Basement: Stripped Back + Signing at Rough Trade, Nottingham
“No time to complain, and if you even did, you wouldn’t care. Thank you very much for all the wasted time that you spent there.”
All photography and words by Maisie Cooper – contact Maisie prior to any use.
Basement have always been a staple in UK hardcore; I was listening to them before I properly knew what the scene was, and there’s no surprise, with their irresistibly catchy and perfect for singing along. Though they fall under the emo/rock genre, they’ve never been out of place on line-ups such as Outbreak, Sound and Fury, and LDB Fest, with their lively shows, thriving off the crowd’s energy.
I had the pleasure of attending one of the recent Wired album release shows, and Nottingham’s was a wonderful change in pace, featuring a seven-song acoustic set. Andrew Fisher entered the stage and candidly shared how nervous and shaky he felt, explaining that acoustic performances aren’t something the band often does – by my estimate, the last one was around seven years ago – and that he wanted the evening to feel as relaxed and intimate, as if he were practicing in his own living room.
As the set began, I was immediately struck by Fisher‘s voice. It’s always impressive, but it truly shines in an acoustic setting, carrying a warmth and clarity that makes each song feel even more personal.
After performing “Broken by Design“, “Deadweight“, and “The Way I Feel” from Wired, Fisher paused to thank the crowd and share why Nottingham had been chosen for the only acoustic show on the tour. It’s a special place for the band, as it’s where Ronan Crix, Alex Henery, and Fisher used to meet up during university, and where Songs About Weather and I Wish I Could Stay Here were recorded.
The set continued with “Are You the One“, followed by crowd favourite “Pine“, which sparked a sing-along so enthusiastic it nearly drowned out Fisher‘s vocals. The performance wrapped up with “Wired“ and “Head Alight“. I then made my way to the bar area, where the venue was still buzzing – too crowded to fit near Rough Trade’s small stage, but everyone was still eagerly listening.
I stuck around for a bit for the signing, where the atmosphere was lively and full of excitement after the fantastic show. The band members were friendly and took the time to chat with each fan, sign merchandise, and pose for photos it was great to see how much the band appreciated their fans, and the whole event. It felt truly personal.
Overall, the Nottingham acoustic show perfectly captured what makes Basement such a beloved band. It highlighted not only the strength of Andrew’s voice but also the genuine connection the band has with their fans. From nostalgic reflections to heartfelt performances of both old favorites and new tracks from Wired, the evening was a reminder that Basement’s music isn’t just meant to be heard – it’s meant to be shared. With the venue buzzing long after the final note and the band taking the time to engage with every fan, the night felt less like a typical gig and more like a heartfelt gathering of friends. For anyone who’s followed Basement over the years, it was a special celebration of their enduring energy, talent, and the community they’ve built.
