The Lilacs

On 18 March 2027, The Lilacs bring their guitar-driven indie rock to Islington Assembly Hall in London. Formed in Wigan, the quartet lines up with Ollie Anglesea on vocals, Sam Birchall on guitar, Dave Gomersall on drums and Matt Johnson on bass, a formation settled since October 2018. They’ve grown on the UK live circuit with shows at Manchester’s Albert Hall, several O2 Academy stages and a slot at the Isle of Wight Festival. Early single Vicarage Road sketched the band’s blueprint: tight rhythms, direct guitars and melodic hooks rooted in a distinctly British pop-rock tradition.

On stage, The Lilacs keep it brisk and unvarnished, steering from jangly verses to punchy, chorus-led releases, with lyrics grounded in everyday detail. The band’s name nods to the Lilac Centre, a personal reference linked to Birchall’s family story, a background element rather than a narrative device. For this date, expect a set that connects their first releases with newer cuts, leaning on clean riffs, compact grooves and choruses built to be sung back.