Millie Manders And The Shutup - The Crescent, York 30.03.2025

Confession time, this is not the first time I’ve seen Millie Manders and the Shutup, the reason I asked to review this show is because I know what a fantastic live act they are. I wanted to see if this was still the case and if they could maintain their own previous high standards.

Before I answer that question a couple of caveats, firstly I’m ashamed to admit that having lived here for a very long time this was my first visit to the Crescent, having now experienced it, it’s a great venue and I will be back, I was impressed with it and will definitely go see other gigs there. Secondly, due to other commitments I wasn’t able to make it for either of the support acts so can’t comment on them, I was disappointed as previous support acts, I’ve seen for the band have been excellent. I’m sure both support acts on the night were as well, I arrived to catch the very end of the second one but not enough to comment on them.

Millie and the band wandered onto stage just after 8.30 to a rapturous welcome, although to be fair various members including Millie, had been wandering on and off the stage for the previous 15 minutes before that so, I think, initially not everyone realised they were starting but as soon as it became obvious they were anticipation levels rose.

I’ve been a fan of the band since the first album, they are very much rooted in the punk ethos while also having a large dose of ska, stone rock and, whisper it, a healthy dollop of pop sensibility. They are also a band who very much care and this whole tour is raising money for domestic abuse charities. During the show Millie provided some stats on domestic abuse which I was already aware of, but which was sobering to hear again.

You don’t need to agree with everything the band says on stage and in their music to enjoy it, Millie has a fantastic voice, and the band are a very tight unit, clearly, they enjoy playing with each other and the obvious camaraderie between on stage is a joy to see,

The new album,' Wake Up, Shut Up, Work' builds on their previous work, I personally think it’s more overtly political at times than the first album which I found to be more personal but it also has its moments of real openness from Millie, some songs are clearly cathartic for her to write and sing.

So are they still at the same level as when I’ve seen them before? 100% yes, they are an exceptional live band, working hard to engage the crowd, to keep them on board and to raise the tempo of the evening, singing along is encouraged, dancing a must, jumping up and down a requirement and Millie effortlessly slips between her tremendous singing and rapping.

The ska ethos is clear throughout and very much enthuses the music and the atmosphere but so does the sheer punk energy of the performance. There is no encore, they are very clear they don’t believe in all that stuff, instead, and my editor will like this, Millie stands on the stage towards the end and states they won’t go off and back on, they will do three songs and out, sorry boss, I don’t think it was an intentional plug.

The last three songs are a powerhouse culminating in 'Your Story', a powerhouse of song and one that I still think should be more widely known and loved.

I left having enjoyed the music, having seen a crowd who had been thoroughly entertained and having heard some tremendous playing.

Millie Manders and the Shutup are still on tour, go see them now, you won’t see may better live bands playing today.

Millie Manders and the Shutup

Review - Iain McClay