Islington Assembly Hall 2nd November 2024
Ever since she saw Larkin Poe at Islington Assembly Hall back in 2018, Elles Bailey dreamt of headlining at the venue. In 2022 she got close when she supported Walter Trout, but tonight the award winning artist has achieved her goal - against the odds! She was unwell and missed her soundcheck, but rather than pull the show and disappoint the loyal Wolfpack of fans who had come from far and wide to witness this landmark show, Elles gave the audience everything she had.
Playing through her acclaimed new album ‘Beneath the Neon Glow’, with a few dips into her back catalogue and supported by the amazing Demi Marriner (who also does backing vocals and plays guitar in Elles’ band) and The Cinelli Brothers, this was truly and epic show.
Elles looked every bit the diva (she’s not) with a sparkly suit and a snazzy pair of silver cowboy boots that Taylor Swift would be envious of. ‘Enjoy the Ride’ jumpstarts the show, getting the energy high before ‘Leave the Light On’ and fan favourite ‘Ballad of A Broken Dream’ demonstrate the glorious highs and emotional lows of this rollercoaster concert.
‘1972’ gets a groove back on while a cover of John Martyn’s ‘Over the Hill’ slots nicely into the set.
In a show that really does ebb and flow, up-tempo tracks like ‘If This is Love’ and ‘Love Yourself’ had the crowd dancing. Despite originally being cut from the set list, the fans were not ready to give up another favourite and by popular demand, ‘Medicine Man’ wiggled his back into the set.
During the brilliant ‘gift’ of a song, ’Let it Burn’ and the sombre ‘Turn off the News’ you could hear a pin drop. Elles also pauses to pay a heartfelt tribute to Catfish’s Matt Long who passed away a few week’s ago.
In characteristic fashion, Elles engages with the audience, making jokes, telling stories and sharing with fans old and new. Despite her growing success, she’s still kept her feet on the ground.
Her band are also on fire (Jonny Henderson, Joe Wilkins, Matthew Jones, Demi Marriner and Matthew Waer) and all given space to shine within the set. Demi’s harmonies are electrifying and able to switch between full belt ballads, Americana, soul, country and blues. Joe Wilkins also lets rip with some fine solo guitar work during the show too.
In an era of stadium extravaganzas, this is a ‘gig’ in the true sense of the word. There’s a real connection between the artist and the audience and it’s performances like this that harness the power and heart of live music.
After a glorious evening, Elles leaves on a ‘Sunshine City’ high. A very special and quite superb set and proof that dreams really do come true.
Review Cathy Clark
Photos Gerry Driver
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