LIVE FROM THE PIT: Millie Manders and the Shutup and Wrex

On the penultimate night of their Choose the Bear tour, Millie Manders & The Shutup rolled into Leicester and turned up the volume at the newly opened International — a venue that’s quickly picking up the grassroots baton after the unfortunate closure of a beloved local space. It’s no easy task to replace a fan-favourite venue, but credit where it’s due — this place already feels like it belongs on the UK’s rock circuit.

Opening the night were Wrex, a band I’d been curious about ever since their slick, high-impact reels started peppering my feed. Live, they more than delivered. Normally a two-piece, they hit the stage in full band mode with added bass and drums — not as an afterthought, but with the kind of tight chemistry you’d expect from a seasoned touring unit.

Wrex don’t just play songs — they throw everything at the wall and make it stick. Their set was a genre-blurring alt-rock whirlwind: punchy, chaotic in all the right ways, and impossible to take your eyes off. They owned the stage with constant motion, presence, and energy. And they didn’t just vanish after their set either — they stuck around chatting with fans and signing merch. Pure class.

Then came Millie Manders & The Shutup, a band who never fail to prove why they’re one of the most exciting forces in UK punk. Their set was a masterclass in controlled chaos — a fusion of ska bounce, punk fire, heavy riffs and purpose-driven lyrics that hit hard but never preach. This wasn’t just a gig, it was a rallying cry.

Whether they’re raging against injustice or shining a spotlight on marginalised voices, Millie and co. perform with urgency, intent, and passion — but never lose the fun. The crowd fed off their energy and gave it right back, making the whole venue feel electric.

This gig had everything that makes grassroots shows so vital: two bands giving it their all, a room full of people who get it, and a venue doing its part to keep the scene alive. If this tour proves anything, it’s that Millie Manders & The Shutup aren’t just here to entertain — they’re here to wake people up. And Wrex? Definitely a name to remember.

Words: Joshua Cunningham