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Shut Up Sally takes on Leeds: A night to remember
Shut Up Sally, the name London Musicians can’t keep off their lips, seems to have spread their legacy like a fever to the Northern city of Leeds. On March 24th, the trio took Leeds by storm with their sold-out headline gig at Hyde Park Book Club.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
By Melissa Douglas | 25th March 2026
The space was already filled before Shut Up Sally took the stage, with people using the ten-minute
break before they started to keep their positions at the front of the crowd. Flashes of red and purple projected
their way onto the stages back wall, the logo practically imprinted into the venues ether.
Kickstarting the set with their unreleased song, “Something To Do” felt like a fitting choice; heavy
jungle drum beats mixed with dreamscape synth lines. Grunge and Whimsy, Hard and Soft, Grit
and Clean.
Their cover of “So Real” by Jeff Buckley was a standout moment, with the crowd
erupting into knowing cheers. Their use of covers placed throughout the set felt intentionally
chosen by each member, showcasing their influences as individuals as well as a collective.
They brought the energy down from boiling point with their middle song of the set. “Oh, Martha”.
Frontwoman, Tahlia Gray presented this particular original as an “ode to her best friend“
As the song continued, the energy began to increase to the level it had been at with the other songs;
harmonies, distorted bass, heavy drum beat. It served as a perfect middle ground of the set,
giving the audience a moment to breathe before what was left to come. The shift in visuals added
even more to the energy, taking you on a journey within itself; hand drawn frame by frame images of a
club window, as if you were looking in from the street. Just like the music, messy but intentional.
This felt like a perfect lead-up to the moment the audience had all been waiting for: their upcoming debut single,
“Lady”.
After a swift announcement, the crowd erupted once more, being swiftly cut off by the
sharp echo of the singles riff. Although the chemistry between band members felt obvious, it
seemed to truly show during this song. The conclusion of this unique set had every member of
the audience static, a fan favourite cover of theirs; “Girls On Film” by Duran Duran. After many
heavy performances throughout the night, the use of a song like “Girls On Film” felt like a necessity, a bit of fun!
Overall, my opinion still stands, if not taller than before; everyone needs to see this three-piece live at least once.
Thank you, Shut Up Sally, you’ve done it again.
