Hot Wax opened their Hot Shock tour, 22 dates across the UK and EU through January and February 2026, in Southsea, UK, with an electrifying, high energy show during Independent Venue Week. The annual, week-long celebration of independent music venues across the UK celebrates the small grassroots venues that play a vital role in local live music culture. These are the breeding and testing grounds for the majority of the major bands we have today. Shining a spotlight on the venues is vital; the artist who perform there, the staff and communities that support them, and their wider impact on the music industry. The Hot Wax tour is also in partnership with the Music Venue Trust, a UK charity dedicated to protecting, securing, and improving grassroots music venues. The room was full; all there to celebrate the live music community, and the line up was deservedly superb.
Hot Wax are a trio from Hastings, UK; Tallulah Sim-Savage (vocals/guitar), Lola Sam (bass), and Alfie Sayers (drums). Having perfected their art touring the UK and USA supporting many bands, their stage presence is captivating and the interaction natural and exciting. Their pre-walk on music was “Anyone Who Knows What Love Is” by Irma Thomas, settling the crowd nicely before exploding guitar and drums of the band’s first song “Hard Goodbye.” The seventeen song set was interrupted half-way through by some technical issues with Lola’s bass, ironically just as they were about to play “She’s Got a Problem.” Almost the entire debut album was played, with a few back-catalogue singles, one of our highlights “One More Reason,” with its superb bass line, saved for the encore.
Main support was from Slag, an exciting five-piece hailing from Brighton, UK. Fronted by Amelie, demonstrating equally impressive vocal and guitar skills, particularly on their song “Heaven” ripping lead guitar while singing an impressive vocal, definitely worth a listen if the band is new to you.
Opening the night was Cardiff dream-pop band Half Happy. Lovely to hear Rosalie Miller’s vocals, sweet and expressive, warming up the crowd nicely.
Photos and words by Tony Palmer (Website, Instagram, TikTok).
Follow Slag: Instagram // Facebook // Website // TikTok
Follow Half Happy Instagram // Facebook // Website // TikTok
