The Charlatans UK kept their loyal fans moving at The Fillmore Silver Spring on Sept. 25, the penultimate stop on their North American tour. Their set drew from seven of their 14 studio albums, pairing familiar favorites with songs from their latest release, We Are Love (2025).
I’ve been a Charlatans enthusiast since their debut album, Some Friendly, arrived in 1990. It was a pleasure to hear three songs from that record: “Then,” “Sproston Green,” and “The Only One I Know.” The latter remains a dance floor gem, coaxing fans into rediscovering signature moves they might have tucked away years ago. With his familiar mop-top haircut and hoodie, lead vocalist Tim Burgess gently guided the audience through the evening, smiling and gesturing to fans in every corner of the venue.
The band opened with the irresistibly danceable “Weirdo,” from Between 10th and 11th (1992). Keyboardist Tony Rogers’ commanding Hammond organ, founding bassist Martin Blunt’s funky grooves, and drummer Peter Salisbury’s syncopated rhythms quickly got the crowd moving. Guitarist Mark Collins layered shimmering tremolo leads over it all. “I Don’t Want to See the Sights,” from the same album, landed just as well later in the set.
Watching them, I found myself remembering original drummer Jon Brookes, who died in 2013, and original keyboardist Rob Collins, who died in 1996. I was fortunate enough to see the band at the Marquee in New York City on Oct. 4, 1990, during their first visit to the United States. They arrived as part of the Madchester scene, with its jangly guitars, heavy bass, intoxicating dance beats, shaggy haircuts, baggy clothes, and abundant swagger. Nearly 36 years later, that concert still inspires me. Contemporaries including the Stone Roses, Happy Mondays, Inspiral Carpets, James, and 808 State helped bring that sound across the Atlantic, setting the stage for Britpop a few years later.
Back at The Fillmore, Tellin’ Stories (1997) supplied several highlights, including the title track, “North Country Boy,” “One to Another,” and “How High.” “You’re So Pretty — We’re So Pretty,” from Wonderland (2001), added another familiar groove.
Watch The Charlatans perform “You’re So Pretty — We’re So Pretty” live on YouTube:
For We Are Love, the band returned to Rockfield Studios in Wales, where they had recorded Tellin’ Stories. That return connected their new music to a place steeped in the band’s memories, revisiting old experiences while creating something fresh.
The new album’s title track, “Deeper and Deeper,” and “For the Girls” sounded carefree and upbeat to my ears, recalling less burdened times. Their easy energy fit comfortably alongside the older material. It was refreshing to hear a band with so many beloved songs still finding room to create and evolve.
Favorites “Can’t Get Out of Bed” and “Jesus Hairdo,” from Up to Our Hips (1994), received warm welcomes. The band’s 1995 self-titled album supplied “Just When You’re Thinkin’ Things Over,” “Just Lookin’,” and “Toothache.” On the latter, Collins’ fuzzed-out guitar, slide riffs, and overdrive were a particular pleasure.
During the encore, Burgess asked the crowd to sing “Happy Birthday” to Salisbury. The show closed with the monumental “Sproston Green,” its familiar rhythms and melodies prompting fans to sing loudly and proudly. Burgess slipped offstage as the band carried the song through a vigorous outro, with Rogers’ Hammond organ building to a glorious crescendo.
The Charlatans UK left the audience blissfully content — and still wanting more.
Here are some photos of The Charlatans UK performing live at The Fillmore Silver Spring on Sept. 25, 2026. All pictures copyright and courtesy of Nalinee Darmrong.
