Live Review: Hoodie Allen @ O2 Academy Islington

Photo: Will Lavin

Independence is key. This is a philosophy Hoodie Allen knows all too well. The New Yorker has carved out a very successful career for himself thanks to a strong following of fans who hang off his every word and show up whenever he needs them to.

Last night the London leg of his Happy Camper Tour rolled up to the O2 Academy Islington. Sold out in a matter of minutes when the tickets originally went on sale, his fans showed up in their droves, and before doors opened the queue stretched around several corners and as far back as the Five Guys on Upper Street. Filling up in a matter of minutes with excited teens holding each other’s hands, screaming and running to the front of the venue the second security swung open the doors, it felt like a gathering of family at a favourite relatives house.

With his usual band of merry man on stage with him, including his trusted DJ Dylan McDougle, Hoodie’s set opened with ‘Remind Me Of’. Rocking his now trademark Happy Camper bandanna over his mouth - see the cover artwork for the Happy Camper project - matching denim jacket and shades, the show begun with an energy and level of fun that was to continue through to the end of the set.

Including everything from balloons and flying cakes to water bottle showers, being at a Hoodie Allen show is like being at a party hosted by Lil’ Jon, Diplo and Waka Flocka Flame. The energy is ridiculous, especially when there are tracks such as ‘Cake Boy’ and ‘No Interruption’ on the setlist.

Other big moments on the night included the insane reaction to ‘Are U Having Any Fun’, the mass singalong ‘All About It’ - which originally features Ed Sheeran - and when Hoodie decided to jump in a rubber dingy and crowd surf all the way to the back of the venue.

Coming off of the back of an epic Reading Festival performance, this was another one to add to the list of solid shows. Watching Hoodie engage with his fans the way he does is a pleasant reminder of how it used to be back before social media. In an age where musicians are all too easily disposed off it’s nice to see fans in awe of their “idol” instead of tearing them down on Twitter because trolling is the cool thing to do.

While some critics have doubted Hoodie’s ability to rap as his brand of hip-hop is often painted with a pop tinted brush, he doesn’t care. He can spit. He’s enjoying life. He has fans who love what he does, and he isn’t hurting anybody. Looking for fun and good music? Next time Hoodie’s in town you might want to get a ticket. But be quick, his fans don’t mess about.