The Arctic Numpties bring us The Arctic Monkeys!

The Arctic Numpties: Photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

The Factory Live: Black Rabbit Productions present The Arctic Numpties and Finn Sexton 09/10/2026 at The Factory Live.

Tonight we were gathered to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the iconic Arctic Monkeys debut album ‘Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not’

An evening of indie-rock swagger, indie anthems and enough attitude to fill a Sheffield car park. Destination tonight was The Factory Live, miles away from Sheffield, in Worthing! Tonight’s show hosted by Black Rabbit Productions was “Sold Out”, it was jam packed in there.

ARCTIC NUMPTIES: WHATEVER PEOPLE SAY THEY ARE…..  THEY ARE GREAT!

The Arctic Numpties: Photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

There are tribute bands, there are tribute bands that make you do a double take, and then there are Arctic Numpties — a band whose name sounds like an insult, but whose musical mission is considerably more serious. Tonight, it’s all about paying homage to Sheffield’s finest indie-rock exports, the Arctic Monkeys, and bringing that unmistakable combination of sharp riffs, restless energy and northern swagger to the Factory Live stage.

We were promised two sets. The first set being from Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not, the debut studio album by the Arctic Monkeys, it was released on 23 January 2006.

Set 1: Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not

And when the opening salvo of View From The Afternoon gets going, the crowd is transported straight back to the mid-2000s, when indie discos ruled and skinny jeans were considered acceptable clothing!

The Numpties have clearly done their homework. The sound, the style and the onstage mannerisms all pay tribute to the original band, capturing the spirit of Arctic Monkeys. From the moment the guitars kick in, the atmosphere starts to bubble. There’s no standing around politely clapping here. This is music designed to get feet moving, heads nodding and hands waving.

The Arctic Numpties: Photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

Tracks such as the number one hit  I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor, the second song in the set, Fake Tales of San Francisco, Riot Van and another number one song When the Sun Goes Down are tailor-made for a room full of people who know every word. The Arctic Numpties, true to their word were taking us through that album, song by song, and the crowd loved it!

The musicianship is tight, the guitars have plenty of bite, and the vocals capture the distinctive Alex Turner attitude that made the original band such a phenomenon. The first set closed with the final cut from the album, the longest song on the album, A Certain Romance.

From the website – Arctic Numpties band members:

Ben Curry – guitar and lead vocals, Jack Walker – guitar, Tom ‘Sheepy’ Smart – drums and vocals, Nathan Mabey – bass guitar and vocals, George Beever – keys and guitar, Jack ‘Tomo’ Thompson – guitar, keys, percussion and vocals.

Set Two: The Hits and More

By the time the big anthems and fan favourites roll around, the distinction between stage and audience becomes less important. Now everyone is singing and everyone is moving. Two more band members had now joined, and a swap of clothing! Do I Wanna Know? from the album AM opens part two. This was quickly followed up with Brianstorm from the album Favourite Worst Nightmare.

Naturally, the audience played its part at The Factory Live. There are raised arms, enthusiastic choruses and enough bouncing about to make you wonder whether the venue’s floor has been professionally reinforced. Many ‘phones appear in the air fingers carefully poised to record favourite moments, although one suspects half the footage will consist of the back of someone’s head and a mysterious blur that might once have been a guitar. I know many of my photographs suffered that fate!

The Arctic Numpties: Photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

The beauty of the Arctic Monkeys’ catalogue is its range. One minute you’re bouncing along to a snarling guitar riff, the next you’re swept into a darker, moodier groove. The Numpties draw on that musical evolution, offering fans more than just a nostalgic run through the early hits. The sets tonight were brilliantly constructed and delivered an on point performance.

Other tracks in set two included Teddy Picker, Fluorescent Adolescent, and Crying Lightning, from the album Humbug, The album Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino wasn’t missed as we played the title track.

The Arctic Numpties: Photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

The second section tonight was made up with 13 songs. The set closed with RU Mine, not an album track but was released as a 7” single in 2012 for Record Store Day! A fabulous ending to a stunning set! The Arctic Numpties are no numpties when it comes to delivering the goods! A lively, guitar-driven celebration of one of Britain’s most beloved indie-rock bands, packed with familiar tunes, infectious energy and plenty of opportunities to sing like nobody is listening. The band were tight, playing their hearts out for some 26 songs, and having a blast.

They may not be the Arctic Monkeys themselves, but for one glorious evening, the Arctic Numpties bring the monkeys to the packed in crowd at The Factory. They leave the crowd drained but happy and yes, we did look rather good on the dancefloor!

The Arctic Numpties: Photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

 Well played guys and the crowd was magnificent, The Factory Choir nailed it!

Keep updated with The Arctic Numpties on Facebook here

Finn Sexton

Finn Sexton: Photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

Finn Sexton is a young and talented singer-songwriter from Essex who has been touring around the country as an acoustic artist since the age of 14. With a voice and stage presence that echos Weller, Turner and Doherty, his undeniable talent has already flown him to mainland Europe and back.

Heavily influenced by the mod/Brit-pop aesthetic, Finn brings a refreshing blend of style and substance to every set. His performances are stripped-back yet powerful—delivering strong vocals, accomplished guitar work and an engaging stage presence, blending vintage flair with a modern edge.

Finn Sexton: Photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

Here is a bright new star, oozing with talent and charisma. His voice, tone and range is something else. He held the large audience captive for his performance. He presented his own music such as the brilliant latest release, Hurricane, Eyes Wide Open and Lovesick. He also dropped in the occasional cover, much to the delight of the crowd who were just waiting for a chance to sing. His audience grew in numbers as his set progressed, pulling in gig goers from outside the venue.

I thought I recognised him! Going through the Scene Sussex archives, Finn was the lead vocalist of a band called Monumental and we had met when they supported The Jam’d. I recognised the voice and vocal work, which I recall impressed the hell out of me at the time, and he did it again tonight.

Whatever the occasion or venue, he carries himself with a quiet confidence and genuine gratitude. He pours his heart into his music, just watch him go! He believes in his music and the connection it makes.

Finn Sexton: Photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

Well done to Black Rabbit Productions for putting Finn on the bill tonight. He clearly got himself some new fans, me included, again! He really was a perfect opening support.

Keep in touch with Finn Sexton here on Facebook

The Factory Live

Another night at the award winning The Factory Live where the live music did exactly what it was supposed to do: shake the room and put a smile on people’s faces. The sound mix was spot on, we could hear the instruments and vocals clearly, great job. As always a top team on site! Check out what’s coming up on the WWW.

And Finally…

Thanks to The ARCTIC NUMPTIES and FINN SEXTON.

Huge thanks to Black Rabbit Productions – Black Rabbit Productions hosted the evening. They work hard promoting live music on the south coast. They are a promotion company with years of experience putting on music shows. Tonight was superb. They have some great gigs lined up, a great time is pretty much guaranteed with these guys. You can find Black Rabbit Productions on the WWW https://www.blackrabbitproductions.co.uk/ and thanks to The Factory Live Team – fabulous as always!

Words, Videos and Photos for Scene Sussex by Ian “The Lens” Bourn. No AI or filters used on photos, it’s pure and straight down “the lens”!

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