Maximus Reid Kicking off the night was the talented Leah Blevins, a dear friend of King’s, hailing from Kentucky but making waves in the heart of Nashville’s country scene. Dressed in a stunning all-white ensemble and armed only with her guitar, she took the stage and belted out melodic gems that left the packed house spellbound. Her stripped-down performance was a breathtaking way to set the tone for the evening, highlighting her incredible talent and heartfelt artistry.
Now, let us talk about the main event. Marcus King, often dubbed a hidden gem of the music world, is nothing short of a guitar maestro. With a soulful Southern vibe that resonates like a sweet summer breeze, he took the stage alongside his formidable band of five, all seasoned pros from the vibrant music scene of Asheville. Together, they unleashed a sonic storm that blended smooth country sounds with a rock ‘n’ roll edge.
From the moment the first note hit, Marcus and his crew poured everything they had into the performance, delivering an electrifying set that spanned 19 songs. They threw the kitchen sink at us, leaving no musical stone unturned. Yet, it was a bit disheartening to see the crowd at London Music Hall holding back; they did not dance with the same enthusiasm you would find in the spirited venues across America and Western Canada. Ontario’s got two left feet, or the audience was just too mesmerized by the show to let loose.
As Marcus played, it was clear he thrives on the crowd’s energy. The excitement of the audience could elevate his performance to new heights, and one can only hope that future crowds will embrace the magic with the fervor it deserves. Regardless, the night was a celebration of raw talent, leaving an unforgettable mark on everyone lucky enough to be there.
With a setlist that included a mix of sweet covers and original bangers, Marcus gave us a taste of everything in his musical arsenal. A standout moment was when he invited Leah back on stage for a duet, their chemistry palpable as they exchanged verses like old friends. Highlights included a raucous cover of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Saturday Night Special,” complete with blistering guitar solos and a killer drum interlude that crushed the crowd’s collective spirit.
Marcus also took a few moments to slow it down, stripping the sound back and showcasing his talent in its purest form. I swear he could play anything and have the audience eating out of his palm. What an absolute thrill to witness him and his phenomenal band live!
As the final notes echoed through the hall, it was evident that King’s Mood Swings Tour is more than just a concert; it’s a heartfelt experience that embodies the essence of live music. Here’s hoping that as King continues to tour, more fans will hit the dance floor, soaking in the joy of the moment and the magic of his performances. For more dates and details, check out Marcus King’s tour at marcuskingofficial.com/tour.
Setlist:
1. TOO LATE
2. HERO
3. BEAUTIFUL STRANGER
4. THIS FAR GONE
5. 8AM
6. WORKIN MAN
7. HONKYTONK HELL
8. SAVE ME
9. SATURDAY NIGHT SPECIAL
10. DIE ALONE
11. (Acoustic Set)
12. BIPOLAR > FROST
13. ON & ON
14. GOODBYE CAROLINA
15. FUCK MY LIFE
16. ALWAYS
17. DRUM SOLO
18. LIE LIE LIE
19. COMIN HOME
20. WILDFLOWERS
21. RAMBLIN MAN
