2/18/2025

Fat Dog Electrifies the O2 Academy Oxford

BY LAUREN SKINNER

On February 16th, English band Fat Dog delivered an electrifying sold-out performance at the O2 Academy Oxford as part of “The Woof. Tour.” The evening commenced with opening act, ZipLock, delivering a symphony of electronic beats, with some familiar sounds including a cover of “Perfect (Exceeder)” by Mason and Princess Superstar. This perfectly set the stage for the main event, leaving the crowd buzzing for the night ahead.

Fat Dog is known for their dynamic blend of electro-punk, techno and rock and roll sounds. Formed during lockdown, Fat Dog has rapidly ascended in the music scene, earning a reputation for their energetic and rowdy live shows. Their performance at the O2 Academy Oxford was a testament to this, as they captivated the crowd with their high-octane energy and genre-blending sound. As the headliners took the stage, the crowd's anticipation transformed into palpable excitement. Opening with “Vigilante,” the first track off of their debut album WOOF., keyboard and synthist Chris Hughes couldn’t help but join the excitement by jumping into the pit. This further set the tone for the rest of the show, as fans began to mosh, screaming along to hits such as “All the Same” and "King of the Slugs.”

The O2 Academy Oxford, with a capacity of 1,350, provided an intimate yet vibrant atmosphere, enhancing the connection between the band and their fans. Frontman Joe Love, known for his magnetic stage presence, spent much of the show joining fans at the barricade, singing and interacting with the crowd up close. This direct engagement created a raw, communal atmosphere, amplifying the intimacy of the performance and blurring the line between performer and audience.

As a climactic finale, Fat Dog closed with their most-streamed song, "Running," sending the crowd into a frenzy and leaving the audience buzzing with excitement. Overall, the concert was a memorable experience, highlighting Fat Dog's unique musical style and their ability to engage and energize an audience.