What started as a tongue-in-cheek social media post has spiralled into one of London’s most unusual rock shows. After racking up millions of TikTok views and reaching more than 20 million people online, British rock band The Wild Things are transforming a viral internet moment into a live concert spectacle at London’s iconic Hard Rock Cafe.
The four-piece band, fronted by actress and singer Sydney Rae White (Netflix/BBC’s Uncle and Hollywood blockbuster American Assassin), recently asked followers across social media to submit the names of their exes. Fans were encouraged to send in the names of former partners so they could be called out on stage as part of a one-of-a-kind live celebration of letting go and moving on.What began as a playful online joke quickly snowballed into a movement, with thousands of heartbroken, angry and completely-over-it fans sharing the names of former partners.
Those submissions have already become the artwork for the four singles in the band’s upcoming release campaign, beginning with the first single, LET GO!, which will be released via PEG Records and distributed by ADA. Now, they’re taking things one step further.
On Friday 24th July, The Wild Things will perform at the legendary Hard Rock Cafe on Park Lane, a venue that has previously hosted artists including Aerosmith, The Police and Sir Paul McCartney. Behind the band will stand a giant projector live streaming thousands of exes’ names collected from fans around the world who have texted in.
The show will also be livestreamed, with audiences both in the room and online invited to text in additional names throughout the performance, turning the event into a giant, communal celebration of moving on.
For The Wild Things, the project is about much more than revenge.
Sydney Rae White said:
“Everyone has an ex they regret. What started off as a small joke online morphed into an entire movement for 20 million people. This show is for everyone who’s been gaslit, screwed over, lied to, hurt or broken. This show AND this EP.
It’s really easy to dismiss something like this, but it has meant so much to so many people. We’re so proud to have become a mouthpiece and a safe space for fans to share their broken relationship stories. And it’s proof that things don’t always have to be so serious. Life is fun! Let’s all get together and call your ex a jerk.”
The band hope the experience creates a sense of connection for fans navigating heartbreak, reminding people they are not alone and that moving on can be something shared rather than suffering in silence.
Fronted by Sydney Rae White alongside Rob Kendrick (guitar), Cameron White (bass) and Pete Wheeler (drums), The Wild Things have built a reputation for explosive live performances and an uncompromising rock sound.
The band have built a reputation for delivering high-energy live performances, with their first-ever US show taking place at Madison Square Garden. They have since performed at some of the world’s most iconic venues, including the Royal Albert Hall, Manchester AO Arena and MGM Grand Las Vegas.
Their acclaimed second album, Afterglow, was co-produced by legendary guitarist Pete Townshend of The Who, who also contributed as both a writer and performer across several tracks.
Meanwhile, the band’s online audience continues to grow rapidly, generating millions of views and hundreds of thousands of likes across TikTok while attracting tens of thousands of engaged followers.
With a new EP on the horizon and a viral social media joke now evolving into a full-scale live event, The Wild Things are proving that heartbreak, humour and rock and roll remain a powerful combination.