Catfish and the Bottlemen are facing public ridicule following the announcement of their upcoming tour venues. The band excitedly revealed plans for two stadium shows scheduled for August 2025, with one set to take place at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff and the other at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. This decision sparked a wave of jokes on social media, with one post highlighting that the “jokes write themselves.”
Critics drew parallels between the band’s name and the performance of the Tottenham Hotspur football team, which has been labelled as ‘bottle jobs’ by fans due to underwhelming performances in recent years. Social media users wasted no time in poking fun at the choice of venue, with one user sharing a GIF of Homer Simpson laughing hysterically alongside the caption “THE BOTTLEMEN PLAYING AT SPURS.”
Moreover, a misunderstanding regarding the date of a North London Derby game between Arsenal and Tottenham added to the comedic banter online. Some users expressed doubts about Catfish and the Bottlemen’s ability to fill a 60,000+ capacity stadium, suggesting that smaller venues might be more suitable for the band.
Despite the band’s comeback and upcoming festival appearances, including a headline slot at Leeds Festival, the decision to perform at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has been met with skepticism. Fans shared concerns about the band’s lack of new music and questioned their ability to sell out such large venues, with one commenting, “No new music and no chance they sell these out, shambles.”
As the tour announcement continues to generate mixed reactions, it remains to be seen how Catfish and the Bottlemen will navigate the public mockery and deliver a successful tour experience for their fans in 2025.