MIKABOMB, the legendary Japanese punk band with deep roots in the British punk scene, made a thunderous return to the UK on their tour in August. They arrived in Leeds in “all guns blazing” mode, bringing an inferno of sound to a sweltering night of punk at the iconic Fox and Newt. The Fox and Newt is a quintessential working man’s pub, and it proved to be the ideal venue for MIKABOMB. Surrounded by the stark contrast of newly built tower blocks and the encroaching tide of gentrification, the pub itself stood as a defiant symbol, much like the band. It reminded one of the stalwart veterans who, like the pub, have weathered the passage of time and skilfully adapted to the evolving world around them. This evening of pure punk was truly one to behold, marking the band’s triumphant return from hiatus.
Harlot at The Fox And Newt, Leeds on 15 August 2025 | Photography by JJ Grant (wonderlens)
The night ignited with the opening act, Harlot, a punk band that set the stage ablaze. Their sound was a furious whirlwind of speed and intensity. Wisely, they incorporated brief breaks to combat the rising heat, a smart move that allowed the audience a moment of respite. In a true punk rock moment, the lead guitarist sustained a minor finger injury, but it was merely a “flesh wound,” and they valiantly soldiered on, completing their set with unwavering dedication.
Next up was Nervous Twitch, whose unique sound and infectious, upbeat energy kept the temperature soaring in the upstairs room of the Fox and Newt. Their performance was a masterclass in engaging the crowd, and they even extended an incredibly gracious invitation to one of their fans to sing the final song. The fan, seizing the moment, did not disappoint, pouring every ounce of himself into the performance, much to the delight of the fervent audience.
Nervous Twitch at The Fox And Newt, Leeds on 15 August 2025 | Photography by JJ Grant (wonderlens)
And then, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived: the main event. In the thick, humid air, amidst the heat and sweat of the evening, the crowd collectively rallied, their energy surging to match the explosive intensity of MIKABOMB. With their distinctive pop-punk style, MIKABOMB undoubtedly left an indelible impression on first-timers who had come to experience the band’s live performance. Their infectious energy brought smiles to the faces of their seasoned fans, and I, personally, found myself firmly in the former category, instantly captivated by their electrifying presence.
MIKABOMB at The Fox And Newt, Leeds on 15 August 2025 | Photography by JJ Grant (wonderlens)
The band delved deep into their diverse catalogue of songs, delivering fan favourites that ignited the crowd. Anthems like Super Sexy Razor Happy Girls and Heart Attack resonated through the venue, sung back by a chorus of devoted fans. There was a brief but entertaining MC break where the band members chatted about their ongoing tour and the various venues they had graced and those they were yet to visit. A mention of Manchester, Leeds’ old rival, predictably elicited a chorus of good-natured boos from the fiercely loyal Leeds crowd, adding a touch of local rivalry to the proceedings.
MIKABOMB at The Fox And Newt, Leeds on 15 August 2025 | Photography by JJ Grant (wonderlens)
As the night drew to a close, one particularly enthusiastic fan, consumed by the moment, screamed for the band to keep playing their final song. MIKABOMB’s playful response was a testament to their wit and connection with the audience: “Only if they had aircon and unlimited beer!” The much-anticipated encore delivered two final blasts of punk rock ecstasy. They concluded with Super Honda, a performance that reached its crescendo with Mika herself dousing herself in water, a cooling and dramatic flourish that perfectly encapsulated the raw energy of the night. The very last song, Magic Boots, served as the ultimate punctuation mark on an unforgettable evening, leaving the crowd buzzing with the exhilarating aftermath of a truly legendary punk rock experience.
MIKABOMB at The Fox And Newt, Leeds on 15 August 2025 | Photography by JJ Grant (wonderlens)
Setlist MIKABOMB
01. Love Factor Five
02. Shut Ya Mouth
03. Boomeranka
04. Hellcat Rider
05. Hey Man
06. Garage Super Stars
07. Cadillac
08. Contact Tokyo
09. Never Gonna Push me Around
10. Betty Page
11. Super Sexy
12. Heart Attack
13. Super Honda
14. Magic Boots
Photography: JJ Grant (wonderlens)
