London-based post-punk band Shame headlined a performance at Village Underground on June 6, 2026, as part of the SXSW London festival. The five-piece band, consisting of Charlie Steen, Eddie Green, Sean Coyle-Smith, Josh Finerty, and Charlie Forbes, returned to the stage following a tour of Asia to showcase their evolving sound and recent musical projects.
The Evolution of Shame
Shame first emerged as a prominent force in the British guitar scene with the release of their 2018 debut album, Songs Of Praise. According to their lead singer, Charlie Steen, the band formed when the members were teenagers practicing in a room above a pub, where they were influenced by punk acts such as The Fall and The Stooges.
The group’s discography has shifted over the years. Following their debut, they released the albums Drunk Tank Pink and Food For Worms. Their most recent project, the 2025 album Cutthroat, marks a return to the playful, chaotic energy that defined their earlier work. As noted by Adem Holness, Head of Music at SXSW London, the band has built their career on their own terms, contributing to a broader movement of artists who define the current UK music landscape.
Shame at SXSW London 2026
The SXSW London festival, which ran from June 1 to June 6, 2026, featured a diverse lineup of international and local artists. The festival aimed to transform East London into a hub for cultural discovery, hosting performers such as Tiwa Savage, ODUMODUBLVCK, Rachel Chinouriri, and Circa Waves across various Shoreditch venues.
Shame’s inclusion in the festival lineup underscored the event’s focus on scenes and communities that drive cultural progress. Their headline show at Village Underground served as a focal point for the festival’s final day, highlighting the band’s transition from young breakout artists to established figures in the post-punk genre.
Key Takeaways
- Formation: The band members began playing together as teenagers in South London, drawing early inspiration from The Fall and The Stooges.
- Discography: Their evolution spans from the 2018 debut Songs Of Praise to the 2025 release Cutthroat.
- Festival Role: Shame was selected as a headline act for the 2026 SXSW London festival, which ran from June 1 to June 6.
- Industry Impact: The band is recognized for their role in the post-punk resurgence alongside other acts like Idles and Fontaines D.C.
As the band continues to tour, their performance at SXSW London represents the intersection of their early DIY roots and their current status within the global music industry. The festival’s programming, which included artists like Sega Bodega and ODUMODUBLVCK, sought to highlight how modern musicians are navigating the changing landscape of live performance and cultural expression.