Rainbow Kitten Surprise, often known as RKS, is an American alternative rock and indie band formed in 2013 in Boone, North Carolina, at Appalachian State University. The core lineup features Ela Melo on lead vocals (and guitars), Darrick “Bozzy” Keller on rhythm guitar and backing vocals, Ethan Goodpaster on lead guitar and backing vocals, and Jess Haney on drums. The band built an early following with independent releases Seven + Mary (2013) and RKS (2015) before signing with Elektra Records.
Their 2018 album How To: Friend, Love, Freefall marked a commercial breakthrough, driven by the RIAA Platinum-certified single “It’s Called: Freefall.” Subsequent releases include Love Hate Music Box (2024) and bones (September 2025), the latter continuing their evolution with a mix of introspective lyrics, genre-blending arrangements, and energetic live delivery. Influences cited include Modest Mouse, Kings of Leon, Frank Ocean, and Schoolboy Q. The band has accumulated over two billion global streams and performed at major festivals like Bonnaroo and Austin City Limits.
The Manchester date at the historic O2 Apollo featured support from Cigarettes @ Sunset. This stop followed Bristol on 7 June and preceded London on 9 June, forming part of a short UK run. The venue, with its capacity around 3,500, provided an intimate yet vibrant setting for the band’s dynamic live show, known for Melo’s expressive vocals, intricate guitar work, and tight rhythm section.
RKS concerts typically blend fan favourites with newer material from bones. Common recent setlist inclusions across the tour have featured tracks such as “Our Song,” “Hide,” “Dang,” “Matchbox,” “All’s Well That Ends,” “Devil Like Me,” “Hell Nah,” “It’s Called: Freefall,” and “Superstar.” The performance highlighted the band’s ability to shift between raw emotional ballads and high-energy indie rock moments.
The bones Tour reflects the band’s resilience through lineup changes (including the 2024 departure of bassist Charlie Holt) and periods of touring challenges. Their live shows emphasise musical versatility and connection with audiences, drawing from a decade-plus catalogue while showcasing fresh material. For fans in the UK, the 2026 dates offered a chance to experience RKS in mid-sized venues after earlier festival and headline appearances.
The show added to the band’s growing international presence, delivering a night of alternative rock that mixed poetic songwriting with infectious grooves. As RKS continues touring into events like Bonnaroo later in June 2026, their Manchester stop stands as a notable UK highlight on the bones cycle.
Photo Copyright © Gary Mather
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