Friday 23rd October 2026 New Zealand’s “Fat Freddy’s Drop” performed a sold out show at London’s Alexandra Palace. The venue hosted 10,000 strong with an opening welcome session by MC Slave AKA The Log Cabin, and then Nightmares On Wax. This tour celebrated 21 years since the launch of the album “Based On A True Story”. Hard to believe that 2005 was so long ago now as it really only feels like yesterday. The #BOATS tour also brought the first outings around the globe for the band since the passing of the hugely missed and core band member “MU” who passed away about a year ago. Dallas boldly and respectfully brought MU into the show and said, “A lot of people have been asking what we were going to do due to the passing of our good friend, MU. We’re going to keep making music that’s what we’re going to do!” A lovely cheer from the crowd followed.
This particular day was extremely stormy in London with 80mph winds sweeping through the city. It caused mayhem with public transport and gave a lot of us a slightly adventurous journey to get through, but it was worth it! From my own personal experience, this gig packed a deep and powerful tone in a good way. I love it when the band roll with a track and jam in all sorts of different directions. They eventually reach the track we know, but how they get you there can vary every time, which is why no two Freddy’s gigs are ever the same. They are unique to the core and you will always leave their shows feeling uplifted and aware of the love in the room. At the start of the gig the backdrop was a gorgeous art piece featuring MU. This then got changed as the gig continued into the night, but the vibe and presence was pretty strong.
Sound check in the afternoon was a pleasure to photograph and watch. I always find the technical side of a gig really fascinating. Such a huge space to fill with perfect sound. It’s not a given. Each venue is totally different to the next, so these guys and their crew, put it this way, they’ve got years of skills here.
It was my first time seeing “Nightmares on wax” live so this was a lovely opportunity to photograph and hear George’s set. The MC, (unfortunately I don’t know his name), was a well matched vibe for the arrival of the Freddy’s greeting the crowd from the pit. He was great and really gave his all for that set. When George first appeared on stage to take over from MC Slave / The Log Cabin, he was carrying two tequilas, so he and Mark gave the crowd a cheer as they enjoyed their shots together.
It’s been a long and crazy journey since I first saw those early Fat Freddy’s Drop gigs in Wellington, NZ. The Matterhorn on Cuba Street, and various Whoppa Choppa’s on the weekend. Lots of memories that I treasure. These sold out London shows are seriously impressive to photograph. The band always keep me well and truly on my toes which is exactly what a live performance should be. It can be a fairly solo journey when you work as a photographer, so those greetings across the stage mean a lot, thank you guys.
As I made my way home on the tube from Alexandra Palace in this October Autumnal storm, I had to leg it to a bus stop as Wood Green tube was shut. Clearly most people had realised there was a closure as hardly anyone had made this mistake! So, I found myself among a few of us who felt a bit of an idiot trying to get home. While on the bus, one guy was hugging his brand new vinyl of “Based On A True Story”. Another guy turned to me and said, “Have you ever seen Fat Freddy’s perform before?”, I smiled and said a simple “Yes”. Another guy looked at the three of us on this cold and empty night bus, “Have you all just been to a gig or something?”. We all smiled. The guy holding the vinyl explained. “So, what are they like?” Asked this guy. You know, this was such a great question, and brought about an awesome united conversation as the three of us said the same, “They’re everything!” I mean, the Freddy’s can be soul, drum n bass, funk, reggae, dub step, and everything in between. I hope the guy from the night bus goes home and looks them up, as it’s always such a pleasure to introduce people to new music, and this is a band that will go through your life with you and lift you up, always. I went to a friends wedding back in September and they had a book at the reception for people to write in. I put “Love, Life And Laughter, That’s What We’re After” FFD.
Keep warm, enjoy the arrival of Winter if you’re this side of the globe, and have a great Summer if you’re across the pond. I hope you enjoy my photos. Gem Rey x
Bookings and enquiries: info@gemrey.com