Following the release of their stunning new album The Demise of Planet X, Nottingham’s own Sleaford Mods headed to the iconic Rock City in their home town for two nights on the No War No Death tour. Both nights were completely sold out, an indication of the popularity of this minimalist post-punk duo…
First on stage in support is Heartworms (aja Jojo Orme), a post-punk, London-based musician. She released her debut EP A Comforting Notion in 2023 and her debut album Glutton for Punishment in 2025.
Heartworms delivers a great opening set. Clearly influenced by the likes of The Cure Killing Joke and the Sisters of Mercy, her post-punk sound is mixed with elements of gothic rock, techno and dance to create a unique style of post-industrial electronic dance. Catchy and enjoyable, there is a great contrast compared to the headliners, and she does a great job at warming up the huge crowd.
Formed in 2007 by Jason Williamson and Simon Parfrement, Sleaford Mods have developed into a worldwide phenomenon. Parfrement, replaced by Andrew Fearn in 2012, remains involved with the band.
With a unique sound, they are known for their abrasive, minimalist musical style and bitter analysis of the class system, working class life and austerity Britain. In many way, this platform, and the way they deliver it, makes it something that so many can equate to, and sympathise with. They released their self-titled debut album in 2007 and January this year saw the release of their critically acclaimed latest offering The Demise of Planet X.
The Rock City stage is sparsely set out. A screen at the rear and LED light panels and TV screens dotted around and a wheeled travel case adorned with ‘War Child’ stickers. The crowd roar as Andrew walks out, and plugs in his laptop as a short burst of music blasts out. That’s it... set up done!
The lights go out as Williamson and Fearn step out. Williamson is in black shorts and t-shirt and bullet belt, while Fearn looks set for the beach in shorts, T-shirt and baseball cap.
They open the set with The Unwrap, Williamson moving erratically in his iconic twitchy style whilst Fearn dances at the back of the stage by his laptop. The first three tracks are all from their new album, and The Good Life follows. The TV screens flick into life and carry sections from the music video with special guests Gwendoline Christie and Big Special appearing during their lines. It's a cracking track where the contrast between the dance beat rhythm sits askew with the mellow laid back chorus vocals from Joe Hicklin.
Next is the brilliant Megaton with its anti-war message including lyrics such as "Megaton, You think you’re Nasty Nas, You’re just cringy as… / Megaton, Whose side are you on..?”
Williamson's vocals are spot on, spat out with venom and passion, often delivered in his familiar stance, standing side on holding the mic stand at an angle. Visually, Williamson is captivating, especially his facial expressions that change constantly from apparent anger, to frustration, an almost schizophrenic shift at any given moment as different personalities come to the fore.
Fan favourite T.C.R. has the packed Rock City crowd chanting along to the chorus as one, while its heavy beats propel along a story line of trying to have a night out while looking after the kids.
Flood The Zone featuring Liam Bailey from the new album is another amazing yet minimalist tune. With its catchy repetitive refrains, it still gets the crowd dancing along, as does the brilliant Mork And Mindy which features the amazing Billy Nomates on guest vocals. No Touch from The Demise of Planet X delivers some fantastic melodic vocals in the chorus from Sue Tompkins against a back drop of thunderous beats and basslines.
What makes Sleaford Mods so appealing is how they observe the world and everyday life around them, and the things that wind Williamson up. They convey his rage with creative humour and poignant observations. It’s just so relatable.
As the set progresses it turns more towards fan favourites, with the likes of Force 10 Navarone, taken from 2023’s UK Grim, with its hypnotic beats. The crowd go wild as the electro pop refrains of the Pet Shop Boys’ classic track West End Girls drops. With heavy beats and a thumping bass it’s a brilliant cover that Sleaford Mods have truly put their own stamp on.
Rock City is bouncing now as we enjoy three classics from 2020’s All That Glue: first the iconic heavy beats of Tied Up In Nottz drop, followed by Jobseeker: a fired-up account of life on the dole and the frustration of the interactions with work coaches.
As the night draws to a close, the menacing bass beats of Tweet Tweet Tweet ring out (Iggy Pop’s parrot's fave tune!), the crowd bouncing along to the deep rumbling tones and mellow lyrical delivery flows.
Two men, one laptop and one mic stand. That’s it…. and yet Fearn and Williamson hold the audience’s attention for an hour-and-a-half. More than that, they also provide validation for how many feel about the weird world around us, and socio-political commentary as well as damn fine beats which feel like the perfect remedy!
Urban poetry at its finest.
Sleaford Mods performed at Rock City on 27th and 28th February 2026.
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