MAC DEMARCO OPENS STRONG ON BRIXTON RESIDENCY

LIVE REVIEW | MAC DEMARCO | O2 ACADEMY BRIXTON, LONDON | 11th June 2026 by Miles Humphries

Mac DeMarco kicked off his three-night O2 Brixton Academy residency with a relaxed, charming performance that felt both intimate and expansive. Despite the venue’s size, he maintained the laid-back personality that has made him such a beloved live act, mixing crowd conversation, offbeat humour, and genuine reflections between songs.

Overall, it was a strong opening night, funny, heartfelt, and full of the effortless charm that fans expect from DeMarco. While not a radically different live show, it proved that his songs and personality remain as captivating as ever.

The setlist spanned much of his career, with a 2 hour+ set, mixing beloved favourites with deeper cuts, and the audience responded appropriately from start to the end. Songs like “Freaking Out the Neighbourhood” drew some of the loudest singalongs of the night, while slower moments showcased the warmth and sincerity beneath DeMarco’s often upbeat stage presence.

The packed Brixton crowd embraced every moment, creating a joyful atmosphere that felt more like a gathering of friends than a show in a 5,000 capacity venue. It wasn’t a performance built on spectacle or production. Instead, it relied on strong songs, genuine charisma, and a connection with the audience that few artists can match.