London punk-rock trio The Molotovs delivered a high-energy headline set at The Palais in Nottingham on 4th September 2026. The concert marked a significant milestone for the road-tested DIY outfit, taking place on the exact launch day of their highly anticipated Autumn UK tour, the “Welcome to Urbia Tour,” which kicked off right here in Nottingham. Signed to Marshall Records, the three-piece features siblings Mathew (vocals/guitar) and Issey Cartlidge (bass/vocals) alongside drummer Noah Riley. Their fast-paced set list drew heavily from late-70s Mod Revival and early-80s New Wave influences, presenting sharp hooks and dynamic instrumental pacing without long breaks between songs.
The performance showcased material from their debut studio album, Wasted on Youth, which achieved chart success earlier in the year by reaching number three on the UK Albums Chart. The band performed core tracks from the record, including the opening singles “Born In Society” and “Daydreaming,” alongside mid-set tracks “Urbia” and “Is There Any Hope?” The set progressed into the album’s title track, “Wasted on Youth,” driving a loud response from the crowd gathered at the front barrier. Throughout the set, Mathew handled the primary lead vocals from the centre microphone while Issey provided backing harmonies from her side position, building a balanced vocal framework over a steady rhythm section.
The final section of the show featured the band’s latest single selections, closing the main set with back-to-back performances of “You, Me – Shadow Boxer” and the driving rhythm of “Come On Now”. The performance at The Palais highlighted the group’s distinct work ethic and growing live reputation on the independent UK music circuit, showing a band that is actively developing its audience and expanding its presence within regional venues.
