Easy Life | O2Academy, Leicester | 12/10/23 (Live Review)

Easy Life went out in style, after facing a life-changing lawsuit from easyGroup. No hard feelings, only smiles.

★★★★★★★★★☆

On the 2nd of October, Easy Life announced Easy Group was suing them for ‘brand thievery’. A statement that shocked the indie world.

The group, which includes low-budget airline Easy Jet, are launching a new entity of the same name. Armed with the spoof posters from a few years ago, the indie hip-hoppers must change their name. One they’ve had for 10 years, or face legal action.

After an outpouring of love from bands, politicians and normal folk who aren’t a bloodthirsty corporation, it became obvious this was not a battle Easy Life could win. Too expensive, too many livelihoods at stake and too much time.

< Read Statement Here >

The Leicester five-piece, known for breakthrough albums ‘life’s a beach’ and follow-up ‘MAYBE IN ANOTHER LIFE’, had only recently played the main stage at Reading & Leeds. Less than a month later, Friday the 13th will be the last day for the band as we know it. And what better way to say farewell than two special dates?

For us, this would be our first and last Easy Life show.

‘For the last time in Leicester, you guys’ve been incredible’ smiles frontman, Murray, gazing at a rammed sold-out hometown show – booked just two days prior.

It was a night bursting with positivity and togetherness. The energy got underway before the band even stepped foot on stage. A keen fan (with his dog) wrote obscure posters; most of which included obscure messages about Easy Jet. The funniest claiming ‘Easy Jet’s Mum sells Avon‘.

Praised afterwards for the distinctive setlist, featuring tracks from their entire discography, Easy Life made it a night to remember for the lovely Lestah lot. Throwing out OG bubbly bops like frank, peanut butter, slow motion and lust felt like a real homage to the fans that’ve stuck with the band.

And it was no easy task either, re-learning the words to so many songs that haven’t been in regular rotation for ages was a triumph that didn’t go unnoticed.

Even with a false start on 2018’s lust, after one too many Gin and Tonics and trying to play some ‘old sh*t’, the roaring crowd had their back. Just like they’ve stood by the boys with unwavering support over the last two weeks. The words flowed effortlessly after ditching the earpiece. It showed the nostalgia was buried in there somewhere, Murray.

It was during one of our favourites skeletons where things heated up. Drummer Oliver opened the circle for one final Leicester mosh pit. Something that’s become somewhat of a staple in their live shows, doing the same at Reading Festival. From this moment onwards, the energy transcended. Every bounce creating an invisible wave of positivity.

Beach balls, beers and sweat flying, other highlights across the evening were big-hitters nightmares, daydreams and BEESWAX. You could see and feel the joy resonating from the band, cheerful as ever, feeding off the audience’s welcoming radiance.

There was no shortage of chants across the night either, most of which involved Easy Jet f**king themselves. In the beginning, the five-piece appeared reserved. By the end, the band got involved and even held up a handmade t-shirt hurled on stage.

Our only request is people don’t forget about this night and find themselves listening to sangria while jetting off with Easy Jet next Summer.

But, when the chants circled back to simply, ‘EasyLife’, the band quickly exclaimed ‘that’s old news’. And they’re right – it is, all eyes are on what’s next.

:: Round-Up ::

Starting with pockets (debut single) and closing on trust exercises (final release) gave us a sense of the story so far. And a glimpse of what’s to come. The boys were hopeful, fearless and at their best. Because they’ll be back, only not as Easy Life.

There were no hard feelings, only smiles, and it was more celebratory than bitter. It wasn’t the end, simply a new beginning.

See full setlist on Setlist.fm. Were you at the show? Check out our Insta and TikTok for videos, or share your own with us. Keep an eye on our Insta stories, as we share some of your thoughts too.