The Mission live review: Forty years and still going strong, with a few surprises along the way
The Mission – O2 Forum Kentish Town, London 6th November 2026
Forty years on from the release of their classic debut album God's Own Medicine, The Mission have plenty to celebrate. Their four-night run at London's O2 Forum Kentish Town offered a different setlist and theme for each evening, bringing together old favourites, lesser-played gems and a few surprises. By the third night, the celebrations were well and truly in full swing.
Opening proceedings were Mouth Ulcers, a band who certainly looked and sounded the part. Shoegazey, gothic and wonderfully androgynous, they seemed to channel the spirit of those who had gone before them, while adding their own twist to the sound. A pleasing blend of atmosphere, swirling guitars and dark melodies made them an interesting choice of support, and one that fitted the evening rather nicely. Definitely a band worth keeping an eye on.
There was a huge response as The Mission launched into 'Wasteland', with the crowd singing along from the opening lines. It was clear from the off that the Missionaries were very much up for this, and the band had them firmly on side.
With four decades of material to choose from, there was plenty to savour. 'Like a Child Again', 'Into the Blue' and 'Fearful' all featured, alongside 'Shades of Green', a welcome inclusion from the 'Masque' album that doesn't get an airing particularly often. 'Absolution' was another treat, making its appearance all the more special given how rarely it features in the band's live sets.
Mark Gemini Thwaite joined the band for 'Absolution' and 'Deliverance', adding another dimension to both performances. 'Raising Cain' was a particular surprise, while 'Severina' proved a real crowd-pleaser, even prompting a mini-mosh down the front. Always a good sign!
There were plenty of other highlights too. 'Butterfly on a Wheel' was a standout moment, while 'Grotesque' and 'Fabienne' added a darker edge to proceedings. The running order had seen a few changes along the way, making the surprise appearance of 'Raising Cain' all the more welcome. It's always good when a band digs a little deeper into its catalogue rather than simply relying on the obvious crowd-pleasers.
The four-night run had another interesting twist. The final night's setlist was to be decided by the fans, affectionately known as the Missionaries, with voting taking place for the songs they'd most like to hear. At the time, The Stooges' '1969' was apparently sitting at the top of the poll. Wayne took the opportunity to encourage everyone to get voting, although he did have one request: please, not '1969' – it's not even our bloody song! Quite right too, Wayne.
There was, however, one thing that became increasingly apparent as the evening progressed. Wayne had been battling a cold and mentioned it to the audience several times. Rather than cancel any of the anniversary shows, he'd soldiered on, and for much of the performance you wouldn't have known he was struggling. Towards the end, though, the strain began to show. Fortunately, when you've got a room full of devoted Missionaries in front of you, you're never short of a little vocal assistance. The audience were more than happy to step in, filling in the words and joining in with those familiar choruses.
It was also a reminder of the connection between this band and its audience. For many in the room, these songs aren't simply old favourites or tracks from albums bought decades ago. They've been the soundtrack to friendships, relationships, good times and difficult ones, travelling alongside people through different stages of their lives. That familiarity and affection was evident throughout the evening, and when Wayne needed a little help, the crowd were only too happy to provide it.
The first encore brought another mixture of old and new. 'Father' was followed by the new song 'Never Say Never Say Die', offering another glimpse of what might be in store on the forthcoming album Songs For Kith And Kin. 'Met-Amor-Phosis' kept the energy levels up, before Free's 'Wishing Well' provided one of the evening's real highlights. Mark Gemini Thwaite returned for 'Shelter From the Storm', bringing the first encore to a suitably rousing close.
And just when you thought things were over, there was still time for a second encore. With Wayne and Mark having left the stage, the remaining band members launched into The Surfaris' 'Wipe Out'. An unexpected instrumental finish and a rather fun way to bring proceedings to a close.
Forty years after God's Own Medicine first appeared, The Mission still have songs that bring people together, and clearly still have plenty left to say. With Songs For Kith And Kin on the horizon, there's more to look forward to than simply looking back.
Review Cathy Clark
Photos Gerry Driver
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