Pay just £1 to see Reading’s Only The Poets at the Brixton Academy

Reading’s own Only The Poets are making good on their musical roots.

The four-piece, who first cut their teeth in the town’s grassroots venues such as The Purple Turtle on Gun Street, have announced they will headline London’s O2 Academy Brixton next and tickets will cost just £1.

Comprising Tommy Longhurst, bassist Andy “Roo” Burge, guitarist Clem Cherry and drummer Marcus Yates, Only The Poets formed in 2017 and since then have established themselves in as one of the UK’s biggest emerging live acts.

Unsigned until the beginning of 2023, the band’s DIY ethos saw them build things from the ground up, from playing student house parties, pub circuits and small venues to selling out 1,600-capacity venues in the UK and across Europe last year.

They even had a slot at Reading Festival, cementing their reputation.

Now, they are planning something special to give back to their fans, and acknowledge the nights they spent at small venues honing their craft and hoping that someone would come along and hear them.

It has shaped their belief that gigs should be open to everyone, no matter the cost.

Only The Poets say this is “A celebration of live music as a community”

In a statement on social media, Only The Poets explained the decision behind the low-price tickets.

They wrote: “When we were younger, gigs were everything: a place to meet people, feel connected, escape the world and look after our heads. Lately, with the cost of living rising, ticket prices have gone wild, making live music inaccessible and pricing out the exact people who need that escapism most.

“So… Brixton Academy for £1. Some of our first ever shows cost a quid, and seven years on, we want to keep that spirit alive by opening Brixton Academy to EVERYONE.

“This show is us paying that appreciation forward: a celebration of live music as a community, not as a luxury.”

They say the Brixton show is a “bucket-list” moment, promising fans the first chance to hear their debut album And I’d Do It Again live.

Pre-sale details for Only The Poets at Brixton Academy

The Only The Poets gig at Brixton Academy on Stockwell Road, London will take place on Monday, February 2, 2026.

Pre-sale opens on Thursday, September 11, with fans able to book the tickets via the Brixton Academy website.

“If you’ve ever come to our shows, sang the words, dragged a mate along, or supported us in any way, this night is for you,” the band added.

“Let’s make history.”

For more details, log on to: https://www.academymusicgroup.com/o2academybrixton/events/only-the-poets-tickets-ae1038917