Miles Kane at Moth Club
Opened in 1972 as the home of the Memorable Order of Tin Hats, the Moth Club in Hackney is a true East London gem – the live room’s stage is bedecked with a gold curtain backdrop, and the ceiling literally glitters while music fans watch the show on red and black tiles.
A few days prior, Wirral lad Miles Kane helped to bring down the curtain in a poignant final show for Sheffield’s iconic Leadmill. Unfortunately, the Moth Club could face a similar fate if planning applications for new flats next door are approved… This is a conversation constantly ongoing, but for tonight, Kane is here to show why spaces like this are important and must stay. The first case in point: he and his band need to shoulder through the sold-out crowd to get onstage. You don’t see that at the O2.
It’s all guns blazing from the off, as old favourite Rearrange opens the show to roars of delight. No need for Kane’s urging the crowd to sing louder, but the room complies regardless. Next is Troubled Son from 2023’s One Man Band album – despite this song’s relative youth compared to the classics coming up, it still gets a warm reaction.
Speaking of warmth, it’s one of those gigs where it’s so hot you can taste the sweat in the air, especially after Inhaler’s breakneck speed – at this point, Kane checks in with the room, saying “I appreciate you being here in this sweatbox… are we gonna get through this together?!”
An indisputable fact about a Miles Kane show is this: he’ll give it his all every time, whether in a 300-capacity venue or standing before thousands at a festival. Every now and again, he’ll be drinking in the atmosphere and miss the first few lyrics, but no matter, as the crowd get them for him. He also knows when to let the room breathe – Colour of the Trap has grown men throwing their arms around each other as they bellow along, while the gentle groove of Coup de Grace‘s closing track, Shavambacu, sees more toe-tapping than jumping.
Kane is on the cusp of a new era, announcing his upcoming album Sunlight in the Shadows alongside new single Love Is Cruel two weeks ago, which gets played and already has fans singing it back to him. Again, Kane expresses his gratitude for everyone sticking around, admitting, “I would have bailed by this point.” As an extra thank-you, he ends the night with the one-two set closer of Don’t Forget Who You Are and Come Closer. It’s a shame the end has come so soon, but it’s a euphoric ending nevertheless.
This truly was a gig for the fans, enjoying classics, deep cuts and new songs alike, all in a very special venue before spilling out drenched in sweat into the cool evening air. Hopefully, the Mouth Club will remain for more nights like this.
Many thanks to Miles Kane for playing here. Welcome back.
Gem Hurley
Photos: Virginie Viche
For further information and future events, visit Miles Kane’s website here.
Watch the video for Love Is Cruel here:
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