The Punchbag University Tour: London edition

On Sunday 5th October, The Tab headed to The Social in Soho for the London leg of the Punchbag University Tour – an event dedicated to bringing real live music back to student nights out.

Organised by FAE Group and Live Nation, the tour spans 15 dates across UK and Irish universities, shining a spotlight on emerging guitar bands and the grassroots venues that helped shape many big names.

We were lucky enough to attend the London show – here’s everything you missed (and why you’ll want to catch the next one).

Laid Off

After grabbing our drinks and squeezing into the tightly packed basement at The Social, we were met with the opening of Laid Off’s set. The pop-rock band kicked things off with tracks from their new EP With Immediate Effect – catchy, confident, and exactly the kind of warm-up band you want.

Florentenes

Next, we had the support act for Gene Gallagher’s band VILLANELLE – but honestly, they could’ve headlined. Florentenes made the night their own. The Bolton-based band are quickly becoming a vibrant force in Manchester’s music scene, and with youth on their side (the drummer is just 15 and revising for his GCSE’s in between gigs), the sky really is the limit.

They played songs from their EP HOMEGROWN, our favourite being Fuel for The Flame, and debuted their new single The News – definitely worth the listen.

After their electric set, I caught up with lead singer Will Train Smith, who was still buzzing from the gig.

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When I told him I used to live in Manchester, he lit up and shared his love for nearby Bolton. Naturally, the conversation took a turn towards Level – the town’s well-known, infamous club – where we discovered a mutual distaste for the place. No further comment needed.

The band’s chemistry on stage makes sense when you hear how they started. The members go way back – they met in school, and were friends first, bandmates second. That shared history brings a natural energy to their live shows, where every look and riff feels instinctive.

Musically, there’s a definite nod to Arctic Monkeys in both sound and presence – Will definitely reminded us of Alex Turner with his energy on stage. He also mentioned Geese and Wunderhorse as the band’s influences, which makes sense given the band’s blend of raw, modern energy and classic indie swagger.

Music isn’t just a side hustle for Will, it’s the end goal. After finishing his exams just a couple of months ago, he’s now looking to take this pursuit seriously. When asked about where he sees the band in five years, he wasn’t shy in aiming high, listing headlining Reading Festival as a dream come true.

As for the band name, the story’s as indie as it gets. They had a previous name (which he refused to reveal – “I’m sorry, I can never tell anyone that”), and when brainstorming a new one, they landed on Florentenes after asking: “what sounds cool with -ene?” Strange logic? Maybe. But it works.

VILLANELLE

Then came the main event: VILLANELLE, fronted by Gene Gallagher – yes, that Gallagher. Naturally, the name alone drew in curiosity from the crowd, but the band quickly proved they weren’t just riding a surname.

Their set included new single Hinge, a raw and powerful blast of grunge reminiscent of Bleach era Nirvana. 

Speaking ahead of the gig, Gene highlighted the importance of the Punchbag University Tour, saying: “We’re excited to be playing the grassroots venues. This is where it all starts”.

With its focus on bringing live music back to student nightlife and supporting emerging bands, this tour is proving to be a sustainable model for the UK music scene.

And if you missed out this year, don’t worry – it’s expected to become an annual event, so there’s plenty more bands and music to look forward to. Be sure to keep your calendars free!