LIVE REVIEW: Carly Pearce @ Islington Assembley Hall

Last night (Thursday, September 15th) Kentucky native Carly Pearce brought her sold-out European tour to London for a sell-out at the Islington Assembly Hall. It was truly a night to remember for the electric performer who left the audience spellbound with her effortless on-stage presence.

But before Pearce took to the stage, Iowa’s Sarah Darling mesmerised the audience with her silky vocal, joined on guitar by Julie Lavery, Darling delivered a truly special showcase of hit tracks, unreleased gems, and a stunning cover of Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Dreams’, with the major highlight being the divine performance of ‘Primrose Hill’ which left the London crowd in awe of her truly liquid gold voice.

After Darling exited the stage it was time for the main event, and what a main event it was. Pearce hadn’t performed in the city since 2019 when she wowed at the O2 Arena during the C2C Festival and then the COVID lockdown put a stop to her plans to return but thankfully a few years later she made it back.

The growth as an artist and performer she has undertaken these past 3 years is absolutely incredible and last night she breezed through a set-list of old and new classics including the poignant ’29’, heartfelt ‘Show Me Around’, her first UK radio single ‘Every Little Thing’, and the smash-hit ‘Next Girl’ along with a classic cover of Shania Twain’s ‘Man! I Feel Like A Woman’ that had the crowd in full voice.

For the upbeat section of the show it was difficult to hear Carly over the loud cheers, and singing back of the audience – they were in their element watching one of country music’s most exciting artists and she was at home in the spotlight; funny, down-to-earth, genuine, and talented she really does have it all.

Highlights of the night included the moment she accidentally and repeatedly called Bob Harris Bill much to the hilarity of the English fans, broke a heel in the middle of the show, being forced with an on-stage shoe change, and those splendid moments where she was caught off guard by just how loud and enthusiastic her fans were. There was also an extra treat for fans when Sarah returned halfway through to perform ‘Never Wanted To Be That Girl’ with Carly – what a moment!

There were some really personal moments in the set too where she opened up about her divorce, her journey to becoming a Grand Ole Opry member, and the loss she feels after producer Busbee passed away. There is something extra special about Carly Pearce and last night she showcased that she has what it takes to become one of country music’s biggest artists around the world.

Were you at Carly Pearce’s gig last night? Let us know your favourite part across social media and in the comments below!