Skye Newman – A Sacred Space of Pop, Soul, and Solidarity At O2 Forum Kentish Town
- Dave Broome
- Apr 17
- 4 min read
O2 Forum Kentish Town - 15th April 2026
IMAGES SCARLETT AMELIE / WORDS SCARLETT AMELIE AND DAVID BROOME
The O2 Forum Kentish Town – a classic Art Deco venue, situated just five minutes from Kentish Town station – has played host to a plethora of musical icons. From Prince to Rihanna, Arctic Monkeys to Amy Winehouse, the venue’s 2300-capacity provides a more intimate alternative to Wembley Arena for some of music’s biggest names. Last night, Skye Newman rightfully cemented her name amongst the impressive list of musicians who have graced The O2 Forum’s stage, performing an unforgettable show to a sold out-crowd.
Upon arrival, I was met by a buzzing atmosphere and – before doors had even opened - a queue that wrapped around the building, stretching past the stage door and sprawling out onto the road. Given the younger demographic of some of the crowd, I set my expectations for Skye to lean into a light-hearted, pop-driven show. And whilst Skye certainly retained an infectious and fun ‘pop-y’ atmosphere, what unfolded on stage was far more layered – an emotionally raw performance underpinned by powerful, soulful vocals that carried the audience on a deep emotional journey.
But first, the support act Chrissi (Chrissi Lou) kicked off the evening. As close friends, it was clear that Chrissi and Skye shared similar musical influences. Chrissi’s stripped back band, featuring only her vocals alongside rhythmic guitar riffs, and an electronic percussion pad playing both a deep bass and drums, allowed her soulful vocals to take centre stage, generating a performance that embodied both vulnerability and power. This authenticity captured the crowd, who sang along to a cover of ‘Be My Baby’ with enthusiasm often reserved only for the headliner. After an emotional performance of ‘Heartless Darling’ in which Chrissi spoke about her break-up, she then collected herself and joked with the crowd, before chugging a bottle of Moretti on stage, egged on by a chorus of cheers. This intimate performance, balancing both emotionally deep and light-hearted moments, all founded upon a close connection between audience and artist, set the tone for the main event.
Chrissi’s gear is swiftly cleared, and anticipation grows palpable amongst the crowd for Skye Newman’s arrival. When Skye Newman appears from stage right, smiling cheekily at the audience, she is met by a wave of rousing applause.
After opening with one of her most famous and upbeat songs ‘Hairdresser’, Skye addresses the pumped-up crowd. She expresses her love for the audience – something that happens continuously throughout the show - and reiterates how they have changed her life. There is an atmosphere of emotional connection in the room, between artist and fans alike, that generates a certain electricity and deepens the impact of the raw, authentic performance.
Skye continues, performing ‘Man of the House’ and ‘Bite my Tongue’. The heavy bass vibrates throughout the venue and coupled with Skye’s deep, raspy and powerful vocals, transfixes the audience who sing every word with her. The music allows for many soulful vocal improvisations, always special to live performances, and creates an air of authenticity and rawness that sends electricity through the audience. Throughout these songs, Skye continues to address her fans, blowing kisses and waving, taking special notice of the ‘angels’ up on the balcony who scream and wave back in delight.
After the energetic and biting song ‘FU&UF’, the mood shifts. Particularly noticeable in this show, was Skye’s ability to emotionally command the audience, gently nudging them between defiant and enthused, to a collective vulnerability. Skye delivers a personal story about her struggles with stress and seizures, fearing she would never write music again, before delivering a rousing performance of ‘Woman I Am’. This watershed moment was one of connection and solidarity, as Skye tearfully sings about her gratitude for the female friendships in her life. The largely female audience comes together, and begins to sway as one, hugging and expressing their affection. Skye invites her niece up on stage who sits beside her and addresses the song towards her in a tender personal tribute. It was in this moment, nestled outside of Kentish Town Station, the Forum became a sacred space of shared emotion, positivity and love.
This emotional solidarity persisted throughout the performance, as Skye soon invites Chrissi back on stage to perform ‘Walk’ together. The two friends embrace before lifting the heavy energy of the last song and playfully performing directly to each other as well as the crowd. Their soulful vocal styles complement each other, and their energy radiates between them, transforming the stage into an upbeat electric space. The audience felt similarly, screaming the lyrics word-for-word and dancing joyfully.
Shortly after, Skye performs her final track ‘Family Matters’. The performance is shared between Skye and her fans, who once again passionately sing the lyrics into the microphone, held out by Skye. After a false end to the song, followed by a dance break, the energy reaches a climax. Younger audience members are hoisted onto shoulders, and the crowd jumps up and down, lapping up the last few precious minutes they have of the show. Skye exits, greeting her dedicated front-row fans on her way out.
And on my way home, following behind two women holding hands and playfully swinging a young girl between them, I felt the emotional afterglow of the night linger in the air.
SET LIST
1. HAIRDRESSER
2. MAN OF THE HOUSE
3. BITE MY TONGUE
4. FU&UF
5. CRAWLING
6. Traumatised
7. SO FAR SO SOUTH
8. The Woman I Am
9. My Addiction’s A Man
10. Lonely Girl
11. Wish You Well
12. Survival Mode
13. Out Out
14. Walk
15. Family Matters
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