THE TRIPLE THREAT: BIG SPECIAL/GANS/GOOD HEALTH GOOD WEALTH @ CAMDEN ROUNDHOUSE

LIVE REVIEW | BIG SPECIAL, GANS w/ Good Heath Good Wealth | ROUNDHOUSE, LONDON | 27th February 2026 by Tom Jenkinson

Birmingham and London have long competed for the crown of the industrial epicentre of the UK. With the decline in heavy industry, it seems that now the two cities are now competing for the quality of their musical output as Big Special go on tour with fellow Brummies GANS, with support from London’s own Good Health Good Wealth.

The size of the venues shows there is a momentum building for Big Special, who only 9 months ago Northern Exposure saw deliver an electric set at the much more modestly sized (but equally packed) Oslo venue in neighbouring Hackney. Hard to think now, seeing the Roundhouse filled with punters, that such an opportunity will come along again.

It’s not just for Big Special that tonight feels like a step up for, before the show Bruce Breakey, vocalist and wordsmith for Good Health Good Wealth, sums it up: “for the money you know, it is almost like you’re getting a mini festival [with this tour]. They’re calling us a triple threat”.

The line up feels considered, well matched, and a showcase for some serious festival headline contenders (all acts have busy summer seasons ahead in 2026). Good Health Good Wealth open the night with their trademark blend of cockney charm and Mike Skinner-esque humour. Breakey’s line from the band’s single “Full Circle”: “my jeans have more holes in them than a racist’s arguments” feels light, playful, and ironic with plenty in the audience chomping at the bit to join in.

Following a lighter start to the evening, GANS bring a darker touch to the mood. Their sound has been defined by a blend of heavy basslines and heavier drumming. “I THINK I LIKE YOU” is even more electrifying in person with the punk duo bouncing off each other vocally like a paranoid conversation taking place in someone’s head. The pair show they can slow things down when they like, with the set closing with several minutes of psychedelic howling from drummer Euan Woodman, who surfs topless to the centre of the crowd, before returning to his kit to ensure every single drop of sweat has been wrung from his body before exiting the stage.

Capitalising on the thumping bassline left ringing in the air from support GANS, Big Special jump into “BLACK COUNTRY GOTHIC” for their opener but not before taking the opportunity to hand roses out to their captive audience who are enamoured with the gesture. This is a night that is full of contrasts: for every macho moment, shirtless blokes thumping around on stage, there are moments of light humour, roses handed out, big thumbs up for the crowd, a message that there is a raffle to support a friend lost to cancer.

“BLACK DOG/WHITE HORSE” feels written for a venue like this, and the radio favourite receives a warm welcome amongst the crowd, with people singing and holding on to each other. Likewise, “THIS HERE AIN’T WATER”, and “YESBOSS” all feel at home for a band that comfortably dominate the stage in front of this 3,000 strong audience.

From modest bars to industry-leading live venues in the space of a short year, while bringing a litany of bands with them, shows Big Special are indeed living up to their name and continue to be ones to watch.

About the Author

Tom Jenkinson

Contributor

View All Posts