“SYML – Crossing Journeys in Manchester (9th October 2025)

13 minute read

We often hear that the world is a small place, and this week that was proven to be true.

Life is often lived on auto-pilot, with hardly a thought as to what we’re doing or why we’re doing it. We move from day-to-day, following habits and routines, surrounded by familiar faces whose presence we take for granted.

It’s reassuringly safe and the predictability is comforting, but every once in a while, things get shaken up. Every once in a while, we’re reminded of life’s magic.

Beyond the humdrum and the mundane, another side of life awaits. And when you step into it, paths will cross, experiences align, and memories are created.

This is an article that was never intended to be written, yet it’s a story that I wanted to share.

When I posted the recent article about SYML and the gatheryng in London, it was meant to be a one-off article. I talked about discovering his music and experiencing the incredible live performances, and I went into detail about my favourite songs and what they meant to me.

But for those of you that have read the article, you’ll remember a short epilogue in which I talked about a lady that climbed up on stage after the performance; a bold lady that took the setlists from the stage and then passed me a flower. ⁽¹⁾

Shortly after the publishing of the article, I received a DM through my Instagram page from a lady named Sylvia. Based in the Netherlands, Sylvia runs the SYML Facebook Fan Page, Just Come Home ⁽²⁾, and she also knew the lady that I’d written about; the stage invader.

She went by the name of Pg, and she was based in the UK. ⁽³⁾

In no time at all, Sylvia put the two of us in contact with each other, and what followed was a back and forth on What’s App, in which I got to know Pg a little better. We talked about the gig at Omeara and shared some banter about the setlist incident, and it turned out that we’d both be at the upcoming Manchester gig, later that week.

We vowed to get to the front of the crowd again, and though we made no plans to meet up with each other, I wondered if we somehow might.

Thursday 9^th October 2025 – Manchester Academy 2

Academy 2 is located inside the student union building of Manchester University. It’s a great venue with a nicely elevated stage, hosting a moderate-sized audience of 900 people.

I’ve been there a number of times over the years, seeing the likes of The Shins, Delays, Ministry, and most recently, Chris Shiflett (of Foo Fighters).

I arrived a good 90 minutes or so before the performance as there was some limited-edition SYML merchandise that I wanted to buy, most notably a hand-signed and individually numbered tour poster.

In recognition of my patience – having waited an hour for the merch stand to be set up – the lady very kindly allocated me the lowest numbered poster available, number 6 of 200. And with just 30 minutes to go until the doors opened, I was delighted to find myself waiting at the front of the queue, which all but guaranteed pole position at the front of the venue.

My night had gotten off to the best possible start.

But at the official ‘doors-open’ time of 7.30pm, the doors remained shut. And just a few moments later, a security guard turned up to advise everybody that we were queuing at the wrong set of doors, and that we had to make our way to the other side of the building.

My best possible start to the evening had now hit turbulent ground, and I started running down the stairs and across the building, all while cursing the building’s signage under my breath. ⁽⁴⁾

When I arrived at the correct set of stairs, I was convinced that the queue would be huge, and that I’d lost my chances of being at the front of the crowd. But as I reached the top of the stairway, panting and sweating, nobody else was there, save for the security guards that were ready to scan my ticket.

In spite of this early evening drama, I made my way into the venue, taking my place at the very front, on the barriers, immediately in front of the piano.

I had the tour poster. I was stood in a prime position. And though the Omeara setlist disappointment was still fresh in my mind, I couldn’t help but wonder if tonight would be my night.

Sarah Julia

Another endearing quality about SYML’s live shows is his ability to host talented support acts.

Over the past couple of years, he’s introduced us to Oska (KOKO, London 2023) ⁽⁵⁾ and Neomi (Omeara, London 2025), while introducing us tonight to the exceptional Sarah Julia, an act consisting of two sisters from the Netherlands.

Playing a six-song set that felt way too short ⁽⁶⁾, they epitomised everything that I love about an intimate gig. They were engaging, charming, and fully immersed; demonstrating a candid vulnerability as they explained the meaning behind each song.

But it was one song in particular that stole the show for me.

Daughters was a song that split my emotions in two; feeling heartbroken about the sad reality of its subject matter, while feeling charged and encouraged that somebody was speaking about it.

Because Daughters – as explained by Sarah Julia – is about the reality of feeling too afraid to go out at night, as women. This is a very real problem of the times that we live in, and though the world has always carried its threats – especially for the women of society – the simple fact is that it’s a problem that’s getting worse.

“I don’t wanna play it safe,

I don’t wanna hide away,

I don’t wanna fear having daughters.”

Daughters, Sarah Julia

I can only speak as a citizen of England – where women and children are being harmed at an alarming rate – but the problem seems to be widespread throughout much of Europe. And though the song was ambiguous enough to not point a finger in any particular direction, it was still enough to stir up acknowledgement in the room, while leaving you to reflect on what the song meant to you.

I could hear muted murmurs of agreement, coming from an English crowd that have become used to being silenced, but who are slowly finding their voices.

Addressing the problem still seems to be somewhat taboo, but I felt encouraged by Sarah Julia. Because silence can become conversation, a whisper can become a shout, and an individual can become a collective.

And eventually, people have to take notice.

As the two sisters ended their set and began packing away their equipment, I managed to get Sarah’s attention. As we both said hello, I asked if it would be okay to have their setlist, which was handwritten for the show. She seemed both surprised and happy that I’d asked for it, and I felt honoured when she gave it to me.

SYML

With the venue now full, I looked around a number of times, curious as to whether Pg had made it to the gig. But I couldn’t see her anywhere.

Though it would’ve been nice to have met her again, I accepted that maybe she’d decided to stand further back this time, or maybe she’d not been able to make it at all.

I checked my phone, curious as to whether she’d text, but there was nothing. My reception had also dropped out completely since entering Academy 2.

And then, at exactly 9pm, SYML took to the stage.

The band was dressed all in white, with the exception being Brian (Fennell) himself, who was in all-dark clothing; providing the contrast in colours that we’ve now come to expect.

Kyle Moore made a welcome return and Matt ⁽⁷⁾ was behind the drumkit, while Brian Eichelberger took his place between the two of them; elevated at the rear of the stage, with a presence that was as noticeable as always. Sadly though, there was no Zawadi Morrow.

I’d been really looking forward to seeing Zawadi again as, shortly before this gig, Zawadi had released his own solo track, The Justice Song. The Justice Song is a deeply personal and emotive track that is underpinned by Zawadi’s beginnings in the world.

Born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zawadi’s mother died giving birth to him, and with the family blaming Zawadi for her death, they wanted nothing to do with him.

But a young European couple opened up their hearts and their lives to take in an abandoned baby, to take in Zawadi from a world they didn’t know and from a culture they didn’t understand. And to this they gave 27 years of their lives.

The Justice Song is not only borne out of this background, but out of the work that Zawadi is pursuing through creative expression and while caring for vulnerable children. And it is in ‘the quiet nearness of God’, throughout all of this, that The Justice Song is found.

No matter what your religious beliefs may be, The Justice Song is a beautiful and uplifting track, and it provides some much-needed warmth and a welcome hug, in a world that seems to be losing its way.

I’ve embedded the video at the bottom of this article, and feel free to follow this link to read more, and follow this link to give Zawadi a follow on social media.

The gig started with Brian at the piano, immediately in front of me, and after briefly acknowledging the crowd, he went straight into performing Please Slow Down.

Next up was Girl, which begins as a delicate solo track, before ending with incredible power as the rest of the band joins in.

Just a matter of weeks before the show, SYML released their live album and video, Unplugged in Paris ⁽⁸⁾. Openly inspired by Nirvana’s Unplugged in New York, SYML’s offering is very much its own piece of beautiful art, while giving a respectful nod to the seminal 1994 recording by the late Kurt Cobain and co.

Though the instrumentally stripped-down show was associated with the Gatheryngs tour earlier in the year, its influence extended into this tour also.

The crowd remained respectfully silent throughout the evening, except when conversation was prompted by Brian, and the feeling switched alternately between intense focus and light-hearted entertainment.

About two thirds of the way through the gig, Brian opened up the staple Q&A portion of the evening. Some playful banter sparked with a couple of Scottish fans, their accents so strong that Brian struggled to understand what they were saying. Most Scots are used to this though, and rather than trying to cover this up, Brian tackled it head on in a way that was intuitive and well-received, with the audience as well as the band erupting in laughter.

But the best moment of all came at the end of the Q&A, when Brian began to introduce the next song.

“Okay everybody, this next song is called You and I.”

There’s a cheer from the crowd – including myself – but just before the first notes were played, a lady shouted to Brian.

“This was my wedding song!”

“This was your wedding song?” Brian asked.

“Yeah!” She replied.

“That’s really cool. Thanks.”

“Yeah. We’re divorced now though!” She added.

The audience burst into laughter, and smiling, Brian said “But I only released the song two years ago?”

“Yeah! I know!” The lady exclaimed, laughing.

After dedicating the song to the shortly-wed and newly-divorced member of the audience, Brian – at the end of the first verse – added an extra lyric into the song.

“Maybe that’s where you come in

Maybe that’s where you and I begin…

…and end”

SYML at Manchester Academy 2

These final two words invited a response that let the lady know that we were all laughing with her, not at her, and it was a wonderful dedication to make. The next time she hears the song at home, amongst the emotions that she may feel about her ex-partner, I am sure that she will also be able to remember the warmth of having been listened to and acknowledged by her favourite musician.

As the set began to draw towards its conclusion, SYML demonstrated yet further growth in their live performances, by blending two songs into one without any need for separation.

Sweet Home moved into Believer, with a transition that was impeccable, and then the final song of the main set was one of my new favourites, Carry No Thing.

After the band left the stage, an encore was all but guaranteed, yet the eager crowd didn’t take this for granted. Cheers rang throughout Academy 2, and a few moments later, an appreciative Brian, Kyle, Matt, and Brian E returned to the stage.

The three-song encore ⁽⁹⁾ was stunning, starting with their fan-favourite cover of The Chordettes’ 1954 classic, Mr Sandman. It’s a true example of how a cover version should be made when, rather than simply producing a carbon copy, it is instead a truly unique version; an artistic reimagining if you will.

This leads into the lyrically-brilliant Heavy Hearts, before rounding off the evening with the ever-present Where’s My Love?

This final track is all but guaranteed to be that one song that SYML will always play. The fan favourite. His breakthrough track. If SYML ever hit the big time and they’re stood on the main stage at Glastonbury, Where’s My Love? will still be that one song that receives the knowing nods in the crowd. It’s his foundation, his roots, his beginnings.

And as fans, we love it.

It’s my time!

While SYML were leaving the stage, my mind went straight to the setlist, and as the lights came back on, I went straight into mission mode.

I could see it, directly in front of me, just a couple of arms lengths away. And on top of that, nobody around me was eyeing it up. I appeared to be the only person interested in it.

This is it. It’s my time!

I began leaning over the barrier, trying desperately to get someone’s attention. No roadies had appeared so far, nobody was on the stage, but at the end of the barriers I spotted a security guard.

I began waving at him, trying to get him to notice me.

“Hi. Yep. Hey. Excuse me!” I exclaimed in fits-and-starts, arms waving the entire time, except for when I was eagerly pointing at the stage and the set list.

“Hey. Excuse me!” Still waving. Still pointing.

The security guard took a sip of his water and then he paused, seeming to notice me. And then he put down his bottle and stood to attention.

“Hi! Hello!”

He began walking towards me, his bright yellow t shirt beaming across the front of the venue like the sunshine. Mr Security Guard. Mr Sunshine. The gatekeeper of my set list.

I continued to wave. “Hi. Hello. Can I have. That. Set list.” I mouthed, while doing a waving and pointing hybrid gesture.

When he got just a few feet from me he turned to the stage and began peeling up the set list. It looked great. It was beautiful. And finally, it was mine.

“Oh, thank you” I said. “You wouldn’t believe how long I’ve been…”

But the security guard stopped me dead in my tracks, turning his back to me and walking back along the front of the stage, back to where he came from, and then he handed the setlist to somebody in the crowd.

“For fucks sake” I said quietly to myself, completely exasperated.

And as the crowd slowly began to disperse, I caught sight of the person that he’d given the setlist to. And then…

“I don’t believe it” I muttered. “You’re having a laugh!”

And there she was, with the setlist in her hand. Another setlist. Just like the one at Omeara.

It was Pg.

Again.

My setlist nemesis.

In spite of the initial disappointment, I actually found myself feeling far more amused by the outcome. I could see Pg, absolutely delighted with her new addition, and I made a bee-line for her.

She was stood with her back to me, chatting to her friends, with absolutely no idea that I was approaching.

And as I got alongside Pg, I leaned over her shoulder and said “I can’t believe you’ve got another bloody setlist.”

Startled, Pg jumped, but after recognising me she began to laugh and then turned around and gave me a hug.

“Elliot!! Where were you? I tried texting!”

“I was right there in the middle” I said, pointing at the barrier. “I’ve not got any reception in here at all. I kept a look out for you though.”

We stood chatting for a little while, and as the venue started to clear we made our way through the exit and down the stairs. We talked about the gig, what our highpoints were, and we chatted about our history as SYML fans, and how we’d both gotten to know Sylvia.

As we reached the lobby area, Sarah and Julia were stood at the merch stand, and I went over to say hello to them both. I took a moment to congratulate them on their set, and to tell them how much I appreciated them sharing the story behind each song.

And I also took the opportunity to tell them how much Daughters had meant to me, how powerful its message was, and how much I felt it needed to be heard.

Not wanting to outstay my welcome though, I wished them all the very best for the rest of the tour, and said that I hoped they’d return in the future.

And if they do, I will definitely be there.

Outside the venue, Pg and I weaved our way along the busy footpaths, as the oncoming crowds spilled out of Manchester Academy, where Killswitch Engage had just finished playing.

We talked of our interests and swapped a few stories, and then we reached a point at which we both needed to go our separate ways; the car park for me, and the pub for Pg and her friends.

We said our goodbyes, gave each other a hug, and then walked in opposite directions, knowing that our paths would cross again in the future.

And this is one of the wonderful things about music, and about anything that stirs a deep passion within people. That shared love and appreciation for something creates a feeling of community, and it’s something I’ve experienced a number of times before.

Back in the noughties, when my love for Feeder began taking me all around the country, I began to notice familiar faces, and those familiar faces began to notice me. Conversations would begin. Friendships would form. And shared memories were created.

And now, in 2025, it seems that another community may have been found.

Epilogue

After publishing the first article, A Gatheryng in London, I decided to send the article direct to SYML, not knowing if I would receive a response.

But to my surprise, I got a reply, and following a few complimentary words about my writing, came a few more words that have since proven significant.

“Life is a collection of millions of crossing journeys.”

How beautiful the truth of that statement is, because that is exactly what life is about. It’s about people. It’s about connection.

It’s about the journey.

When I think back over my life; the adventures, the experiences, the highs and the lows; the thing that has often underlined those times is the people that I met and the people that I shared them with.

People who are on their own journeys.

And it just so happened that their journey aligned with my own, just as mine aligned with theirs, on a particular time, and in a particular place. Whether that is by chance, or whether that is fate, they are crossing journeys.

Millions of them.

FOOTNOTES

⁽¹⁾ Which she gave to me after reading the disappointed look on my face. A look that said, hey, I wanted that bloody set list.

⁽²⁾ Just Come Home is named after the lyric from SYML’s breakthrough track, Where’s My Love? Sylvia’s story is an impressive one, having set up the fan page out of her love for SYML’s music, Just Come Home soon became endorsed by SYML’s management, and by Brian himself. At the time of first establishing contact with Sylvia, she’d seen SYML 27 times over the past 8 years, and at the time of writing this article, that figure is now standing at more than 30. Having also seem SYML perform in his hometown of Seattle, Washington, Sylvia is the definition of a dedicated fan.

⁽³⁾ As you’ve probably guessed, Pg is not her real name, but it’s what she wished to be referred to as in the article. I don’t know if it stands for Parental Guidance, PG Tips, or whether it’s the international dialling code for Portugal or Patagonia, but, Pg it is. I also wrote in the previous article that the group she was with had travelled over from America, which was based purely upon what I thought was an American accent. This underlines just how rubbish I am at recognising accents because, well, she’s English! And she’s from up north! So, well done Elliot, you’re a muppet after all, and on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being crap and 10 being genius, I scored a 0 on that one.

⁽⁴⁾ This is a legitimate issue at this building and one which needs to be rectified. As you enter the main doors to the student union, immediately opposite you there’s a sign next to a set of steps indicating that Academy 2 is on the first floor, and Academy 3 is on the second floor. As you ascend these steps and come to the first floor, there’s a door that faces you with a sign above it saying Academy 2. Believe it or not, this is the wrong door. Instead, as you enter the building, go over to your left and there’s a second sign that also signposts you to Academy 2 on the second floor, but this one leads you to a different set of stairs. This is the correct one. Please be aware of this if you’re visiting the venue as the signage is incredibly misleading. But as you read in the article above, I’ve been there a few times before, yet this problem still hasn’t sunk into my memory and I clearly haven’t learnt from it, which once again proves what a plum I am. As an additional note, following another recent visit to see Hazlett at Manchester Academy 3, the same rule applies with the signage.

⁽⁵⁾ Oska won over the crowd that night with her vulnerability. Though confident when performing, she also appeared timid between songs. And it was the balance of talent and gentleness that won everybody’s hearts, all of us willing her on, and in some ways making us feel protective of her.

⁽⁶⁾ Which only felt too short because I was enjoying them so much.

⁽⁷⁾ Unfortunately, Matt’s surname wasn’t mentioned, and I’ve also struggled to find him mentioned on social media. A Google search suggests it could possibly be Matt McCaughan, but I’m not completely sure. Sorry Matt!

⁽⁸⁾ The full concert is available to watch on You Tube, which you can access by clicking here. It’s also worth noting that SYML and Nirvana share the same origins of Seattle, WA.

⁽⁹⁾ The setlist from the gig shows that the encore should have featured four songs, starting with Nobody Lives Here. While answering a question from a fan during the Q&A, SYML were due to play a duet with Sarah Julia, but due to pre-gig technical issues they never got to rehearse, and therefore the duet sadly didn’t happen. Brian confirmed they’d be doing it the following night in London though, and after checking the setlist for London it appears that Nobody Lives Here would’ve been that song. This was a real shame as a SYML and Sarah Julia duet would’ve been the cherry on top of the cake.

Are you a fan of SYML already? If so, what are your favourite SYML tracks? Have you seen SYML live, and if so, where do you see him, and what was your experience?

Have you maybe only heard one or two of his tracks? Or is this article the first you’ve ever heard of SYML? What are your thoughts and opinions on what you’ve just read? Do you have anything to share that you feel that myself and other readers would appreciate knowing? Please feel free to leave a comment below and I’d love to begin a conversation with you.

If you’d like to receive more content like this direct to your email inbox, then please sign up to the Lossul.com newsletter by following this link. It would be an honour to have you as part of the Lossul.com community.

And just for clarity, no, I am not on commission for any SYML albums or tickets sold. This article is written purely as a fan and with a deep appreciation for SYML’s music. I hope you get a chance to enjoy him too.

Copyright note – I’ve tried to restrict the use of images to photos that I’ve taken myself, and to one universal photo that is widely available on the internet. If any copyright infringements have occurred, this has been unintentional.

Related articles:

SYML – A Gatheryng in London (7th April 2025)

Confessions of a Rock ‘n’ Roll Name Dropper – In Conversation with Laurie Kaye

I’d Forgotten How To Live (in Praise of Feeder)

Four Nights in Florence (with a Slice of Pisa)

The Myth About ‘Finding The One’

Share this article: