Gig Review – The Molotovs, Rescue Rooms Nottingham

14 January 2026 rocknews

The Molotovs Nottingham Live Review: A Masterclass in Modern Punk at Rescue Rooms

The Molotovs / Velvet Tuxedo / People Laughing

The Molotovs Nottingham review – Back in June, RockNews watched The Molotovs detonate at The Bodega. (Read the review here) It was a warning shot—a night of raw energy that left the wallpaper peeling. Six months later, the London-based trio return, graduating to the iconic Rescue Rooms as part of their relentless, sell-out Wasted On Youth tour.

The Molotovs Nottingham Review - Live at Rescue Rooms January 2026.

The Molotovs Nottingham Review- A Sell-Out Atmosphere

The air in the Rescue Rooms is thick. For weeks, the band’s socials have been a blur of “low ticket” warnings and frantic sell-out updates, and tonight the reality is visible: a vibrant mix of veteran mods and teenage punks. This is the hottest ticket in the East Midlands, and the room is packed to the rafters before a single note is even played.

The Molotovs Nottingham Review – The Support Acts

The night ignites with the live debut of Derbyshire’s People Laughing. Fronted by songwriter Matt Grocott, the band carries a seasoned urgency, anchored by Luke Hallam’s driving drums and Ollie Carnell’s cool bass lines. Their debut single “One Thing” hits with an honest, distorted grit that commands the room’s attention. Check out People Laughing at the Beat The Streets Event later this month – See Details Here

Hull’s Velvet Tuxedo follow, bridging the gap with 1960s Freakbeat and Garage Psych. Frontman Will Reid is a lightning rod of energy, channelling a wild, high-octane electricity that ensures the floor is already vibrating long before the headliners take their places. Look out for Velvet Tuxedo playing a venue near you. They are a band to see!

The Main Event: A Number 1 Trajectory

The Molotovs take to the stage launching into a blistering three-song salvo—“Urbia,” “Newsflash,” and a ferocious cover of Bowie’s “Suffragette City”—delivered with intensive energy and zero breaks. It is a statement of intent. Mathew Cartlidge (Guitar/Vocals) prowls with the swagger of a young Paul Weller, while Issey is a whirlwind of rhythmic motion. Behind them, Noah Riley provides the engine room—his drumming is a relentless, driving force that defines the band’s signature sound.

The set leans heavily on their upcoming debut album, Wasted On Youth. While the band may be eyeing a Top 3 chart position for the new album, the sheer volcanic reaction to tracks like “Popstar” and “Come On Now” suggests they are destined for Number 1. Even established favorites like “Johnny Don’t Be Scared” feel re-energised in this fever-pitch environment.

The Molotovs Nottingham Review - Live at Rescue Rooms January 2026. Issey ventures into the photo pit

The night’s peak arrives during “Rhythm of Yourself”. Issey Cartlidge (Bass/Vocals) vaults into the photo pit, standing inches from the front row. She locks eyes with the barrier, delivering the opening verses with a supermodel intimidating stare—a fierce, “locked and loaded” gaze that commands the room before the song explodes into chaos.

The Molotovs have officially outgrown the “best kept secret” phase. After closing the main set with the frantic “More More More,” the band returned for a heavy-hitting two-song encore of “Come On Now” and “Get A Life”. As the final feedback dissolved into the room, it was clear we are witnessing a band on the verge of superstardom. The atmosphere is killer, the songs are bulletproof, and the trajectory is pointed straight at the arenas.

RockNews Verdict: The Molotovs Nottingham Review – Catch the Fire

Don’t Miss Out

Nottingham, you have one more chance. The band returns to Rough Trade Nottingham on February 3rd for an intimate live set and signing. Catch them there before they disappear into the stadium circuit forever.