Popular Music’s Third year final gig
Date 18 June 2025
18.06.2025In this blog, Joe writes about his experience being in the audience of a third year Popular Music performance.
Popular Music gigs at UON
I was lucky enough to witness firsthand the talent of many of our third-year popular music students at the Picturedrome in Northampton for their final gig together at university. This event was assessed and attributes a significant amount to their final grade, making it very important for many reasons.
Firstly, the Picturedrome was a fantastic venue, with accommodating staff, stage space, great sound and a large capacity for audience members. However, the place was still packed full of people by 8PM!
The performance
There were many notable performances of the evening, such as the opening act – a piano-based group who played technically challenging funk music to a high standard, all whilst putting on a great show! Another group that caught my eye comprised of several students and some non-students, performing classic hits such as ‘Summer of ‘69’ and ‘Don’t Stop Believing’. The night was bought to a close with some classic rock, ending with Green Day’s ‘Wake Me Up When September Ends’, a poignant ending of a night to remember and the year group’s time here at University.
The chemistry between the performers was just as impressive as their musical ability.
You could really sense the friendships and shared experiences built over the past three years, as they supported each other on stage and cheered one another on from the crowd.
Between sets, students hung out in the audience with lecturers, family, and friends, which created a great and supportive atmosphere.
How I felt whilst watching as a first year student
As a first-year popular music student, I felt nervous yet excited for my turn on that stage in a couple years’ time and can only hope I put on as good a show as the third years did.
If you are interested in studying music here at the University of Northampton, check out our facilities and talk to students and lecturers at an open day! If you live locally, ask about if there’s any live performances coming up, so you can see for yourself what the course entails!
Find out more about the opportunities available for students at UON by visiting an Open Day.
Joe is a first-year Popular Music student here at the University of Northampton, with a particular interest in creating scores for film and television, as well as writing and performing alternative rock music. Joe also works as a Student Representative for his undergraduate course, and is passionate about being involved within the University in any way possible.