Getdown Services hail Harry Styles and send message to the haters at Meltdown 2026

Getdown Services performed at the Harry Styles-curated Meltdown Festival in London’s Purcell Room on Tuesday, June 16. The Bristol dance-punk duo played a set featuring tracks from their 2023 album ‘Crisps’ and follow-up EPs, including a cover of Niall Horan’s ‘Dinner Party’.

The duo, consisting of singer Ben Sadler and guitarist/singer Josh Law, opened their set with Status Quo’s ‘Whatever You Want’. According to reports from the event, the band spent much of the show joking about the seated, lecture-theatre style of the Purcell Room, comparing the environment to “Question Time without the questions.”

Law and Sadler joked that Harry Styles’ decision to invite them suggested either “someone in Harry’s team needs sacking” or that Styles has “deeply concerning mental health.” The band also claimed that Styles “hates the RSPB loves ultra-nationalism” and confirmed he would not be joining them on stage.

Did You Know? Harry Styles joins a list of previous Meltdown curators that includes David Bowie, Patti Smith, Grace Jones, Nick Cave, and The Cure’s Robert Smith.

What happened during the Getdown Services performance?

The set culminated in a response to critics named “Ian and Martin” who had reacted negatively to the band’s performance of the single ‘Radiator’ on Later… With Jools Holland. Law told these detractors to “suck farts from my fucking arse” before playing the track.

The performance ended with ‘Caesar’ and ‘Dog Dribble’. Despite the band’s expressed concerns about the seated venue, the sold-out crowd remained on their feet for most of the show.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the tension between Getdown Services’ “mosh-heavy” reputation and the formal constraints of the Purcell Room created a specific performative friction. By leaning into the absurdity of the venue, the band maintained their brand identity while operating within a curated, high-profile arts environment.

Who else is performing at the Meltdown Festival?

The festival began on June 11 with a performance by Los Angeles-based band Warpaint, marking their first gig in nearly two years. Harry Styles also performed at the Queen Elizabeth Hall with the Jules Buckley Orchestra.

The event continues until June 21. Scheduled performers include Soulwax, Bar Italia, Jon Hopkins, Dev Hynes, Orlando Weeks, and LCD Soundsystem’s James Murphy.

When will Getdown Services release new music?

Getdown Services is scheduled to release a new album titled ‘Massive Champion’ on August 14 via Breakfast Records. This release coincides with a heavy touring schedule.

🔴𝐋𝐈𝐕𝐄 | Getdown Services at Harry Styles’ Meltdown 2026

The band’s upcoming dates include appearances at the Mablis Festival in Stavanger (June 19-20), Bristol Sounds Festival (June 24), and the Truck Festival in Oxford (July 24). They are also slated to return to London for a performance at The Roundhouse on December 8.

Upcoming Tour Dates

June 25: Latitude, Suffolk
July 26: Deer Shed Festival, Yorkshire
August 21: Green Man, Brecon Beacons
November 26: Galvanizers, Glasgow
January 16-17: Bristol Beacon, Bristol

Because the band is currently moving from a curated festival slot into a headline tour, they may see increased visibility leading up to the August album launch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who curated the Meltdown Festival this year?
Harry Styles curated the 11-night event, handpicking the performing artists.

What is the name of the upcoming Getdown Services album?
The new album is titled ‘Massive Champion’ and is set for release on August 14.

Which song did Josh Law cover during the set?
Josh Law performed a brief cover of ‘Dinner Party’ by Niall Horan.

Do you prefer high-energy dance-punk in traditional concert halls or seated theater settings?