Live Review: Creeper - The Asylum, Birmingham
18th April 2026
Support: The Howling
Words: Cat Finch
Photos: Tim Finch
Birmingham’s Asylum Venue played host to an unusually early but no less electrifying evening on April 18th, as Creeper brought their theatrical headline show to town. With doors flung open at 5:30pm and the first notes ringing out by 6:30, this was a gig that demanded punctuality, and then thoroughly rewarded it. Despite the early start, the crowd filtered in quickly, a sea of black attire and corpse paint with anticipation building for a night steeped in gothic drama, punk energy, and a touch of macabre romance.
Opening the night were The Howling, who wasted no time setting a playful tone. Their intro, the an unexpected pairing of the ‘Scooby Doo theme’ tune and The Smiths ‘What Difference Does It Make?’ raised smiles before the band launched into ‘Little Promises’.
Musically, The Howling delivered a tight and confident set. Tracks like ‘Incantation’ and ‘Linger’ showcased a blend of brooding atmospheres and punchy hooks, while ‘New Religion’ leaned into a more anthemic territory. Perhaps the most surprising moment came with their cover of ‘Like a Prayer’, which was gave the song a darker, more alternative spin.
Closing with ‘The Murder Capital’ and ‘Unholy’, The Howling left the stage having firmly won over those who arrived early.
Creeper took to the stage at the incredibly early headline time of 7:30, and the atmosphere shifted dramatically. From the first moments of ‘Mistress of Death’ it was clear the headliners were operating on another level of theatrical intensity. Drawing some inspiration from Glenn Danzig’s gothic swagger, but injecting a distinctly pop-rock-infused sensibility, Creeper have carved out a sound that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly modern.
Frontman Will Gould commanded the stage with a mix of preacher-like charisma and punk rock urgency. Planet Rock favourite ‘Blood Magick (It’s a Ritual)’ had the crowd singing along, finishing Gould’s words before he had a chance. As ‘Lovers Led Astray’ hit the mark, we see keyboardist Hannah Greenwood front and centre for this first time this evening, stepped forward to share lead vocal duties with Gould. The chemistry between the two elevated the track, and the performance.
As the set progressed, songs like ‘Black Heaven’, ‘Chapel Gates’ and ‘The Crimson Bride’” kept the crowd locked in, singing along with fervour. Even deeper cuts like ‘More Than Death’ felt like anthems in this cosy, very personal setting.
The encore sealed the night in emphatic fashion. ‘Further Than Forever’ and ‘Cry to Heaven’ provided a soaring, emotional finale, leaving the crowd spent. For a show that started so early, there was nothing half-hearted about it, Creeper brought a full-scale performance that felt grander than the venue itself. Considering the stages the band have played on over the past few years, it seems unlikely we’ll see the band back in such small confines, but those who were at the sold out show this evening witnessed something very special.
Photo Credits: Tim Finch Photography
