We love playing at 21st birthday parties – they’re always full of energy, excitement, and unforgettable moments. And in January 2025, TOAST had the privilege of bringing the party to life once again, this time at Couch on Campo Lane in Sheffield, as James celebrated his milestone 21st.
This gig was extra special for us because it wasn’t our first time with this family. Back in March 2023, we played at James’s brother’s 21st, so it felt a bit like coming home to old friends. When James’s family got in touch to book us for his big night, we knew straight away it was going to be something special.
A Party Atmosphere at Couch
Couch was the perfect venue for the night – stylish, intimate, and with plenty of space for a dance floor that was absolutely packed from start to finish. James’s friends and family brought an incredible atmosphere, and we could tell from the moment we set up that this was going to be one of those nights where everyone is up for a singalong.
Set One – Warming Things Up
We launched into the first set with “Bohemian Like You”, a track that always sets the tone with its cheeky swagger. From there, we kept the energy climbing with the singalong classic “Teenage Dirtbag.”
By the time we rolled through “She’s Electric” and “Alright,” the crowd were already belting the choruses right back at us. A dreamy rendition of “Dreaming of You” gave everyone a moment to sway before we picked up the pace again with the unmistakable “Park Life.”
The mix of indie and pop went down perfectly – “Love Machine” added a playful touch, while “Holiday” transported everyone to sunnier times. Sheffield pride came through loud and clear with “Heavyweight Champion of the World,” which had the locals in the crowd singing every word.
The set just kept building: “Somebody Told Me” brought that irresistible early 00s energy, before we dropped into Oasis with “Roll With It.” Crowd-favourite “Mardy Bum” got a huge response, and “Last Nite” had the dance floor absolutely buzzing. We wrapped up the first set with “Dakota” – an anthem that never fails to lift the roof.
Set Two – Full-On Party Mode
After a short break (and a chance for everyone to grab a drink and catch their breath), we launched back in with “Take Me Out.” That opening riff had the whole room bouncing, and the energy didn’t dip once from that point on.
From the soulful singalong of “Valerie” to the high-octane falsettos of “I Believe in a Thing Called Love,” the second set was all about keeping the dance floor alive. “Shut Up and Dance” lived up to its name, while our version of “Proud Mary” had the whole place moving.
The highlight of the night had to be “Mr Brightside.” As soon as we struck the first chord, the crowd erupted – it felt like every single voice in Couch was shouting the words back at us.
We kept the momentum going with “All the Small Things” and “I Bet That You Look Good on the Dancefloor,” before Sheffield was represented once again with “Common People.” By the time we hit “Chelsea Dagger” and “Sex on Fire,” the energy was through the roof.
We closed the main set with “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” a moment that had James, his family, and his friends arm in arm, singing their hearts out together – the kind of memory that makes 21st birthdays so unforgettable.
The Encore
Of course, the crowd weren’t ready to let things end there. For the encore, we slowed it down for a mass singalong of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” before finishing the night with the thumping beat of “Seven Nation Army.” The chants echoed long after we’d played the last note.
Final Thoughts
Playing for James’s 21st was an absolute joy – not just because of the incredible energy on the night, but also because it felt like being welcomed back into the family after his brother’s party nearly two years earlier.
Couch proved to be a brilliant venue, the set list hit every note, and James’s guests gave us back enough energy to fuel us for weeks.
If you’re planning a 21st birthday in Sheffield (or beyond) and want to make it a night to remember, live music from TOAST is the perfect way to get everyone singing, dancing, and celebrating together.
