As a rising hip-hop star turned multi–platinum album singer, he established himself in pop-punk and alternative rock around the world. Colson Baker, also known as Machine Gun Kelly, performed his first gig at The O2 Arena in London during his Lost Americana tour.
Machine Gun Kelly
The O2, London – 5 March 2026
Words: Naomi Hefter
Known for his beef with Eminem and for dating arguably the most beautiful woman on the planet, this 35-year-old has received a lot of negative press. But when you remove the media and peel away the persona, there is so much more to Machine Gun Kelly.
The stage name Machine Gun Kelly, or MGK, is derived from the nickname of Prohibition-era gangster George Kelly Barnes. Starting the gig with a bang, the song Outlaw from his latest album felt poignant. Flashes of his branded red and pink colours lit up the iconic stage. This song took the crowd on a metaphorical road trip, with sing-along lyrics, spirited energy and the feel of an adventure.
MGK has a way with words. Regardless of whether you enjoy his pop rap, hip hop, or post-punk sound, he is a true storyteller. From the 35 songs MGK performed at The O2, there was a flow of rapid rap, rebellious energy, and a raw, vulnerable stream of consciousness that flowed like harmonious diary extracts, yearning to be understood.
Rising star and guitarist Sophie Lloyd was also seen performing. Since joining MGK on tour in 2022, Sophie has been involved in some fantastic projects. As you focus on her performance, the fan-favourite track Bloody Valentine bursts into action. Everyone immediately cannot help but visualise the incredible music video – you know the one! This song was a huge hit during the 2020 lockdown and remains the anthem that energises and brings smiles to fans’ faces.
In the midst of the gig, a medley of British icons was featured, ranging from Phil Collins and Freddie Mercury to The Beatles. This could have seemed like an afterthought to fill time, but with seven studio albums to his name, that was not the case. This homage to British music only made him all the more charming.
As a classic pop-punk genre, MGK is characterised by his fast-paced, energetic tempos and emphasis on storytelling. His pop punk songs show prominent influences from other punk-variant genres, which were inspired by 1960s innovative pop bands such as The Kinks, The Beach Boys, and The Beatles.
There were personable, touching moments throughout the gig where MGK made minor mistakes, ones most would not have noticed. However, he did not hesitate to expose them, making him more real, more human.
Maybe this was his defence mechanism, and having received much negativity, he calls himself out before anyone else can. To the crowd, this only made him more likeable, engaging, and even endearing. The entire gig felt like a portrayal of his life, championing great songwriting alongside his anti-authoritarian stance. But with such clever songwriting, depth, and an arrangement of wordplay and complexity, it makes him a true artist.
Misunderstood, criticised, and frequently ridiculed, Machine Gun Kelly’s true talent lies in awe-inspiring lyrics, breaking down cleverly chosen words into syllables that leave an impact. Turning his most intimate thoughts and exposing them, poetically, to the world.
Love him or hate him, there is no doubt that his storytelling, persona, and goofy, shy kindness make him a special artist. Personable, playful, and passionate, this gig was a rendition through all his mistakes, his flaws and his inner demons.
To the passing of his father, to his undeniable love for his Twin Flame, this entire gig took you on an emotional, expressive, poetic journey.
