Fans of The Last Dinner Party showcase their unique style at a sold-out show in London, celebrating the band’s rise to fame and artistic flair
London: On a regular Wednesday evening outside the Eventim Apollo, it felt like stepping into a painting. Fans of The Last Dinner Party were twirling and skipping, dressed in vibrant outfits that looked like they came straight from a baroque masterpiece.
These fans sported corsets, flowing skirts, and striking red hair, all inspired by the British band that formed during Freshers’ Week at King’s College London in 2020. After a rocky start due to lockdowns, they finally performed live together in 2021 at The George pub.
Since then, their popularity has skyrocketed. They even opened for the Rolling Stones in Hyde Park last year and snagged the rising star award at the BRITs this year. It’s no wonder their fans are so dedicated, dressing up to honor their favorite band at this sold-out show.
Photographer James Mollison, who has been capturing concert-goers since 2005, chatted with some fans as they arrived. He’s fascinated by how people express their identities through their concert outfits and how they form communities around their favorite artists.
Take Lily Buchan, 23, from Bristol. It was her first time seeing the band, and she was all about that baroque vibe. She said, “I love their music, especially how it draws from 1980s synth-pop and glam-rock.”
Then there’s Aoife Joseph, 24, from Kent, who was inspired by pirates for her outfit. She hadn’t seen the band live before but was excited about the vibes they bring. “Nothing Matters is my go-to song!” she shared.
Luke Johnson, 23, from Shingham, was all about breaking gender norms with his outfit. He loves the band’s unique style and suggested “Lady of Mercy” for anyone wanting to dive into their music.
Evie Moorehead, 21, from Leyton, went for a southern gothic look. She appreciates how the band mixes religious imagery with queerness, saying, “Catholics can be queer too!” Her song recommendation? “Burn Alive,” which she feels captures the essence of toxic relationships.
Blue Lily Melvin, 17, from Henley, found her outfit in a charity shop and was inspired by renaissance art. She loves how the band tells stories through their music, especially in “The Feminine Urge,” which resonated with her friends.
Madeleine Pickford, 20, from Essex, was channeling Edwardian vibes and praised the band for blending goth and pop. “Nothing Matters is forever iconic,” she declared.
Sophie Cook, 20, from Buckinghamshire, dressed as a gothic baroque pirate and echoed Madeleine’s sentiments about the band’s thoughtful lyrics. Nethara Chandrashekara, 21, from Surrey, was inspired by the band’s short film and loves their message of female empowerment.
It’s clear that The Last Dinner Party has created a community of fans who not only love their music but also express themselves through their unique styles. What a night to remember!