There’s a particular electricity that follows Millie Manders and The Shutup around the UK — a kind of kinetic, brass‑flecked, punk‑charged weather system that seems to gather force with every tour. And this spring, that storm is rolling straight back into the South West.
Fresh from announcing a second London date due to overwhelming demand, the band are gearing up for their Back to the Futour headline run — a tour that sees them celebrating both of their acclaimed albums in full, night after night, with a rotating cast of support from All Ears Avow, Bugeye, and more. But for those of us in the South West, the real thrill is happening closer to home.
Plymouth – The Junction – Thursday 9 April
There’s something beautifully chaotic about seeing a band like MMATSU in a room like The Junction. It’s intimate enough to feel the horns in your ribcage, loud enough to shake the walls, and perfectly placed for a crowd that thrives on sweat‑soaked, high‑octane punk energy. Expect a set that ricochets between ska‑punk bounce, razor‑sharp riffs, and Millie’s unmistakable vocal firepower — all delivered with the band’s trademark social conscience and emotional honesty.
Bristol – Thekla – Friday 10 April
Thekla is practically built for a band like this: a ship with a history of hosting artists on the brink of something bigger. MMATSU’s genre‑splicing sound — punk, ska, pop, rock, all fused with grit and heart — feels tailor‑made for the belly of Bristol’s most iconic venue. If Plymouth is the warm‑up, Thekla is the detonation.
Both dates feature support from Death Trails (Plymouth) and All Ears Avow (Bristol), making each night its own little ecosystem of rising UK alternative talent.
It’s no surprise these shows are already generating serious buzz. Over the last two years, Millie Manders and The Shutup have surged from underground favourites to festival mainstays, tearing up stages at Slam Dunk, Beautiful Days, Rebellion, and more. Their sound — a collision of punk urgency, pop sensibility, and brass‑driven adrenaline — has earned them praise from BBC Introducing, Radio X, and a growing chorus of national press.
Their second album, Wake Up, Shut Up, Work, has been hailed as a rallying cry for a generation navigating political unrest, environmental anxiety, and the emotional fallout of modern life. Critics have called it everything from “an explosion of sound” to “a comforting embrace,” and the band’s decision to perform both albums in full across the tour feels like a victory lap with purpose.
Speaking about the tour, Millie herself describes the run as a celebration — a chance to revisit the band’s journey while pushing forward with the same ferocity that’s defined their rise.
“We are SO EXCITED to be doing a mini residency with Lower Third in April, playing our albums in full on consecutive nights with bands we love. Come one, come all. This is going to be special.”
If last year’s Dingwalls show is anything to go by, she’s not exaggerating.
Beyond the music, MMATSU continue to champion sustainability and social responsibility — from zero‑plastic merch to limited‑edition artwork raising funds for charities. It’s punk with a conscience, delivered without preaching and always with heart.
With London already expanding to two nights, it’s clear this tour is moving fast. For South West fans, Plymouth and Bristol offer the perfect chance to catch a band who are rising….fast!
Tickets available HERE
Plymouth – 9 April – The Junction
Bristol – 10 April – Thekla
Two nights. Two cities. One of the UK’s most exciting live bands. Don’t miss the storm when it hits.