Slam Dunk Side Show Brings Broadside to Camden – 28th May 2026.

One of the best things about Slam Dunk’s run of side shows is getting the chance to see bands that would normally be spread across festival stages in venues where every reaction feels that little bit louder. The Underworld has always been one of London’s most reliable homes for alternative music, and on 28 May it played host to a bill that brought together three bands at very different points in their journeys. With Lacey opening, Happy Daze in the middle and Broadside headlining, it was a night built around melody, energy and a crowd that clearly knew exactly what they had come for.

LACEY

Opening the night were Lacey, the Nottingham-based alternative rock band who have spent the last decade building a loyal following within the UK scene. Since forming in 2011, they’ve released a string of EPs and albums while earning a reputation as a dependable live act. Their sound blends pop punk, alternative rock and modern emo influences, built around catchy choruses and honest songwriting.

This is the third time we have managed to catch Lacey live and the mix of good music, relaxed banter on stage combined with the energy they exude, its always a great evening. Graham, the lead singer, always manages to get the crowd fully engaged. There was no better start to an evening of great music.

The opening slot can often be a difficult one, especially with people still arriving, but Lacey handled it well. They kept things moving without overcomplicating anything and gradually drew more attention as the room filled out. There was a confidence to the set that comes from years of touring, and it showed.

You can follow Lacey here:

HAPPYDAZE

Next up were Happy Daze, one of the more exciting names to emerge from the UK alternative scene over the last few years. The Southampton band have steadily built momentum through a mix of emo, pop punk and alternative rock influences, combining upbeat melodies with lyrics that often explore anxiety, mental health and the realities of growing up.

What makes Happy Daze stand out is how relatable their music feels. There’s a sincerity to what they do that connects quickly, and that translated well live.

The crowd response noticeably stepped up during their set. More voices joined in, more movement appeared around the room, and there was a clear sense that a large portion of the audience was already familiar with the songs. Their energy on stage was infectious, so its no suprise how quickly their fanbase is growing.

You can follow Happydaze here:

BROADSIDE

By the time Broadside took the stage, The Underworld was packed. One of those nights you just know will be incredible and full of energy.

Formed in Virginia in 2010, Broadside has become one of the most recognisable names in modern pop punk and alternative rock. Over the years, they’ve developed from a straightforward pop punk band into something broader, bringing elements of alternative rock, indie, and modern pop into their sound without losing the energy that originally drew people to them.

Albums such as Old Bones, Paradise and Into The Raging Sea helped establish the band as a consistent presence within the scene, while more recent material has shown a willingness to evolve rather than simply repeat what has worked before. Frontman Oliver Baxxter remains at the centre of everything, with a vocal style that can shift comfortably between emotional moments and huge singalong choruses. Live, that versatility is one of Broadside’s biggest strengths.

From the first song, the crowd was completely invested. The room felt packed from wall to wall, with barely any space left on the floor. Every chorus seemed to be met with a wave of voices coming straight back at the stage.

What stood out most was how comfortable the band looked. There was no sense of rushing through songs or simply ticking off a setlist. Instead, they seemed happy to let moments breathe, interact with the crowd, and enjoy the atmosphere that had built throughout the evening. The genuine connection between the band and the crowd shone through, especially once the crowd surfers started rolling in, the band helping them as they reached the stage.

Musically, everything felt tight without becoming overly polished. The heavier guitar moments carried plenty of weight, while the band’s more melodic side remained front and centre. It gave the set a good balance and meant the energy stayed consistent from start to finish.

One of the biggest strengths of Broadside has always been their songwriting, and seeing those songs performed live reminded everyone why they’ve maintained such a dedicated fanbase. The emotional moments landed naturally, while the bigger choruses felt tailor-made for a room full of people singing along together.

You can follow Broadside here:

Slam Dunk side shows often provide some of the most memorable gigs surrounding the festival, and this was another strong example of why.

Lacey opened the evening confidently, Happy Daze continued to build the momentum, and Broadside delivered the kind of headline set that justified a packed room on a Thursday night in Camden.

More than anything, it felt like a celebration of the community that keeps this scene going. Three bands, one packed venue and a crowd that gave every act the reception they deserved.