Few artists capture the zeitgeist quite like Rebecca Lucy Taylor, better known as Self Esteem. Emerging over the past decade as one of the UK’s most exciting breakout stars, Taylor transformed herself from one half of indie duo Slow Club into a fearless pop icon. Her 2021 smash hit, “I Do This All The Time,” quickly became emblematic of her uniquely candid “trojan horse” or “salad and chips” approach—embedding weighty, heartfelt messages within irresistibly witty pop tunes. This singular track not only appealed with a vast audience but also heralded the start of a career defined by authentic storytelling and artistic reinvention.
Building on that breakthrough, Self Esteem’s second album, Prioritise Pleasure, delved into the joys and hypocrisies of modern womanhood. Tackling themes from dating and friendship to self-love and the painful realities of women’s safety and sexual assault, the record garnered nods from the Mercury Prize, BRIT Awards, Sky Arts, and NME Awards. It was celebrated by pivotal voices in the music press—with The Guardian and Sunday Times Culture both anointing it as Album of the Year, and “I Do This All The Time” crowned as the top song of 2021. Taylor’s journey is testament to perseverance and reinvention: far from an overnight success, her evolution is steeped in years of creativity and an unyielding commitment to truth-telling in pop music.
Now, Self Esteem is gearing up to sweep the UK by storm on her highly anticipated September–October 2025 tour. The run kicks off on September 15 at Birmingham’s O2 Academy and promises stops in some of the nation’s most iconic venues. The itinerary reads like a tour de force of British live music: after a return to the stage in Edinburgh on September 16 and Newcastle on September 18, the tour lights up Glasgow not once but twice on September 20 and 21. The momentum carries into Dublin on September 24, followed by an electrifying three-night stint in Manchester—the final night (September 29) having been added due to overwhelming demand. The autumn journey continues with dates in Bristol on October 3, 4, and 5; then London comes calling with three energizing nights at the O2 Academy Brixton on October 9, 10, and 11. The tour rounds off with memorable shows in Brighton on October 17 and a triumphant homecoming gig at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena on October 18. Tickets are selling at lightning speed, with many dates already sold out or disappearing from online outlets almost as soon as they’re released.
But the tour is only one facet of Taylor’s continually expanding creative universe. Beyond her groundbreaking music releases, Self Esteem has been boldly diversifying her portfolio. In 2024, she seamlessly transitioned into acting—captivating audiences with a regular role in the Sky series Smothered and dazzling West End theatregoers by stealing the spotlight as Sally Bowles in the Olivier Award-winning production of Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club. A collaborative spark with Moonchild Sanelly lit up the summer with the one-off single “Big Man,” further cementing Taylor’s reputation as an artist who refuses to be confined by genre or expectation.
It’s this very eclecticism that makes a Self Esteem show something truly mesmerising. Whether you’re drawn in by the irresistible hooks of her earlier work on Compliments Please—with fan favourites like “The Best” and “Girl Crush”—or by the searing personal narratives of Prioritise Pleasure, there’s a clear intimacy and exhilaration when she takes to the stage. With appearances on The Graham Norton Show, Celebrity Gogglebox, and a simultaneous presence on BBC Radio 1, 2, and 6 Music, Taylor’s influence cuts across the cultural landscape, ensuring that her performance isn’t just a concert, but more a cultural event.
For those eager to witness this pop maverick in action, act fast: the tickets are flying, and in an era where authenticity is both scarce and fiercely coveted, Self Esteem’s live show is set to be one of the defining musical moments of 2025. This tour offers not only a chance to see an artist at the peak of her creative powers but also an opportunity to partake in a celebration of modern life, messy truths, and unstoppable pop energy.
As the anticipation builds and the venue lists shrink, one thing is abundantly clear: Self Esteem is poised to redefine what it means to be a pop star on one grand, unforgettable tour. If you’re ready for a night of raw emotion, witty introspection, and electrifying performance, make sure to secure your spot on this musical journey before it vanishes.
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