Manchester quartet West side cowboy played a sold out rough trade on 3rd September 2026
There is a distinct magic to the intimate brick walls of Rough Trade Nottingham, but catching Westside Cowboy felt like catching lightning in a bottle right before the storm breaks. Celebrating the release of their debut album, It Goes On via Island Records, the buzz was so immense that an afternoon matinee had to be tacked on to meet demand.
From the second the band took the stage, the room transformed. They treated the packed-out crowd to a full playthrough of the new record, proving that their studio tracks carry a whole different level of muscle in a live setting. They kicked things off with the driving, infectious pulse of “Kick Stones (The Boys),” instantly locking the audience into their signature blend of indie-grit and Americana storytelling.
What elevates Westside Cowboy live is the dual-vocal dynamic between Jimmy Bradbury and Aoife Anson O’Connell. While Bradbury’s guitar work and vocals anchored the upbeat energy of tracks like “Paperchains,” it was O’Connell who completely shifted the room’s gravity. Stepping up to centre stage for “Coyote,” her stunning vocals brought a haunting depth that left the crowd spellbound.
This was the loudest in-store I’ve been to with the band going full force every song.
The stand out of the set was definitely “Pin up Boys” where every member has vocals so it all intwines beautifully.
During the last song Jimmy told us to “Jump around like it’s a year six disco” to which the crowd followed.
The pacing of the set was immaculate. The band seamlessly transitioned from the slow-building, emotional crescendo of “Well Done Kid, You Did It” into the nostalgic heights of “Big Wheels.” By the time the final chords rang out, the connection in the room was undeniable.
Following the set, the band stayed behind to sign copies of the record, capping off an unforgettable showcase. If this gig was any indication, Westside Cowboy won’t be playing rooms this intimate for much longer. They are essential viewing. After the set the band the band stuck around to sign records, and they took the time to have a proper conversation with everyone which was really nice.
SETLIST
Kick Stones (The Boys)
Paperchains
Can’t See
Drunk Surfer
Well Done Kid, You Did It
Worried Age
Shells
Pin Up Boys
Dobro
Don’t Throw Rocks
Patchwork
Coyote
I’ve Never Met Anyone I Thought I Could Really Love (Until I Met You)
The Wahs
Strange Taxidermy
You Could Have Died There on the Dancefloor
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