DON BROCO DOMINATES VICTORIA WAREHOUSE | MANCHESTER 13/12
ELECTRIFYING ENERGY & UNMATCHED SHOWMANSHIP
BY BELLA PROUDFOOT
Known for their unique blend of post-hardcore, rock, pop, and electronic elements, Don Broco took the stage at Manchester’s Victoria Warehouse with electrifying presence, immediately captivating the audience and proving this venue to be the perfect setting for their dynamic sound. The industrial backdrop and arrays of greenery stage decor compliments the band’s most recent album, Amazing Things. Brocos’ fourth studio album Amazing Things was released in 2021 and was the first of their albums to reach number one on the official albums chart.
One by one the Broco boys emerge on stage with lead vocalist Rob Damiani joining last as the the beat of fan favourite Gumshield began to fill the room. Sporting a neck brace following an injury from a previous show, Damiani takes a moment to encourage “safe head-banging” and mosh pit wellbeing, emphasising the importance of taking care of each other in a concert environment and requesting an “old school mish mosh” and “if anyone falls down, you pick them back up, we’re here to have fun, no fists, no elbows”
“As you can see, I’m not in a good way. My doctor told me my options were either to cancel the tour,which was never going to happen, or I could continue performing in this neck brace, so here we are. I’m slowly getting mobility back but for now you’ll just have to watch me try out my best dad moves.”
Rob Damiani
As the show roared on, the setlist showcased the band’s versatility, featuring a mix of tracks from their discography. Fan favourites from earlier albums to their latest October release, The Birthday Party, were met with equal praise from the audience and deafening applause. From the infectious hooks of Technology to the anthemic choruses of Everybody – Don Broco kept the audience on their feet throughout, singing along to every word and following Damiani’s instruction to a T.
The band created a completely immersive experience while continually demonstrating incredible technical ability, seamlessly transitioning between intricate guitar riffs, powerful drum beats, and infectious bass lines which all compliments Damiani’s charismatic delivery and impressive vocal range.
The audience interaction was a predominant highlight of the night. Don Broco’s genuine connection with their fans was evident as they engaged in playful banter and encouraged crowd participation.
It’s insane to see you all sing the words to songs we wrote years ago, I genuinely believe we have the best fans in the world because our music keeps getting weirder and weirder and you guys support us no matter what. Manchester has always been home to our best shows.
Rob Damiani
The sense of unity within the venue was undeniable, as fans of all ages and backgrounds came together to celebrate the music and what quickly became known as Don Broco’s final tour for the foreseeable. Damiani takes a moment to get personal with the crowd and reveals plans for an upcoming album;
“After this tour you won’t see us for a while, we’re going away. No shows and no tours, we want to focus on writing a new album”
Rob Damiani
Concluding the night with a powerful encore of Fingernails and T-Shirt Song, almost everyone in the crowd were swinging their newly bought Broco merchandise in the air. Don Broco’s performance at Victoria Warehouse was a testament to their status as one of the most exciting and engaging live acts in the contemporary music scene. Their ability to deliver a high-energy show with precision and passion despite any and all circumstances is a testament to their dedication to their craft.
WORDS AND PHOTOS BY BELLA PROUDFOOT
About The Author
