Live Review: RØRY - Sheffield : The Razor's Edge

Live Review: RØRY - Foundry, Sheffield

3rd November 2025
Support: Sky Dxddy and Defences

Anticipation is high as one fan shouts “Five minutes to go!” in the entrance line for Rory’s sold‑out tour opener at Sheffield’s Foundry, supported by Defences and Sky Dxddy.

With the doors barely open, Defences kick off the night with their mix of clean vocals and hardcore screams. Though many fans are still filing in, the die‑hards at the barrier buzz with excitement. Frontwoman Cherry Duesbury stomps across the stage during opener The Curse, setting the tone with raw energy. Passionate from start to finish and clearly loving every moment on this stage, the band interact warmly with the crowd between songs, moving into Breathe It In despite technical gremlins that plague all the acts tonight. Defences leave Sheffield with a killer first impression and set the Blossom Tour alight.

Photo Credit: Martin Hingley Photography

Making her UK debut, Sky Dxddy brings her “traumacore” sound from Virginia, USA to an eager audience. Armed only with a mic and backing track, she launches into Mortal Kombat to huge cheers. Swaggering across the stage, she blends hip‑hop verses with pop choruses that stick instantly. A standout moment comes when she tears up a fan’s marriage certificate before Not Guilty, underlining her message of female self‑empowerment. Emotions peak during Why Do I Stay, a dream moment for her first UK appearance. Though musically very different from Defences, Sky Dxddy proves a perfect fit for the tour, earning applause and thanks from fans and tonight’s headliner.

Photo Credit: Martin Hingley Photography

Excitement peaks as the PA directs fans to deadgirlwalking.com for a special surprise. RØRY bursts onstage to In the Bible, sending the room into chaos. Playing Sheffield for the first time, she wastes no time tearing through three songs before pausing to connect with the crowd. By then, they’re fully invested.

Her set flows through anthems like Anti‑Repressant and Degradation, with Rory sharing personal backstories between tracks. The most emotional moment comes when she appears at the back of the venue, speaking about losing her mother nineteen years ago and her hesitation to play in her hometown of Southampton. The vulnerability resonates deeply, and every attendee can feel the raw emotional power RØRY pours into her music. She leads into the poignant and lyrically beautiful Jesus and John Lennon with a #37 Club sing‑along. Returning to the stage, she admits, “I wish I was lifting the mood but I’m not” before delivering Hold On through tears.

Photo Credit: Martin Hingley Photography

The mood lifts with the debut of Dead Girl Walking, introduced alongside a competition winner from the website. It’s clear RØRY's fans mean everything to her. The thumping beats of this new track electrify the crowd, setting the tone for a celebratory finale. From the retro‑tinged Uncomplicated to the sing‑along Sorry I’m Late, RØRY closes with pure joy.

The night ends with a huge announcement that RØRY will return next year for a well‑deserved spot on the Download Festival roster. She finishes her spectacular show with the tour’s namesake Blossom, a perfect close to an unforgettable opening night.