Here’s the cheat code: check the venue’s official event page the morning of the show. They often list “show end time” in the details. It’s more reliable than asking a stranger in the queue, who will just guess based on that one time they saw Ed Sheeran in 2017.
The O2 | The O2
If the curfew is 10:30 PM, you have a window. The encore usually happens between 10:15 PM and 10:25 PM. So, if you really need to leave early to avoid the crush, slip out during the fake “goodbye” where the band pretends to leave. It’s a theatrical lie, but it buys you a clear path to the exit.
But honestly? Don’t leave early. The best part of a gig is the end, when everyone is a sweaty mess and shouting along. Just accept that you’ll pay £30 for a six-minute taxi ride. It’s a tax on good memories. You’ll grumble about it on Monday, but you’ll smile on Tuesday.
A Final, Honest Anecdote
Last year, I saw a huge pop star. She came on at 9:00 PM sharp. She performed like a cyborg, no chit-chat, just bangers. At 10:28 PM, she waved, the lights came on, and I was outside at 10:31 PM. I was so confused I almost checked my pockets for lost time. It was beautiful. It was also a fluke.
So, in short: plan for 10:30 PM on weekdays and 11:00 PM on weekends. If the band starts late, the finish gets sharp. It’s like a game of musical chairs where the music stops and the tube stops with it. Relax, enjoy the show, and remember: the Uber price at 11:00 PM is a badge of honour. And if you miss the last train, the 24-hour bus from North Greenwich is a rite of passage. You’ll have stories. That’s the real point.
