There are plenty of gigs coming to Liverpool this September, but few arrive with quite the sense of purpose surrounding Sumud, a special fundraising concert at The Dome at Grand Central on Friday 11 September, organised by Amos Trust in support of its Gaza Appeal.
Bringing together an unusually strong line-up of established names, Palestinian voices and emerging talent, the evening promises music, solidarity and, importantly, a direct contribution towards humanitarian relief. Amos Trust describes itself as a creative human rights organisation committed to challenging injustice, building hope and creating positive change, and has worked in solidarity with Palestinians for more than three decades. And now Sumud: A Night of Solidarity and Song Comes to Liverpool.
At the heart of the bill is Paul Weller, who will perform an exclusive 30-minute acoustic set with longtime collaborator Steve Pilgrim. Weller’s involvement is particularly significant given his increasingly vocal support for Palestinian rights and the series of Gig for Gaza fundraising concerts he has organised, which Amos Trust says have raised more than £200,000 for humanitarian aid.
For Liverpool audiences, there is also the considerable attraction of Ian Prowse, whose career with Amsterdam and Pele has established him as one of the city’s most politically engaged and instinctively communal songwriters. He will be joined by Manchester guitarist Aziz Ibrahim, whose CV includes work with The Stone Roses, Ian Brown and Weller.
Irish singer-songwriter Declan O’Rourke adds another distinguished voice to the bill. His connection with Weller runs deeper than this evening, with Weller producing O’Rourke’s 2021 album Arrivals.
There is an international dimension too. Rasha Nahas, the Haifa-born Palestinian artist, brings a distinctive musical voice shaped by questions of identity, memory and belonging. Nahas has previously appeared in Amos Trust’s own Pop Goes Palestine series, discussing the way Palestinian music can amplify culture and build networks of resistance and solidarity.
Completing the announced line-up is Amelia Coburn, the North East folk artist whose gothic, cinematic songwriting has earned praise from both Weller and Paul Heaton. Her 2024 debut album, produced by Bill Ryder-Jones, has developed a growing cult following, while her appearance on Weller’s recent album Find El Dorado has further raised her profile.
The title of the evening, Sumud, is particularly apt. The Arabic word is commonly associated with steadfastness, resilience and remaining rooted in the face of adversity. Here, that idea is expressed through something Liverpool knows particularly well: music as a way of bringing people together.
With doors opening at 6pm and music from 7pm, Sumud offers considerably more than a strong Friday-night line-up. Every ticket contributes to Amos Trust’s Gaza Appeal, making this an opportunity to enjoy an exceptional evening of music while helping support humanitarian relief.
Sumud: A Night of Solidarity and Song takes place at The Dome at Grand Central, 35 Renshaw Street, Liverpool, on Friday 11 September. Tickets are £45 standing or £55 seated.
