Music Critic Libby Anderson reviews Leon Thomas’ MUTTS DON’T HEEL tour, praising his endless talent whilst performing a ‘technically flawless and emotionally electric set’
Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, Leon Thomas is renowned as one of the most exciting R&B artists of this generation. 2025 was the year the fog cleared, and his sheer musical force became impossible to ignore. As summer was about to slip away, the resurgence of his song ‘MUTT’ became a cult classic, reaching the top 20 in the UK Singles Chart and Billboard Top 100. Despite its release a year earlier, Thomas refused to give up on the hit, believing it was worthy of greater admiration. After a slew of TikToks made, looping radio play and fans delving deeper into the album MUTT, he won two Grammys for Best R&B Album and Best R&B Performance for ‘VIBES DON’T LIE’.
So, it was no surprise that his European and UK MUTTS DON’T HEEL tour was met with an unshakeable excitement. Upon arrival at the O2 Academy Birmingham, a never-ending stream of fans were wrapped around the building, all eager to get inside and witness his artistry firsthand. There was a buzz in the air, perhaps fuelled by overpriced drinks, but nonetheless inciting community within the crowd. As if the anticipation couldn’t be heightened any more, DJ Toney Handsome kicked things off with a bang. He seamlessly mixed everything from KAYTRANADA and Beyoncé to Michael Jackson and Don Toliver. Time dissolved, easing the crowd’s restlessness for Leon Thomas. A standout moment came when the venue briefly transformed into Hollywood Arts, as Victorious throwbacks like ‘Make It Shine’ and ‘Song 2 You’ paid homage to Thomas’ early career as Andre Harris.
He flaunted his hydrated vocals that blended melodic runs with neo-soul rap effortlessly
Bounding onto the stage, Leon Thomas exuded both an inimitable coolness and a fierce energy. Sporting aviator sunglasses and a slouched beret, he had a Lenny Kravitz-esque vibe about him. This was especially fitting considering Thomas is supporting him this coming summer. Beginning with certified banger ‘HOW FAST’, he flaunted his hydrated vocals that blended melodic runs with neo-soul rap effortlessly. The track focuses on the whirlwind pace in which his career has developed, leaving him wondering ‘how fast can I go ‘til it goes bad?’ The car revving in the song’s layering left the crowd stunned at the precision of the song’s message and unable to stop grooving.
Thomas was smiling and beaming throughout, and this was a special gig for him too. He announced he had been crowned Best New R&B Artist and awarded R&B Album of the Year by iHeart Radio that day and was clearly reflecting over his soaring success. He then launched into the masterpieces of ‘DANCING WITH DEMONS’ and ‘FAR FETCHED’, and at one point fell to his knees as he flawlessly executed an electric guitar solo. It felt that he was truly there to connect with his fans and play the music he loves so much.
He truly has a song for every emotion
With fans screaming in awe, he moved on to his slower, smoother songs like ‘LUCID DREAMS’, where he continues to grapple with themes of romantic and complex relationships and how this entwines with his fame and success. He truly has a song for every emotion, and it is fascinating to see live how he connects to his music so personally. He converges multiple genres from Jazz and R&B to Soul and Hip-Hop, and every listen to his music exposes a new corner of his musical range.
During ‘VIBES DON’T LIE’, the crowd went wild as Thomas and his band rocked out and even then, Thomas did not miss a single note. Flinging roses out into the crowd, it was hard not to be mesmerised by Thomas’ stage presence and multi-instrument talent. Thomas then went on to play my favourite songs ‘My Muse’ and ‘Just How You Are’ from his latest album PHOLKS, and I cannot comment too much on his performance because I was too engrossed in yelling the lyrics at my friend. However, Thomas also seemed to enjoy playing these tracks, as he could not stop smiling, laughing, and engaging with the crowd: ‘We about to catch a heart tonight, make some noise for yourselves.’
He is regularly labelled as one of the most multi-skilled R&B artists right now, and this solo certified that
Leaping into the crowd during his sultry track ‘Sneak’, he retained the same energy and vocal strength he began the show with. ‘Sneak’ is such an earworm that I think the crowd forgot just how explicit the lyrics they were belting out were. He then disappeared onto the back of the stage and before I could wonder where he had gone, he delivered one of the most impressive and passionate drum solos I have ever seen. He is regularly labelled as one of the most multi-skilled R&B artists right now, and this solo certified that. He leant into his slower songs, performing both ‘Slow Down’ and a fantastic mash up of his song ‘YES IT IS’ and ‘Say Yes’ by Floetry. After a few more Electric Dusk tunes, he rounded the show off with the very song that catalysed his rise to fame, ‘MUTT’. Even when leaving the show, there were continuous mutters of ‘I’m a dog I’m a MUTT.’
You may be wondering if I had any negative feedback of the show and I seriously have no notes. It is rare for me to leave a show with so little critique, but it was both a technically flawless and emotionally electric set. I implore you to see Leon Thomas if you get the chance.
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