On a brisk fall night at Baby’s All Right, New Hope Club delivered an unforgettable performance that showcased their talent, charisma, and undeniable connection with their fans. New Hope Club’s performance was a thrilling reminder of the band’s continue evolution and unavoidable charm. The intimate venue in Brooklyn provided the perfect setting for the British trio to connect with their dedicated fans, proving once again that they’re more than just a studio sensation—they’re a band that thrives in a live setting.
New Hope Club is a British alternative-pop band constantly pushing boundaries, consisting of Blake Richardson (vocals, guitar), George Smith (vocals, guitar), and Reece Bibby (vocals, bass). Since their formation in 2015, the trio has quickly risen to international stardom with their addictive blend of pop, rock, and acoustic ballads, earning them a devoted global fanbase and amassing over 3 billion streams worldwide.
The band was formed when Blake and George were discovered by The Vamps’ management. Reece, a former member of the boy band Stereo Kicks, joined soon after, completing the trio. Their shared love for classic British bands like The Beatles and modern indie acts such as The Strokes and Vampire Weekend influenced their early sound, which melded catchy melodies with sincere, youthful lyrics.
Their breakout came through YouTube, where they posted acoustic covers of popular songs, gaining traction among fans. They soon attracted the attention of major labels, leading to their signing with Steady Records in collaboration with Hollywood Records. In 2017, they released their debut Welcome to the Club EP, followed by Welcome to the Club Part 2 in 2018, which solidified their status as one of pop’s most promising young bands.
New Hope Club’s self-titled debut album, released in 2020, propelled the band into the spotlight. The album, which featured the global hit “Know Me Too Well” (featuring Mexican pop star Danna Paola), charted in the U.K. Top 5 and garnered over 170 million streams on Spotify alone. The trio became known for their tightly crafted pop anthems with heart-on-sleeve lyrics, while their harmonies and instrumental versatility allowed them to stand out in a crowded music landscape.
The years following their debut saw New Hope Club continue to push the boundaries of their sound, experimenting with different genres and collaborating with producers such as Ross Golan and R3hab. Songs like their disco-tinged “Getting Better” and the reflective “Don’t Go Wasting Time” showcased their sonic versatility, while tracks like “Call Me A Quitter” and “Whatever” displayed more raw, emotional lyrics that resonated with a broad range of listeners, both young and old.
Their energetic live performances became a hallmark of the band’s rise, with sell-out tours across the U.K., Europe, Asia, and the U.S. They supported artists like Sabrina Carpenter, Tini, and even performed as part of major sporting events, including their 2024 song “Can’t Lose This Fight” for the Tyson Fury vs. Oleksander Usyk boxing match.
In addition to music, the members of New Hope Club have branched out into the fashion world, collaborating with renowned brands like Celine and Ralph Lauren. They’ve been featured in magazines such as GQ, V Man, FLAUNT, and Wonderland, proving their influence extends beyond music into broader pop culture.
Blake Richardson has also begun an acting career, playing a young Sir Paul McCartney in the upcoming Beatles biopic Midas Man. This venture reflects the band’s deep connection to British music history and further cements their place as a modern-day continuation of their legacy.
In 2024, New Hope Club remains on the cutting edge of pop music. The band’s blend of throwback influences and contemporary production, paired with their deeply personal songwriting, has earned them a diverse and passionate following. Their continued musical evolution and consistent output suggest that New Hope Club is only getting started, with plenty more to come in the years ahead.
The night at Baby’s All Right kicked off with “Fixed,” a track that recalls the retro feel of 60s rock while showcasing the band’s modern pop sensibilities. Blake Richardson’s smooth vocals combined with George Smith’s impeccable guitar riffs and Reece Bibby’s tight bass lines gave the audience an immediate energy boost. Fans sang along to every word, filling the venue with a communal spirit that felt nostalgic and timeless. Despite Richardson and Bibby mentioning feeling under the weather last night in Brooklyn, fans penetrated the walls of Baby’s with an enthusiasm that revived the boy’s spirits.
A standout moment in the evening came with their lively performance of the band’s latest track, “Trouble in Paradise.” Accompanied by intricate instrumentals, the song allowed the band’s harmonies and polished musicianship to shine, evoking emotional responses from the audience. Richardson’s vocal delivery was sincere, and the crowd seemed particularly moved by the vulnerability the song conveyed.
Mid-set, New Hope Club debuted a brand new song, teasing fans with a taste of what’s impending, which brought a fresh and dynamic synergy to the room. The band expertly balanced their signature pop sound with more experimental elements in this track, displaying their versatility as musicians. I cannot wait for this one to be released, it is slower and more eclectic than the band’s typical upbeat-pop tracks but I found it to be more authentic to the band’s personal influences.
“Medicine” was a clear highlight and fan-favorite from the setlist last night. Its anthemic quality translated perfectly to the stage, with an electrifying performance that had the entire crowd singing and dancing along. It’s the kind of song made for arenas, but in the intimate setting of Baby’s All Right, it felt even more powerful, with the band feeding off the crowd’s energy.
The chemistry between the bandmates was palpable. Having played together since their teenage years, Blake, George, and Reece interacted effortlessly on stage, often exchanging grins and playful banter, which only added to the show’s charm. Their connection was contagious, making it feel as though the audience was part of a special, close-knit family.
New Hope Club has managed to evolve their sound while retaining the genuine connection with their fans that made them stars. Their Baby’s All Right show, their first New York City headlining performance, was a testament to their growth as artists, and with their global appeal, it’s clear that they’re destined for even bigger stages in the near future. Whether in intimate venues like this or packed arenas, New Hope Club knows how to deliver a memorable performance, leaving fans eager for what’s next.
(photos edited by Holly Van Ness)
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(photos edited by Holly Van Ness)
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