This is far from the first time I’ve mentioned Amber Run on my blog. In fact, when I started Kaleidoscopic Melodics, I always knew I’d have to make a conscious effort not to turn it into an “Amber Run fansite” (guilty). However, after a night of seeing them at Paris’ exquisite Théâtre de l’Athénée, I knew it was an experience I simply had to relive.
The Spark That Lit the Fire: My Story with Amber Run
Firstly, I want to take you back to the 30th of January, 2017— a night I hold very dear to my heart. It was a week after my 20th birthday, and as someone who has lived with a chronic illness my entire life, my teenage years were particularly difficult. Amber Run has a song called Spark (one of my favourites), with the lyrics: “Well, then it’s that feeling that you, you just can’t shake. That your life’s about to start and you just can’t wait.” Those words perfectly capture how that night felt to me.
Joe, Tom, and Henry were the first musicians I ever had proper conversations with. That moment truly sparked something within me, because ever since, I’ve made it something of a personal mission to have significant conversations with many artists whose music I adore.
So, that’s a little glimpse into why this band means so much to me. Not to mention all the times their music has comforted me through lonely tears, as well as the joy I’ve found singing and dancing alongside the many wonderful Amber Run fans I’ve met over the years.
I Travelled to London, But I Found Amber Run in Paris
Now, onto the next part of my tale. You know how they say “God works in mysterious ways”? Well, it’s true—and very relevant to this story.
I had originally booked a ticket to see Amber Run at their London date on the How It Used To Be acoustic tour. The day arrived, and I travelled down to London. Sitting in my hotel room, I decided to check my emails to find my ticket… but I couldn’t see it anywhere. Had I accidentally deleted it?
I checked my bank statements— nothing. No sign of a purchase. Strange. I could have sworn I’d booked it, but I started to question myself. Had I imagined it? Had my grief-stricken mind somehow deceived me? In the end, that’s what I put it down to. I didn’t see Amber Run in London; instead, I took myself out for a meal.
It was there that I had a completely spontaneous idea: Paris!
After the most intensely painful 18 months of my life, I knew there was one thing I wanted, and deserved, to do: see one of my all-time favourite bands. This way, I could see Amber Run and experience Paris. It felt like a no-brainer. So, I messaged my mum, told her my plan, and booked my flights.
Paris, here I come.
As it turns out, I later found my London ticket… in my text messages. I had booked it after all. At least my sanity was still (somewhat) intact— but let’s just gloss over that part.
The universe had clearly decided to take me on a bit of a detour, so I could go on a bigger, better, and more meaningful journey. Because if I’d seen Amber Run in London, I would never have even considered going to Paris— and going to Paris to see them turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Where Music Met the Moment
Cue the most magical night, in one of the most beautifully grand and elegant French theatres, Théâtre de l’Athénée. I was seated up in the gods, with the most extraordinary view of the entire room.
Néomí opened the evening as the support act and quickly stole a piece of my heart with her chatty ADHD charm (very relatable) and her soft, heartfelt music.
As someone who’s seen my fair share of Amber Run gigs, I can confidently say this was the quietest audience I’ve ever experienced at one of their shows. Even Joe himself paused to acknowledge it, saying, “fuck me, it is quiet”— a stark contrast to a Nottingham crowd (where I’ve seen them most often), that’s for sure.
My first live acoustic Amber Run performance and I couldn’t have imagined a more perfect setting. The venue complemented the stripped-back sound beautifully. And let’s take a moment for Henry’s harmonies, because honestly, wow. The acoustic atmosphere allowed every element to shine in a way that felt both intimate and exceptional.
Amber Run’s Music Is One of My Favourite Forms of Therapy
The only way I could have loved the setlist more is if Heaven Is A Place had made an appearance. (It’s another one of my favourites, and I’ve still never heard it live.) That said, I really can’t complain. With stripped-back versions of Haze, Affection, Hurt, and What Could Be As Lonely As Love, alongside a beautiful cover of The Night We Met by Lord Huron, plus newer additions to the Amber Run discography like Sunflower, Jane, and Home, I felt completely spoiled by the setlist.
Joe even joked mid-set that they’d only been playing sad songs, with “two happy songs” thrown in as a mid-set break, giving everyone a chance for their tears to dry. It made me laugh, because it’s so true. An Amber Run gig guarantees me a cathartic cry, and this time was no exception. Let’s just say it was a good job I was right at the back, in a very dark room… I was full-on sobbing. And honestly? It was exactly what I needed.
I don’t even want to imagine my life without Amber Run— not just because of the music, but because of the people. From getting to know and care about the band themselves, to the special sense of community within the fandom, it all means a lot to me. I’ve met some wonderful friends through our shared love of their music. The three of them, along with their fans, all carry this soft-soul-energy, and I feel very lucky to be part of something that feels so warm and wholesome.
You can listen to Amber Run’s latest EP release here, and you can read my 2025 interview with Henry and Joe here.
Words: Emily Leonard
i was up, i was down, then i was up again! what a ride. i’m glad you got to experience amber run in paris ❤️ and HENRYYYY, i hardly ever see anyone mention his vocals 😭 they are enchanting.
❤️