10 minutes down the road from me.

If you’re unfamiliar with Wallows, that’s understandable, as this was the first time the LA-based band had ever tackled a Newcastle stage. I had the privilege of seeing Wallows on their last world tour in 2023 at Leeds’ O2 Academy and was hooked on the vibrant, playful energy that they brought. So, I had incredibly high expectations for the tour this time around. They did not disappoint.

This year, Wallows paraded into the O2 City Hall, a 2,135 capacity venue, and it was a sweat-fest. Tickets were sold out for this tour, so I was arm-to-arm with everyone around me, but I was too buzzing to care. Wallows ensured the crowd were up and moving from opening to encore by playing tune after tune with the only breaks being for fan service.

It did get to the point I was almost thankful to escape the venue and grasp the fresh air, then fall back home and collapse into bed. It was then I was especially grateful that Wallows came to Newcastle for this tour.

The crowd was determined to give Wallows a memorable first impression of Newcastle with an eruption of cheers and screams when the band appeared to start their set with ‘Your Apartment’ – the lead single from their latest album ‘Model’, which released in May earlier this year. The track uses upbeat, fast-paced drums and a funky guitar riff, making it perfect to use as their opening song for the concert.

My personal favourite part of any Wallows show is when they play ‘Quarterback’. Cole Preston, who is usually playing drums and tucked away behind the other members, and Dylan Minnette, frontman and known for his role as ‘Clay’ in ‘13 Reasons Why’, swap places. It’s a unique concept and gives all of the members the chance to show the extent of their musical ability by playing different instruments and singing.

There was then a slight change in the set design, which I thought was beautiful despite its simplicity. The lights dimmed and the backdrop became home to hundreds of softly flashing lights as the more relaxing songs slowed down the pace of the concert.

Dylan Minnette performed ‘She’s an Actress’, taking the time to sing one-on-one to each fan at the front row, squeezing their hands and making personal memories. This is arguably the most emotional song from the Model album; Dylan’s lyrics are vulnerable and raw, and the simpler instrumental (e.g. a Djembe drum rather than a full drum kit) allows for the lyrics be the standout point of the track. It also gave a chance for the rest of the audience to catch their breath and rehydrate after the first hour of consistent singing and jumping.

The new set featured a chilled, living room-esque scene, with lamps, a sofa, and a side table, much similar to The 1975’s set design for their ‘At Their Very Best’ tour, to play into the intimate vibe of the show and the running theme of an apartment in line with the album. Wallows opened their this segment with a spell of acoustic renditions of some of their biggest hits from across the years.

After a break for fan service, a conversation about Newcastle and Northumberland Street’s Primark, Greggs’ sausage rolls, and a unanimous vote from the audience, we were gifted another acoustic song, this time of another fan-favourite single, ‘1980’s Horror Film’. This track is popular amongst fans as everyone screams extra loud for the lyric, “I’m really not that into guys!” (Wallows seemingly being an exception).

To round off the show, Wallows played a run of their standout hits from across the years. Even after the 1.5 hour long set, Wallows still had the crowd completely engaged and dancing along with them until they devastatingly had to leave.

But after chanting “one more song” until my vocal cords dried out, Wallows returned to the stage to play the single that skyrocketed their career in 2019, ‘Are You Bored Yet?’, making the audience erupt one last time.

Overall, Wallows put on one of the best shows I’ve seen in a long time (since I saw them on tour last year). There was a fair share of songs from each different project of theirs which, as a long-time fan, I really appreciated. I also liked how personalised they made the show to Newcastle by having a slightly different setlist for each stop on the tour and discussing things that make Newcastle, Newcastle (Greggs). I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels this way when I say Wallows are welcome back to tour in Newcastle at ‘Anytime, Always’.

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If you like this review, please check out the rest of my work on my website here! You can also follow me on TikTok @TunesoftheTyne for more Newcastle and music related content. Comment below what you think of Wallows or if you have seen them on tour before – I would love to hear from you! Here’s a picture of me from the concert sporting my brand new Wallows merch.