Paul Heaton at The O2

Some artists you see once, tick them off the list and move on. Others you keep going back to because you know you’re guaranteed a great night. Paul Heaton is very much in the second category. Saturday at The O2 was my fifteenth time seeing him live, stretching back to The Beautiful South at Kilburn National Ballroom in November 1989. Thirty-seven years later, I’m still buying tickets, still singing along and, remarkably, I reckon he’s getting better.

This time it was a night out with Bryn, Neville and Hacks. Bryn took on the driving duties, and once we’d reached The O2, we met Neville before all four of us headed off for tea at an all-you-can-eat buffet. Suitably stuffed, we returned to the arena and were comfortably in our seats before The Lightning Seeds took to the stage. Very civilised, particularly as Bryn was doing the driving!

The Lightning Seeds – a brilliant start

I’ve seen The Lightning Seeds before and they’ve never disappointed. Saturday was no exception. Ian Broudie and company have a remarkable collection of songs, packed with melodies and choruses that have stayed with us for decades. They were absolutely marvellous, and yes, I even tolerated Three Lions. Those who know me will appreciate what a tremendous concession that is. I’m not suggesting I’ve developed a fondness for THAT football song, but I got through it without too much grumbling. Progress.

They’re far too good to be considered merely a support act. It was a cracking way to begin the evening, and a reminder of why I keep going back to see them too. I’ve written about The Lightning Seeds before, and Saturday did nothing to change my opinion.

The Lightning Seeds – live videos

Fifteen gigs, thirty-seven years

Date	Artist	Venue
16/11/1989	The Beautiful South	Kilburn National Ballroom
20/11/1990	The Beautiful South	Eventim Apollo
30/04/1992	The Beautiful South	Brixton Academy
29/10/1996	The Beautiful South	Shepherd’s Bush Empire
04/12/2004	The Beautiful South	Hammersmith Apollo
27/05/2014	Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott	Shepherd’s Bush Empire
02/07/2016	Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott	Thetford Forest
07/12/2017	Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott	Eventim Apollo
09/06/2018	Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott	Thetford Forest
30/10/2021	Paul Heaton	London Palladium
23/07/2022	Paul Heaton	Eco-Power Stadium, Doncaster
17/12/2022	Paul Heaton	The O2
11/12/2024	Paul Heaton	Eventim Apollo
25/05/2025	Paul Heaton	Bramall Lane
07/11/2026	Paul Heaton	The O2

My first five Heaton gigs were with The Beautiful South, from Kilburn in 1989 through Brixton Academy, Shepherd’s Bush Empire and Hammersmith Apollo. Then came the Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott years, including two memorable outdoor shows at Thetford Forest. More recently there’s been the London Palladium, Doncaster, Bramall Lane and The O2. Different venues, different line-ups and, in some cases, a considerably younger version of myself in the audience.

I’ve been lucky enough to hear some superb singers alongside him over the years. Briana Corrigan, Alison Wheeler and Jacqui Abbott each brought something distinctive to The Beautiful South, while Jacqui’s later partnership with Paul produced more great music. And now there’s Rianne Downey. Four tremendous vocalists, and a rather impressive record of choosing singing partners.

Paul Heaton – still at the top of his game

There’s something wonderfully unpretentious about Heaton. No elaborate theatrics or unnecessary nonsense, just a songwriter with a remarkable catalogue, a terrific band and an audience that knows practically every word. The set opened with One Eye Open, followed by Sitting on a Fence, I Gotta Praise and the Housemartins favourite Sheep. Newer material sat comfortably alongside Five Get Over Excited, I’ll Sail This Ship Alone and Song for Whoever, and the evening never lost momentum.

It was also lovely to get a call from Scott Dunne, who was watching from the standing area. He gave us a wave and, despite my increasingly dodgy eyesight, I could just about make him out in the distance. Good to know the eyes haven’t completely packed up yet!

Rianne Downey – what a performer

I genuinely don’t think there’s anyone in music who enjoys being on stage more than Rianne Downey. She was immense. Her voice is superb, but it’s the enthusiasm that really stands out: smiling, dancing, interacting with the band and looking as though she’s having the time of her life. And when she sings, blimey, can she sing.

A Little Time was a particular highlight, showing how comfortably she handles songs people have loved for years. She’s not trying to imitate anyone who came before her; she’s made the role her own. Her chemistry with Heaton is a joy to watch, and the two voices work beautifully together.

Hit after hit

The later part of the show was quite something: Heatongrad, Don’t Marry Her, Some Dancing to Do, Old Red Eyes Is Back, Happy Hour, Perfect 10 and Good as Gold (Stupid as Mud). There aren’t many artists who can string together songs like that. Happy Hour remains a joy forty years on, while Perfect 10 had the arena singing along.

I’ve always admired the writing. Beneath those ridiculously catchy tunes are songs about relationships, drinking, politics, disappointment and the oddities of everyday life. Heaton can have you cheerfully singing along before you stop and think about what he’s actually saying.

Two encores and a perfect ending

The main set ended with Good for the Bees, but there was more to come. Rotterdam (Or Anywhere) and You Keep It All In arrived in the first encore, followed by Prettiest Eyes and, finally, Caravan of Love. The Housemartins’ a cappella classic was a lovely way to bring it all to a close. Twenty-six songs, two encores and not a moment when I found myself checking my watch.

So, was number fifteen worth it?

Without question. The Lightning Seeds were terrific, Heaton was in tremendous form and Rianne brought a huge amount of joy to the stage. Add a decent feed, good company with Bryn, Neville and Hacks, and no driving responsibilities for yours truly, and you’ve got the ingredients for a cracking night out. I’ve said before that Heaton was as good as ever. After Saturday, I might have to revise that: he might actually be better than ever.

As for number sixteen, that’s already sorted. Hacks and I are heading to Leeds next summer for another helping. Thirty-seven years after Kilburn, I’m still enjoying the songs just as much. Roll on Leeds!

Paul Heaton – live videos

The full setlist – The O2, 7 November 2026

1. One Eye Open
2. Sitting on a Fence
3. I Gotta Praise
4. Sheep
5. I Want the Job
6. D.I.Y.
7. Five Get Over Excited
8. I’ll Sail This Ship Alone
9. Fish ‘N’ Chip Supper
10. A Son a Father
11. Song for Whoever
12. Me and the Farmer
13. Favourite Kind of Idiot
14. A Little Time
15. Heatongrad
16. Don’t Marry Her
17. Some Dancing to Do
18. Old Red Eyes Is Back
19. Happy Hour
20. Perfect 10
21. Good as Gold (Stupid as Mud)
22. Good for the Bees

First encore

23. Rotterdam (Or Anywhere)
24. You Keep It All In

Second encore

25. Prettiest Eyes
26. Caravan of Love

More gig reviews: Paul Heaton at Bramall Lane (2025) · Verso Media Gigs.