The band are known for their 00s and 2010’s hits like Dog Days Are Over and Shake It Out, but this is no longer what springs to my mind having seen the Everybody Scream tour at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena
11:26, 14 Feb 2026Updated 11:26, 14 Feb 2026
Amidst the singing and dancing, the song halted halfway through as the lead singer had something to say(Image: Nina Crighton)
Watching Florence & The Machine at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool was an experience to say the least. Florence, her band, and her dancers were like a coven of witches on stage, twirling in their Stevie Nicks-style dresses, crawling along the floor, and chanting along to their ethereal and haunting discography.
The band, to many, are known for their 2000s and 2010s hits like Dog Days Are Over and Shake It Out. These were always the songs that sprung to mind when I thought of the indie-rock powerhouse, but that’s no longer the case having borne witness to the Everybody Scream tour.
The 21-track setlist bounced between feelings of grief, shame, freedom and power. Following a near-death experience due to a health crisis in 2023, lead singer Florence Welch channelled her trauma into her sixth studio album in 2025, which the tour is hinged upon.
While she was down the star was itching to get back on stage and you can tell by watching the show that she’s an artist let loose.
The night opened with a small set from Dionne, a Brummie indie-rock soloist who started her career as Florence & The Machine’s guitarist and backing vocalist. Breaking away from the band, and singled out to support them, she played us a few soulful tracks including her latest single Out Of My Mind.
Glaswegian singer-songwriter Paris Paloma warmed up the stage next. With her 2024 single Labour becoming TikTok’s girl power anthem this past year, the performer clearly uses Florence’s outspoken lyricism as a guiding light.
Haunting vocals, hazy red graphics and swirling smoke made it feel like witnessing a witchy ritual(Image: Nina Crighton)
The main act took to the stage but not before the sound of bellowing shrieks echoed across the arena. Florence appeared, as recognisable as ever, sporting her signature long auburn locks with a sweeping fringe and monochromatic boho gown.
The album’s title track played out before pivoting into fan-favourite anthem Shake It Out, which began with strong pared-back vocals before bursting into its vibrant and uplifting chorus. Florence’s voice is distinctive and powerful, a once in a generation kind of sound.
In keeping with the theme of 2011 hits, Seven Devils saw the small group of dancers creep along the floor like a scene from Michael Jackson’s Thriller. Haunting vocals, hazy red graphics and swirling smoke made it feel like witnessing a witchy ritual.
Florence sang with emotion yet incredible control(Image: Nina Crighton)
The performance continued through 2018 track Big God and 2022’s Daffodil. The latter saw the first of Florence’s physical interactions with the crowd, with the frontwoman stood against the barrier, headbanging into outstretched arms.
I hadn’t realised how rock and roll the band was until this moment.
Before 2009’s Cosmic Love took over, Florence shared with the crowd that she’d been singing this song for 16 years. At just 39 years old, the musician from Camberwell, London has somehow now spanned three decades on our radios.
Amidst the singing and dancing, the song halted halfway through as the lead singer had something to say(Image: Nina Crighton)
Spectrum (Say My Name) was the song that really woke up the crowd. The entire arena lit up, every single person stood up and began to sing as if they were put under some kind of trance.
“Liverpool, I’d usually ask people to stand up at this point but you need no encouragement.”, she said in her first direct address to the crowd.
A couple of candid moments came from the next two tracks: Music By Men and Buckle. The first of the two saw Florence stood still and eyes closed for the entire song while she sang the lyrics with emotion yet incredible control.
Before the second of the two songs played out she admitted something to the crowd.
“I found this song really embarrassing because I should just be over these feelings. I tend to write songs I don’t want to sing and then I have to sing them forever. If you sing it with me, maybe you can share my shame. This is for everyone out there who’s waiting for someone to text them back.”
The final song before the four-track encore was when the singer really connected with the crowd. During the epic-sounding Sympathy Magic, she walked along the barrier and closed the set by embracing a member of the audience in a tight hug.
Her band began the clap for the encore and Florence arrived stage-side once again. The newly released One Of The Greats was completely captivating, directly influenced by her close encounter with death – it’s the song I believe will now come to mind whenever I think about Florence & The Machine.
The opening two notes of 2010’s classic Dog Days Are Over kicked in and once again enchanted the crowd under a familiar spell. Amidst the singing and dancing, the song halted halfway through as the lead singer had something to say.
“Liverpool thank you so much for being the loudest crowd of the Everybody Scream tour. You’re not going to like what I’m about to say, you might find it annoying.
“I see some people having fun with their phones over there but just put it away, please just put it away. Because although I know you want to film this song, filming it will stop you experiencing it.”
“And also, if you’re worried about getting your shot, you don’t move. And I need you to move. Be with the people you came with, be with the people you love, be with the people you just met.”
The crowd was stunned by the request but did exactly that, embracing those around them and soaking in the moment. Proof that yet again, Florence Welch holds complete power over her audience, something you can only achieve after years of developing your craft.
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