When Gossip took the stage at Liverpool’s Olympia on Sunday, 1st September 2024, it was more than just a reunion—it was a homecoming. For a band whose live album, Live in Liverpool (2007), has become something of a legend, returning to this city felt deeply symbolic. The connection between Gossip and Liverpool remains as electric as ever, and from the first note, it was clear that the bond is still strong.
Beth Ditto, ever the show-woman, dominated the stage with her signature flair. Sporting a high pink-red ponytail and a black leotard that shimmered with sparkles, she exuded an effortless confidence that was as empowering as it was captivating. Ditto has always championed body positivity, and last night was no exception; she was celebratory, unapologetic, and utterly herself. The band, too, was on top form, matching Ditto’s energy with a performance that was as tight as it was provocative—particularly the keys player, who spent the first half of the set performing in a ball gag, pushing the boundaries in true Gossip style.
Despite its somewhat worn appearance, the Olympia proved to be the perfect venue for such an intimate and intense show. The warmth of the space, complemented by the fantastic staff who kept everything running smoothly, added to the night’s sense of connection. Ditto’s banter with the crowd was as sharp as ever, and she slipped into a surprisingly convincing Scouse accent throughout the night. Her knack for accents, combined with an Adele-if-she-had-funk vibe, created a rapport that made her feel like one of Liverpool’s own. Ditto’s natural Southern charm, mixed with a fierce stage presence, is what makes her such an endearing figure—a quality shared with icons like Dolly Parton. This authenticity, alongside her magnetic charisma, is what continues to draw a wonderfully diverse crowd. Ditto herself remarked that the band attracts “the weirdos,” and the audience was indeed a vibrant mix, with a significant LGBTQIA+ presence that felt entirely at home in the space. If this crowd is anything to go by, Gossip’s music continues to foster a community of inclusivity and celebration.
The evening kicked off with support from Glasgow’s emerging outfit Dead Pony. Led by the dynamic Anna Shields, who filled the stage with shadow boxing and yoga poses between vocals, they were loud—really freaking loud. Their sound, a fiery mix of Limp Bizkit, Wolf Alice, and Paramore, was a perfect match for those with a penchant for pop-punk. If you’re into that scene, keep an eye on Dead Pony—they’re definitely a band to watch.
Gossip wasted no time, launching straight into Listen Up! from their breakthrough 2005 album Standing in the Way of Control. The crowd was instantly hooked as Ditto’s signature ‘oohs’ reverberated through the venue, her voice showing a depth that could only be truly appreciated live. They shifted seamlessly into Four Letter Word from 2009’s Music for Men, keeping the energy high before diving into Act of God, the brooding lead track from their latest album Real Power—a song that wouldn’t feel out of place as a reimagined Doctor Who theme.
Love Long Distance, a standout from 2009, had Ditto belting out, ‘I’ve had it with your antics’, in a love song that eschewed sentimentality in favour of raw honesty. The track’s lyrics even cheekily nod to Marvin Gaye’s ‘I Heard It Through the Grapevine’. Playful!
Your Mangled Heart brought out the band’s rockier side. The rapturous number, driven by a powerful riff and staccato vocals, whipped the audience into a frenzy. Ditto had to step in and help with crowd control, deftly defusing a potential scuffle like the seasoned performer she is. The show must go on, and with Ditto at the helm, it did—flawlessly.
Men in Love kept the energy up with its Blondie-esque sound. The band then launched into Give It Up for Love from Real Power, with its Nile Rodgers-esque guitar making it a club classic in the making. Get Lost from 2012’s A Joyful Noise maintained the momentum, its nineties club vibe driven by infectious keyboard melodies that had the crowd dancing in unison.
Turn the Cards Slowly brought an inclusive, euphoric atmosphere, resonating deeply with everyone present. Move in the Right Direction lifted the tempo again, getting the whole venue moving. Then came Jason’s Basement, introduced by Ditto as ‘an old one’—IYKYK! The raw, unfiltered energy of this track felt like a nod to the band’s punk roots and was a real treat for the die-hard fans.
Coal to Diamonds truly stood out. As my personal favourite, the live performance of this track was breathtaking. Ditto’s vocals soared, and the band played with a soul-bearing intensity that left the crowd, or me at least, in awe. Crazy Again brought the energy back up before the final track of the main set.
The group closed the set proper with the absolute banger, Heavy Cross finishing the set in style, with Ditto stealing a phone from a fan and singing into it while recording herself—a moment that’s bound to become a treasured memory for whoever owns that phone.
For the encore, Ditto re-emerged in a new outfit that barely covered her backside, launching into ‘Dimestore Diamond’—a track I hadn’t expected at this point in the show (I thought they might play Real Power), but one that fit perfectly. Known for her fashion-forward sensibilities, fashionista Ditto embodied the lyrics about a girl who knows exactly how to turn heads. The encore continued with Yesterday’s News before the moment the room had been waiting for arrived.
Standing in the Way of Control was the showstopper it has always been. Part protest anthem—written in response to the U.S. government’s attempt to outlaw same-sex marriages—and part absolute fucking gem, it had the crowd singing along with the ‘woahs’ reminiscent of a WWE superstar’s entrance. Ditto and the band are still very much in love with this track—unlike some bands who grow weary of their biggest hits. Radiohead. Creep. Anybody?
Just when I thought the night couldn’t get any better, Ditto treated us to an impromptu a cappella rendition of Whitney Houston’s I Wanna Dance with Somebody. It was a joyous send-off that left everyone in buzzing as they entered the humid September night.
It was a late one, and I finally got to bed at 1 a.m., with only four hours of sleep before the first day of the school year. But was it worth it? Absolutely.
Photo Credit: Cody Critcheloe / Columbia Germany
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