LeftLion headed to Rescue Rooms to catch 86TVs live, only to find the gig cancelled just minutes before the doors opened due to Jamie from the band being rushed to the hospital. We all wish him a swift and full recovery! Mickey Callisto, who was scheduled to support 86TVs, was not about to let the night go to waste and, with a "the show must go on" attitude, stepped up to fill the gap and deliver an unforgettable performance in the Rescue Rooms bar...
Monday nights at Rescue Rooms are dedicated to 'Acoustic Rooms', a weekly event that brings live music, free entry, and happy hour drinks until midnight. It’s the perfect spot to unwind, kick back, and explore some of the incredible new talent emerging from Nottingham’s vibrant music scene. Whether you’re there to relax or discover your next favourite artist, Acoustic Rooms offers a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere for all.
Since the 86TVs gig was cancelled and some of the attendees, including us, decided to stick around for a drink before heading home, we heard from the staff that Mickey Callisto had chosen to stay as well. Instead of catching his train, he opted to perform in the Acoustic Rooms section of the venue, turning an unexpected situation into an impromptu performance.
Mickey is an emerging artist originally from Sunderland and now based in Liverpool. His stage name is inspired by his fascination with space and astronomy, with Callisto being one of Jupiter’s moons. The persona first came to him when he was just fourteen, blending his passion for the cosmos with his musical identity. Mickey’s music is rooted in synth-pop, and he uses his sound to champion the importance of embracing your true self, celebrating individuality in its most authentic form.
This was the first time I had ever seen or heard of Mickey, and I have to say, I was blown away. I expected him to be good, but I definitely didn’t anticipate just how good he would be. There were a few artists lined up to play the acoustic room session, and Mickey was given three songs to perform. Two of them were his own originals, including his new track, Homospace. It was an upbeat, playful, and electrifying synth-driven song that perfectly showcased Mickey’s vibrant, fun-loving personality.
But what really took me by surprise was his voice. He sounded so much like Freddie Mercury that it was almost uncanny. Not many artists can pull off that level of vocal power and range, but Mickey nailed it. He performed with such energy and charisma—dancing and moving across the stage area like a force of nature—and had the crowd absolutely electric. It wasn’t just the vocals, either; it was his stage presence. He had us all hooked, and before we knew it, the crowd was calling out for an encore.
For his encore, Mickey gave us what we all secretly hoped for: Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen. He poured every ounce of passion into the song, hitting every note with incredible precision. It was honestly stunning. Not only did he nail the vocals, but he also managed to get the entire room singing along with him. The atmosphere was nothing short of magical—everyone was caught up in the moment, singing and swaying together as if we were all part of one massive choir. It was an unforgettable experience, and Mickey Callisto is definitely an artist to watch.
After his performance, we had the chance to chat with Mickey, and he was such a genuinely down-to-earth guy. He thanked us for sticking around, and we were definitely glad we did! We’re already looking forward to and hoping for his next visit to Nottingham. Hopefully, next time it’ll be for a headline show—and you can bet we’ll be there!
Mickey Callisto performed at Acoustic Rooms (Rescue Rooms) on 25th November 2024.
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