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By K Futur LOCALDerby’s grassroots live music scene delivered one of its most emotional and electric nights of 2026 on Wednesday 18 February, as touring headliners Foreign Voices brought their UK run to the city, supported by local favourites Skeeve and high-energy indie rockers Hot Fuzz.
What unfolded was more than just another Derby gig. It was a farewell, a celebration, and a reminder of why Derby’s live music community continues to thrive.
Skeeve’s Final Gig: A Proper Send-Off for a Derby Favourite
First up were Skeeve-and from the opening notes, you could feel the weight of the occasion.
After two and a half years of building a loyal following across Derby and beyond, this was officially their final show. The lads are moving on to new projects, but on this night, there was no sense of sadness overshadowing proceedings. Instead, it felt like a full-blown celebration of everything Skeeve have achieved on the Derby grassroots circuit.
The crowd turned out in force. From the very first track, mosh pits erupted and didn’t let up all set. Bodies were lifted onto shoulders, voices rang out in unison, and every lyric was shouted back at the stage. It was chaotic in the best possible way-the kind of energy you only get when a band truly means something to its audience.
They pulled out deep cuts and fan favourites alike. Hearing Grip My Wrists live again-for the first time in a long timesent the room into overdrive. Their final ever single Cardinal landed with emotional weight, and classics like Scare (still a personal favourite) triggered huge sing-alongs.
Then came the closer. Their first ever single, Whiskey. One final mosh pit. One last communal scream of the chorus. A circle of sweat, noise and gratitude.
What a fantastic set. What a send-off.
If this crowd reaction is anything to go by, Skeeve will be deeply missed on the Derby live music scene. But if this is the end of one chapter, it’s also the start of several new ones.
Hot Fuzz Bring Indie Swagger and High-Octane Energy
Next up were Hot Fuzz, bringing their usual high energy and unmistakable swagger to the stage.
Their sound sits comfortably in indie rock territory but with a grunge-tinged bite-loud, fast-paced and built for sweaty venues. The crowd barely had time to catch their breath before bouncing straight back into it.
Heads were bopping, arms were raised, and lyrics were being hurled back at the band with confidence. When they launched into Prove My Worth, the reaction said it all. It’s fast becoming their anthem-and judging by the front row, it already is. I spotted more than a few Hot Fuzz trucker caps in the crowd, and those fans knew every word.
Another high-octane performance from the lads, further cementing their place as one of Derby’s most exciting rising live acts.
Foreign Voices Headline Derby on Their UK Tour
Then came the headliners-Foreign Voices-bringing their UK tour to Derby.
They kicked things off with a story from the first night of the tour in Whitehaven. According to the band, it involved two fights, one bout of vomit, and a Staffordshire Bull Terrier belonging to the sound engineer, who apparently left before they’d even finished soundcheck. Just his staffy wandering around the stage. Rock and roll chaos before the first note had even been played.
Thankfully, Derby offered a far more controlled-but no less intense-environment.
Musically, Foreign Voices delivered a set rooted in alternative and experimental rock. At times, the atmosphere leaned into something slightly gothic-brooding, textured, immersive. Their songwriting feels deliberate and layered, with moments that build tension before releasing into powerful, driving sections.
I was particularly impressed by their new track Snakes and Ladders. It carries that haunting, atmospheric quality while still feeling immediate and live-ready. It’s a strong addition to their catalogue and landed brilliantly with the Derby crowd.
There’s something refreshing about a touring band choosing Derby as a destination. It shows faith in the city’s live music culture-and on nights like this, that faith is repaid.
Derby’s Grassroots Scene Continues to Thrive
Wednesday 18 February 2026 wasn’t just another date on a UK tour poster. It was a reminder of why Derby’s grassroots music scene matters.
You had:
- A local band playing their final ever show to a packed, passionate crowd
- Another rising Derby act stepping up with confidence and style
- A touring alternative rock band delivering an atmospheric headline set
From mosh pits and crowd-surfing to heartfelt farewells and new music previews, the night had everything.
Foreign Voices left Derby with new fans. Hot Fuzz left with momentum. And Skeeve left with a legacy.
Let’s hope Foreign Voices return on the next tour cycle-because if this gig proved anything, it’s that Derby is always ready.
