BRITs Week 2026: Gorilla hosts The K's in support of War Child

Ahead of this year's BRITs, which marked the first year the awards had taken place in Manchester, alternative indie band The K's performed a sold-out one-night gig at Gorilla, delivering an electrifying set in one of Manchester’s most intimate venues. With a capacity of just 500, the size of the venue amplified the intensity and infectious energy of the night.

Formed in 2017 in Earlestown, Merseyside, The K’s – comprised of Jamie Boyle on vocals and guitar, Ryan Breslin on lead guitar, Dexter Baker on bass, and Nathan Peers on drums – have consistently gained more traction over recent years across the UK. Since the release of their first album I Wonder If The World Knows? in 2024, the band reached a peak in the top three Official Charts, their fanbase has swiftly grown. Their second studio album Pretty On The Internet, released July 2025, secured their first number one spot, cementing their status as one of Britain’s most exciting indie prospects.

The Gorilla show formed part of BRITs Week, consisting of a series of intimate gigs held in the run-up to the main event. Gorilla itself has hosted rare, high-profile performances for previous BRITs Weeks, including Wolf Alice in 2018 and The 1975 in 2023, showing that this performance is continuing a legacy. Alongside The K’s, other sold-out BRITs Week performances included Olivia Dean at Albert Hall, and Josh Baker at YES, followed by Rossi. the following night.

All proceeds from the night, including money made from tickets and merchandise, were donated to War Child – a charity supporting over 500 million children living in war zones across the globe. War Child provides vital psychosocial aid to those affected by conflict in regions including Gaza and Sudan. The focus on such a relevant cause added significance to the evening, demonstrating how live music extends beyond entertainment, but also serves a meaningful purpose with a real impact.

Support came from Florentenes, whose grunge-leaning indie-rock sound easily energised the early crowd. Their driving rhythms set the tone and primed the audience for The K’s arrival half an hour later: by the time the headliners stepped into the spotlight, the atmosphere under the railway was already crackling with excitement. With Gorilla being a compact space, the echo of Nathan Peers’ percussion and Ryan Breslin’s sharp guitar riffs were amplified further. The music was not merely heard, but each drumbeat was physically felt, reverberating throughout the crowd.

Credit: Izzy Blake @ The Mancunion

The setlist offered a balanced mix of the material spanning the band’s career so far. Fan favourites from their debut album, as well as newer tracks from Pretty On The Internet, consistently prompted unified sing-alongs from the energised crowd. Songs such as 'Helen Oh I', 'Chancer', and 'Gravestone' drew particularly strong reactions. Released on their 2017 EP, 'Sarajevo' provided the final song of the night, serving as a nod to the band's early days and finishing on a magnetic hook that would linger long after the final note.

Jamie Boyle’s distinctive vocals rang out across the confined venue – his indie timbre drawing from a range of influences, including subtle hints of Britpop which bled through every lyric, drum beat, and guitar strum. The blends of energetic rock and punchy guitar riffs attain The K’s to their now-signature ‘anthemic’ sound – music built for festival fields as well as sold-out gigs in club venues. A mix of ages filled the room, suggesting their sound resonates across generations – perhaps due to the hints of nostalgic indie sound. The K’s continued to engage the audience throughout – the crowd matching the band’s energy from the first note to the final beat of the drum.

Despite this smaller venue, The K’s are no strangers to large audiences. Whilst filling out venues and played festivals such as Glastonbury, Reading & Leeds and Tramlines, they have supported the likes of Blossoms, Liam Gallagher, and The Kooks in addition to embarking on their own tours. Yet this intimate BRITs Week performance served as a reminder of their roots, and a feeling of closeness to their fans. Gaining huge traction in the indie music scene and a rapidly expanding fanbase, The K’s are becoming a band to watch. With a number one album to their name and selling out venues all around the UK, the band’s career shows no sign of slowing down.