Incubus showed London it wasn’t just a phase: live report of their show at the O2 Arena

The fact that Incubus‘s energy is still very much there, twenty-four years after the publication of the “Morning View” album, proves that it wasn’t a phase indeed. This album first debuted in stores in October of 2001. We lost ourselves in the music of what was then a groundbreaking record for rock history, replete with the sounds of legendary bands from the era’s most influential genres.

In May 10, 2024, saw the reissue of “Morning View XXIII,” which differed from the original recording in that it showcased a more mature band that had grown out of the raw emotions conveyed on the album and had done a more in-depth study of the sound.

Things were different when Incubus began their career, although “Morning View” was their fourth album; they sang about personal struggles and the promise of a better future, among other things. However, now that I listen to the album again, I still think it’s innovative, and it was a joy to be able to witness it in its entirety performed live at the O2 Arena.

At least for the many fans in attendance, the evening brought back fond recollections of good times, beginning with an intriguing opening act selection.

A big thank you to Belle from WME for hosting us!

Lucinda Chua

As a last-minute replacement for Paris Jackson, we were treated to an emotionally charged performance by Lucinda Chua, who approached the stage at 8 o’clock, entrancing us with a medley of ethereal notes, an evocative soundscape, a lighting effect, and the delicate notes of her cello.

Her presentation contrasted sharply with Incubus’s high-energy attitude, especially since the majority of her songs lacked drums or percussion and instead focused on her inner world and emotional melodies. In addition to her completely recorded album and a handful of EPs, Lucinda is a multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, and composer residing in London. She has also contributed music to the hit TV show Black Mirror.

Lucinda hardly had to say a thing, other than to express her gratitude for the incredible chance to perform in front of a stadium full of people and to support her all-time favourite band. She had an undeniable talent for touching the audience with her sincere performance, which made an impact even before the main event started. Her amusing notes and simple performance captivated most of us in the crowd, including me.

The lovely warm-up she gave before the show began really set the mood for the evening.

Photo: Peterson Marti.

Incubus

1. Nice to Know You
2. Circles
3. Wish You Were Here
4. Just a Phase
5. 11am
6. Blood on the Ground (acoustic)
7. Mexico (acoustic)
8. Warning
9. Echo
10. Have You Ever
11. Are You In? (with Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight” snippet)
12. Under My Umbrella (With snippet of Rihanna’s “Umbrella”)
13. Aqueous Transmission
14. Anna Molly
15. The Warmth
16. Vitamin (with Glory Box, Portishead cover)
17. Pardon Me
18. Drive

The O2 Arena was crowded with fans of all ages greeting Incubus on stage, and the Californian band opened the show with the bass and turntable notes for “Nice to Know You.”

The night began on a high note with the first few songs of the album, including some of the band’s most well-known classics, and everyone went crazy when José’s drums introduced the audience to “Wish You Were Here.” Seeing the audience chant loudly was such a tremendous experience; it almost seemed like Brandon’s voice was being obscured by everyone else’s voices singing along to those famous lines.

The lighting and video effects took us back miles with the acoustic version of “Blood on the Ground” and “Mexico,” in which we see Brandon, Nicole, and Mike getting intimate with all of us sitting in front of the stage, almost as if we were all on a sandy beach chilling and watching the sun go down.

As the lights darken, we see Brandon’s wide vocal range. He continues to hit the sweet spot, showcasing his ability to be both delicate and forceful, especially during the song “Warning” in which we also see amazing band dynamics and tighter relationships among band members.

Nicole Row’s bass line struck us hard when she introduced, “Are you in?”. Nicole joined the band in 2023 to replace long-time bassist Ben Kenney, who left the band after having surgery for a brain tumour. Her style and personality fit in well with the band, and she feels like a valuable addition to the group as it prepares to release its new record.

On top of that, there were a few unexpected highlights, including a subtle mashup of Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight” and “Are You In?” and a delightful moment when the band included Rihanna’s “Under My Umbrella” as a surprise.

Are you ready for a couple more songs? Brandon questioned the crowd. Of course, we were! Outside of this excellent album, the band couldn’t leave us without remembering some of their most lauded songs from their discography, starting with “Anna Molly” and progressing to the complex sonorities of “The Warmth”. The beat variations and intensity unleashed by the song were insufficient to keep the seated audience sitting.

This record was unique, as many of us found ourselves singing and appreciating each song again, whether in solitude or while driving, and Incubus couldn’t have chosen a more fitting conclusion for the evening. With “Drive,” Brandon sang, “Whatever tomorrow brings, I’ll be there…,” and we couldn’t agree more. We will be there again the next time.

Photo: Peterson Marti.