Live loud, sing proud! Celebrating the artists, songs, and moments that make country music feel like home – right here in the UK! This is where I share gig memories, festival highlights, and the soundtracks that keep my boots tapping.
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Kane Brown’s The High Road Tour rolled into Birmingham this last week, and what a night it was. The country superstar brought his signature blend of heartfelt storytelling and full-throttle showmanship to the Utilita Arena — turning it into a night that felt both personal and larger than life.
The Perfect Warm-Up: Dasha & Dylan Schneider 🌾
The evening kicked off with two fantastic support acts. Dylan Schneider set the tone early, charming the crowd with his easy-going energy and modern country sound — a reminder that the next generation of Nashville talent is in safe hands.
Then came Dasha, who owned the stage with confidence and sparkle. Her catchy blend of pop-country, strong vocals, and infectious personality got everyone on their feet. By the time she wrapped her set, the arena was buzzing — perfectly primed for Kane’s arrival.
A Nod to Birmingham Rock 🤘
Before Kane even appeared, fans were treated to a clever and heartfelt tribute — Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train” blasted through the speakers, a shout-out to Birmingham’s own rock legend. It was the perfect setup for what was to come: a show that mixed country soul with rock-star spectacle.
As the lights dimmed and the crowd roared, Kane emerged on top of the stage scaffolding to open with “I Am.” Surrounded by pyrotechnics and smoke, it was an entrance that screamed confidence and creativity. From that first note, he had the audience in the palm of his hand.
Storytelling with Fire 🔥
Kane Brown’s magic lies in how he moves between vulnerability and pure power — and this show was a masterclass in both. Between bursts of fireworks and bold visuals, he took time to share stories, thank his fans, and reflect on his journey.
Songs like “Homesick” hit the emotional core, stripped back and heartfelt, while “Fiddle in the Band” reminded everyone that Kane’s still deeply rooted in his country beginnings — complete with a fiery fiddle solo that got the whole place stomping along.
Crowd favourites “Like I Love Country Music” and “2 Pair” turned the arena into a singalong, with Kane dancing across the stage, feeding off every ounce of fan energy. He’s a natural performer — part storyteller, part showman — and it shows in every move he makes.
Special Guests & Sweet Moments ✨
One of the highlights of the night came when Kane brought out his support acts Dylan Schneider and Dasha to join him for “Famous Friends.” The crowd loved it — a big, feel-good moment made even better when Birmingham locals James and Oliver Phelps (better known as the Weasley twins from Harry Potter) surprised the crowd on stage.
Later, during his duet “Thank God,” Kane FaceTimed his wife Katelyn, who appeared on the big screen to sing her parts live from home. It was a heartwarming and very “Kane” moment — personal, funny, and real.
Ending with a Bang 🎉
Just when the crowd thought the show was winding down, Kane turned it up another notch. The final songs — “One Thing Right” and “Miles On It” — were pure rock-show energy. Guitars roared, flames shot high, and the arena floor turned into a sea of jumping fans. It was the perfect high-octane finish to a night that blended country warmth with a rock ’n’ roll heartbeat.
Final Thoughts 🎶
Kane Brown’s The High Road Tour stop in Birmingham was more than just a concert — it was a celebration of how far country music has come, and how wide it can reach. With his easy charm, big production, and undeniable talent, Kane proved once again that he’s redefining what it means to be a country artist in 2025.
For me, it was a reminder of everything I love about this community — great music, good people, and a little bit of fire under our boots.
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September 17th, Birmingham’s O2 Institute got a full dose of southern grit and raw country soul as Oliver Anthony brought his music (and his magic) across the pond. And let me tell you—this gig was something else.
The Band That Brought the Heat 🎶
Oliver didn’t just bring songs—he brought a band of absolute firecrackers. Joey, the guitarist he discovered at an open mic night, ripped solos that shook the whole room. Billy, the fiddle player from Nashville, had his bow flying so fast it was hard to keep up. And then there’s Noel—the drummer who asked his boss for annual leave to join the tour. His request got rejected… so now he’s drumming full-time. (Honestly, best resignation story ever.)
And let’s not forget bass player Pete , who casually pulled off the move of the night—playing the keys with one hand while keeping the bassline steady with the other. Total wizardry.
Covers, Originals & Crowd Pleasers 🎤
Oliver’s set struck the perfect balance between his own songs and crowd-favourite covers. His voice carried that raw honesty he’s become known for, while the band built each number into a proper southern-rock-country storm.
When a fan called Harry yelled out for “that song about the devil and the fiddle,” Oliver grinned, shifted gears, and launched into “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” way earlier than planned. The entire room went wild—it was one of those moments you know you’ll never forget.
A Man on His Own Terms 💬
Between songs, Oliver shared stories that made the night even more special. He talked openly about why he runs his production totally by himself with close friends – no managers, no corporations, no one taking a cut of his hard work. That’s also why new music has taken a little longer—he’s deliberately stepping away from the big contracts to keep his independence.
He also spoke about using his earnings to buy back his grandparents’ land, proudly adding that he’s putting it in a trust so “no dumb grandkids can sell it off in the future.” It was heartfelt, raw, and a reminder of why fans connect so deeply with him—he’s real.
These moments made the story of Rich Men North of Richmond feel even more real. You can tell he means and feels every line of this song. So did the crowd when they belted it along with him!
Birmingham’s Rowdy Welcome 🥁🍻
The Birmingham crowd was rowdy in the best way, chanting “Ohhh Oliver Anthony” to the tune of Seven Nation Army whenever they could. Instead of brushing it off, Oliver leaned right into it—smiling, playing along, and keeping that energy alive. It made the whole gig feel more like a family gathering than a show.
A Stage Shared 🤝
Support act Sam Shackleton deserves his flowers too. Not only was his opening set incredible, but he also jumped back on stage during the night with his harmonica, adding an extra layer of magic to the songs.
A Night to Remember ✨
Just when the music ended and we thought the night was over, Oliver stepped off the stage and straight into the crowd—hugging fans, shaking hands, and taking photos with anyone who wanted one. No rushing, no ego—just pure gratitude.
From the fiery solos to Oliver’s heartfelt stories, Birmingham didn’t just get a concert—it got an experience. One thing’s certain: Oliver Anthony and his band have left their mark on the UK, and Birmingham will be talking about this gig for a long, long time.
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Riley Green at the O2 Victoria Warehouse 📸 by Simon Evans On September 15, 2025, country music fans in Manchester were treated to an electrifying performance by Riley Green at the O2 Victoria Warehouse. As part of his “Damn Country Music Tour,” Green delivered a high-energy show that resonated deeply with the UK audience.
🌟 The Atmosphere
The venue buzzed with anticipation as fans packed the O2 Victoria Warehouse, eager to experience Green’s blend of traditional country sounds and contemporary flair. Dedicated fans braved the winds and rain, eagerly waiting in the swampy queue outside. The rain might have poured but it didn’t dampen our spirits!
🎤 Setlist Highlights
Green’s setlist was a masterclass in country music storytelling. Some of the standout tracks included:
• Opening with a duck call and “Different ’Round Here”, giving a nod to his roots with the song that introduced many to his music.
• Erik Dylan was welcomed back on stage for “Damn Good Day to Leave”. A real upbeat tune that got everyone dancing and singing along.
• Riley slowed things down with “Hell of a Way to Go” A real heartfelt tribute to his grandad. A firm crowd favourite that gets you right in the feels.
• Hannah MacFarland was welcomed back on stage to sing a brand new song and “Don’t Mind If I Do” She has a really unique voice, and looked right at home up there with Riley.
• “You Look Like You Love Me” – Gave rising uk country singer Zoe Unsworth the incredible opportunity to fill Ella Langley’s boots and sing along side Mr Green.
• What can we say about “Worst Way”. Let’s just say, the female fans were not disappointed. Guitars were adorned with lace garments, courtesy of the fans.
• Rounding off with the classic Riley Green finisher, “Dixieland Delight” cover. Bringing Erik Dylan back on stage for the party finale, getting the Manchester crowd hyped up one last time.
For a complete setlist, check out Setlist.fm.
🎶 The Music
Green’s performance was a testament to his artistry. With a mix of upbeat tracks and soulful ballads, he captivated the audience throughout the night. His stage presence and connection with the crowd made for an unforgettable experience. Boots were tapping, arms swaying, and everyone singing a long.
📸 Fan Reactions
Fans took to social media to share their excitement. One attendee shared, “Riley Green brought the house down tonight! Can’t wait for him to come back to Manchester.” Another fan tweeted, “Best concert I’ve been to in ages. Riley Green is the real deal.”
📰 Media Buzz
Riley Green’s UK tour garnered attention from various media outlets, and I’m sure we have all seen that interview with Girls In Low Places. Many fans had the opportunity to meet the man himself with the VIP packages available.
The Manchester show was part of a series of performances across the UK, including stops in London and Glasgow.
📅 What’s Next for Riley Green?
Following the success of his UK tour, Green is set to continue his “Damn Country Music Tour” across North America. Fans can look forward to upcoming performances and possibly new music on the horizon.
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