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Saturday, 9 May 2026

Review: The Enemy - HMV Empire, Coventry 08/05/26

 

The Enemy on stage

Just a few days after headlining in their home city in front of over 50,000 people, The Enemy were back in Coventry. This time it was at the HMV Empire, with a full gig - which was arranged after a record signing event had an unforeseen family medical emergency back in February.

The Enemy performing their closing track 

Fans were not left disappointed as Tom,Andy and Liam proved why The Enemy have such a love with music, fans and Coventry. This was not a football crowd, but their were plenty of Sky Blue supporters in attendance. This gig brought together younger and older men and women. It united new Enemy fans with those that first followed the trio back in 2007.

Fans - young and old!

The atmosphere was charged and ready to go as soon as The Enemy arrived on stage. Classic tracks from the debut number one album were belted out, with the crowd jumping and singing along to Pressure, 40 Days And 40 Nights, Away From Here and Technodanceaphobic. The Enemy proved they are more than a one album outfit and they were not afraid to play tracks from their second, third and fifth albums. Be Somebody, No Time For Tears, and even the intro to the Elephant Song were just some of the tunes on offer. 

The Enemy performing 'Trouble'

The new album also featured during the Coventry gig with Trouble and Not Going Your Way blasting out as part of the set list. Their was a lively mosh pit which remained decent and well behaved (as mosh pits go!). Tom Clarke was in no way encouraging the crowd to surf or go over the barriers ( honestly!), but even then - this was a crowd that were still riding high on emotions from the Coventry City Football Club promotion to the Premier League, watching the band that means so much to Coventry.

The Enemy have grown, without becoming big headed - they have always been passionate about the city, yet mindful not to paint the city in a light that isn't befitting. They know the very things that make up this working class environment and the elements that scream "shit". Then they have been able to translate those feelings into raw lyrics that strike a cord with so many people. We have seen The Enemy find what is important to them, while successfully communicating those feelings in song. The progression over the years is finally paying off and the catalogue of tunes is testament to the band, those that work behind the scenes and the fans who have joined them on this journey. Coventry will always be the home of The Enemy, but their music is bigger than just one city, football club or album.



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