For the first time in their 34-year history, iconic Britpop band Suede brought their mesmerising energy to Eastbourne as part of the 2023 ‘Autofiction’ tour. With a sold-out show at the Winter Garden, the magnetic performance resonated deeply with every fan in the audience, including myself. The powerful impact of Suede’s music, led by the ever-charismatic local Sussex-born frontman Brett Anderson, filled every corner of the venue. This unforgettable night undoubtedly earned the show a well-deserved 5/5 rating.
Kicking off an impressive series of 5 UK headline shows, the ‘Autofiction’ tour eventually saw the band perform at venues such as Lincoln’s Engine Shed and London’s O2 Academy Brixton. It is noteworthy that Brett Anderson, the man who founded Suede with childhood friend Mat Osman, chose Eastbourne for their first ever gig in the city in all these years, considering his upbringing in nearby Haywards Heath.
With their ninth studio album ‘Autofiction’ debuting at No. 2 in the UK Albums Chart, the highest since the 1999 release of ‘Head Music,’ Suede has maintained their relevance and appeal to fans both old and new. The goal of this album was to capture the unique energy between the band and their audience during live performances, an aim that was undoubtedly achieved on this remarkable night in Eastbourne.
The evening took off with supporting act Desperate Journalist, whose distinctive sound set the tone for the main event. Suede took the stage at 9 pm, with an electric Brett Anderson captivating the audience from the get-go, exhibiting an exceptional energy and chemistry with his fellow bandmates Mat Osman, Simon Gilbert, Richard Oakes, and Neil Codling.
Unapologetically enthusiastic, the band dove into an 88-minute long set featuring a total of 19 songs. Beginning with three tracks from the latest album, ‘Turn Off Your Brain And Yell,’ ‘Personality Disorder,’ and ’15 Again,’ the band instantly grabbed the attention of the enthusiastic crowd. By the time the group performed their classic ‘The Drowners,’ the audience was visibly in awe as Anderson took the bold step to step off stage and join the adoring fans.
With crowd favourites such as ‘Trash,’ ‘Coming Up,’ and the ever-popular ‘Animal Nitrate’ filling the tracklist – it’s no surprise that the audience was absolutely ecstatic. Anderson’s untiring energy and intricate nuances throughout the performance, showcased in his interactions with the audience, the crawling on stage, and his drenched shirt, were a testament to the relentless dedication of the band for their craft.
There’s no doubt why Suede managed to maintain their fan base since their debut in 1993 and have been consistently climbing the UK charts with every successive album. The band, both on stage and through their outstanding discography, has presented a legacy filled with intense emotions and otherworldly musical experiences.
It is impossible to ignore the profound influence of Bowie, The Smiths, Commotions, and the Pet Shop Boys in Suede’s music, which is a testament to the vision the band laid out in their 1989 NME advert seeking a guitarist. The fusion of those formative inspirations with their own unique sound has given rise to a continuous string of magical performances, and Eastbourne was no exception.
In conclusion, Suede’s extraordinary performance at Eastbourne’s Winter Garden was a gripping masterclass in showmanship and musicality, well-deserving the full 5/5 rating. The powerful connection between the band and their audience, especially local fans, combined with the intimate memories of Brett Anderson’s upbringing in the area, transformed this event into a monumental night that will surely be remembered for years to come.
