NECK DEEP!

February 14, 2025

Update from Anna

Founded by lead vocalist Ben Barlow, Neck Deep has been a monolith in the punk rock scene for the past 10 years. Formed in Wales, UK, their early EP success skyrocketed them to peak popularity. ‘Rain in July’, their debut EP, held the secret ingredient to their success, a significant culture shift was impacted by the 2012 release of ‘A Part of Me’ featuring an emotional and impactful performance from Laura Whiteside and Ben Barlow alongside the rest of the Neck Deep performers. The music video of this track, which has surpassed 22 million views, had a huge impact on early 2010s punk-rock. A fresh decade accepted Neck Deep’s music with open arms, perfectly catchy and relatable. It really stuck with their fanbase and community; it’s one of those songs that is unforgettable. In a live performance of ‘A Part of Me (Acoustic) presented by Dr. Martens’ was uploaded to YouTube with almost 5 million views, uploaded May 29th, 2014. A performance has never truly captured this song so perfectly without the crowd's support. The crowd singing Laura Whiteside’s part the song is designed to be this call and response, which is challenging but gorgeously recorded; check out that video for The verses are sung in tandem and harmony with the intention for the audience to be this choir. No better example of understanding the assignment, in the video, Ben Barlow’s face is alight with joy as he hears his lyrics sung back to him. Their debut album, Life’s Not Out to Get You in 2015 still stands the test of time. Providing one of their most streamed songs of all time ‘December’ which continues to land on every pop punk, rock and midwest emo playlist one can imagine. Simply iconic and legendary for the genre,

It all got started in 2012, after multiple lineup changes and lots of experimenting, the group was flexible with switching up their official lineup throughout the years. Monumentally, they signed with Hopeless Records in 2013 where they have been continuously releasing music under for the last decade. Hopeless has a good rep in the label industry, created to put the focus on the artist and let them do what they do best; create.

On the US leg of the ‘Dumbstruck, Dumbf*ck’ tour, with support from The Home Team and Like Roses, Neck Deep brought their iconic stage, crew and lighting design to The Rave in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. With extreme energy and a high attention to detail, the show flowed perfectly on time with an excited crowd and full house. From the second that Neck Deep hit the stage, this crowd was singing along to every word. There were many highlights on this night; that’s what Neck Deep is known for. Most pop punk bands can hold their own, but expect that same reaction and energy from the crowd. To which the people of Wisconsin did not disappoint, loads of mosh pits and crowd surfing is a regular occurrence at Neck Deep shows. The fans, literally, hold each other together, although it may appear violent. This experience is a really special one for the fan who gets to ride the wave over the arms of fellow fans, at a certain time to a song that means a lot to them. Ben Barlow loves to see fans making their way over the barricade, constantly fist bumping or throwing a point to those as they float above the crowd. For their song “She’s a God,” Barlow announced this songs’ mosh pit was strictly open for girls only; a unique proposition. Well, the crowd did not disappoint, for the whole song, I saw the love and safety of a slower moving, all-girl pit. The crowd graciously helped girls get up in the air for this iconic song. Energy was absolutely through the roof the entire night, from start to finish.

Lyrics:

“She’s a God / She’s a freak like Madonna / She’s a God / Carry me to Nirvana / She’s a God”

Check out Neck Deep on social media and on a tour near you. Next up for them is a huge world tour across Europe, Australia and Asia.

Setlist:

Dumbstruck, Dumbfuck

Sort Yourself Out

Motion Sickness

Gold Steps

Smooth Seas Don’t Make Good Sailors

She’s a God

Go Outside!

It Won’t Be Like This Forever