Thursday 30 July 2015

LIVE: King Charles at Bush Hall (29/7/15)

Yesterday I ventured to London for my first gig in just over a month - and what a gig, seeing one of my favourite artists King Charles play an intimate show at Bush Hall. With a setlist spanning the hits such as Bam Bam, Loveblood, Lady Percy interspersed with tracks from the upcoming second record, and a great crowd singing at the top of their lungs, the show was superb. Then add the fact that producer of the second album, Marcus Mumford of Mumford & Sons, and Tom Hobden of Noah & The Whale played alongside the band for the whole set, and you've got a pretty epic show. Support came from Londoners Hidden Charms, whose music I hadn't had chance to listen to before the show but I was really impressed by their energy (and scared the stage might break) and found elements of The Black Keys in their live sound. 


A couple of weeks ago I had actually tweeted saying I hoped that Marcus and Tom would perform at the show (called it!), and these additions, as well as how much the band and crowd were enjoying the show, made it my favourite King Charles show and one of the best gigs I've been to. A particular highlight was the closing track, Lady Of The River. A 'new' song, the track really has it roots back when Charles was touring the US with Mumford, and seeing them perform it together was a great experience. 


A new version of old track Tomorrow's Fool was another highlight of the show for me, as well as a beautiful Charles and Marcus duet of Beating Hearts, performing the slower version of the track that features in some Youtube sessions (such as this) compared to the more upbeat album version. I had heard all but one of the new tracks on his recent 28 show February tour, and they were as great as I remember, with Bright Thing certainly standing out. The calibre of the new material is really high and with Marcus producing the record I only have high hopes and can't wait for it to be released, most likely some time at the beginning of next year. 

Overall the gig was fantastic and it was great to see everyone again, with Charles' band and team being some of the most welcoming people I know - and also to meet a lot of his fans who I know through social media. Always love chatting to Charles, and especially lovely meeting Marcus Mumford to top off a great evening!

1 comment:

  1. Thank you very much for your report! Thanks to you we take advantage so a few of the concert, which has of the incredible being! You are so lucky! I hope to meet you also one day! Xx

    Magloo

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