Liverpool’s indie and alternative scene is about to reignite! On Saturday 11th October, female-fronted grunge rock trio Skating Polly will return to the city for what promises to be a ferocious, sold-out show at Rough Trade Liverpool — a place that’s become something of a spiritual home for underground acts.
The electric night of alternative rock is being put on by local promoter John King, who has been bringing some real gems to the city. Supporting Skating Polly on the night is UK rising punk / ska-inflected outfit Millie Manders & The Shutup — expect a high-voltage performance like no other from both acts.
Hailing from Oklahoma, Skating Polly consists of sisters Kelli Mayo and Peyton Bighorse (and often joined by drummer Kurtis Mayo). They’ve built a reputation for swaggering minimalism — swapping instruments mid-set, merging raw punk spirit with melodic sensibilities, and delivering emotionally unguarded songs rooted in grunge, indie, riot grrrl, and beyond.
Their Liverpool date isn’t their first in the city — Skating Polly have played Liverpool in recent tours, with strong local response. In fact, their presence on Rough Trade’s schedule signals both the respect they’ve earned and the devotion of fans in the region.
Given their catalogue, listeners might expect a set drawing from recent favourites — explosive numbers like They’re Cheap (I’m Free), more intimate vocal moments, and instrumental swaps between Kelli and Peyton (bass, guitar, drums) to keep the energy unpredictable. In short: expect bruising guitar riffs, harmonies that juxtapose grit and vulnerability, and a sense of intimacy even within the crowd’s roar.
Opening the evening is Millie Manders & The Shutup, a London-based act whose genre-blending punk, ska, and post-hardcore influences make them a force to watch. Their 2024 album Wake Up, Shut Up, Work has drawn strong reviews — praised for its raw energy, activism-tinged lyrics, and bold stance on personal and political issues.
Songs like “Angry Side,” “Shut Your Mouth,” and “Me Too” showcase their ability to channel anger, vulnerability, and protest into anthemic hooks. In interviews, Manders emphasises the importance of musical expression as activism and community-building, positioning the band not just as performers, but as speakers for causes that resonate deeply with their audience.
Their tour schedule sees them supporting this show up and down the UK this October, making Liverpool a key stop. The result? A support act that doesn’t shy away from intensity — raw, loud, opinionated — but also one that can lean in atmospherically, creating contrast to the headliner.
Mark your calendars and brace yourselves for a night of kick-ass grunge, rock, punk and ska at Rough Trade — one of Liverpool’s go to destinations for alternative, underground music. Saturday 11th October is shaping up to be an incredible night of attitude, electric energy and a reminder of why live music is vital.
Skating Polly and Milly Manders & The Shutup / Sat 11th October 2025, 7pm / Rough Trade, Hanover Street, Liverpool
Skating Polly photos courtesy of Tim Hiatt / Milly Manders photos courtesy of Tina Korhonen
