Bradley Simpson | Nieve Ella
Leadmill, Sheffield
13th May 2025
Photography by Lily Ajaib (@lilonfilmm)
Lily Ajaib
From fangirl to photographer and videographer, I’m a 19 year old creative based in and around Yorkshire 🙂
Showcasing his new album ‘The Panic Years,’ Bradley Simpson masterfully held the crowd of Sheffield’s Leadmill
After a long queue snaked around The Leadmill, the venue filled with warmth, joy and an undeniable sense of anticipation as Brad Simpson brought his new album ‘The Panic Years‘ to life. As a seasoned performer spending a decade fronting The Vamps, every moment felt personal as Simpson found a new energy on stage, performing tracks exploring the confusion and chaos of your twenties.
The night opened with Nieve Ella, who delivered a stripped back acoustic set, drawing from her EPs ‘Watch It Ache and Bleed‘ and ‘Lifetime of Wanting‘. Her soft delivery and honest lyricism resonated deeply, with fans singing her words right back showing how much impact she has to these young fan girls.
Then came Brad. Opening with ‘Getting Clear‘ and ‘Picasso,’ he had the crowd moving, clapping and screaming. Highlights included ‘Favourite Band,’ where Nieve Ella returned on stage with her guitarist Fin and ‘Holy Grail,’ made even more special by a red-star fan project. ‘During The Band’s Not Breaking Up,‘ Simpson stepped into the centre of the crowd and, while phones lit the room, the crowd stood in near total silence, letting his vocals carry every word.
With singalongs, hugs and a shared sense of joy, it wasn’t just a concert, it was a party for everyone in the room.
Photography by Lily Ajaib (@lilonfilmm)