On September 8, Evanescence kicked off the UK leg of their 2026 Sanctuary Tour at the First Direct Arena, Leeds.
The First Direct Arena isn’t the largest of arenas. As you enter, you’re met by masses of crowd, raising up on shelf-like floors with stairs and escalators to each side. The standing doors are between the bottom stairs, and my seat is on the very top floor.
I’m tucked away in one of the deepest, darkest corners. Ready to observe, like the batman of gothic metal. I am there as a fan, rather than a commentator. I couldn’t keep the experience to myself, though.
K. Flay was the first on, and I wasn’t too familiar with her music beforehand. I enjoyed the set! She gave classic riot girl sound, performing older songs, such as Blood on the Cut and High Enough. She also performed newer songs, like her latest single Ants. I liked the high energy performance of K. Flay, and I wouldn’t mind seeing her again.
It’s fair to say I’m quite a casual Poppy fan. I only really know one song, and she didn’t do it. She upped the dramatic flair for the night. Each song had a slow, dramatic entrance, almost as if she couldn’t choose which song she wanted to start with. Have You Had Enough? Was the chosen opener. I quite liked Scary Mask (originally featuring Fever 333), and her “solo” version of V.A.N, which she released in 2024 with Bad Omens.
The music translated to a live show so well that I might prefer it. I would like a little bit more connection with her show though. Her performance was very much, enter stage, play song, look good. A call for a circle pit came for the final song, new way out, but that was the only interaction with the audience.
Sanctuary opened Evanescence’s set quite fittingly. The title track to their album, released earlier this year, was followed by Tell Me When You’ve Had Enough, Rapture and Afterlife. Instantly, the energy was high, the performance was full of quick-paced movements, and Amy Lee was flaunting her beautiful voice and luscious, long, black hair.
The screams outweighed the instruments when they kicked off Going Under, from iconic 2003 album Fallen. Other classic tracks included Bring Me to Life, Call Me When You’re Sober, and, of course, My Immortal. A grand piano accompanied their ballads, and pyrotechnics emphasised their hits. K. Flay joined them for Fight Like a Girl, and Poppy came out for End of You (also featuring Courtney LaPlante).
One word that comes to mind with this tour is solidarity. The friendship that radiated from Evanescence was unquestioned. The support for women in alternative music is incredibly apparent, and something to behold. Amy Lee also gave a small speech about holding onto your strengths before performing personal, beautiful and emotional, new track Forever Without You.
I was wowed. I was moved. And those who are lucky enough to attend the later dates have a lot to look forward to.
The UK tour will visit Manchester, Birmingham and London. Openers for the whole tour will mix’n’match between K. Flay, Nova Twins, Poppy and Spiritbox.