The streets of Camden were literally buzzing with anticipation. As we watched from afar (specifically, from The Lyttelton Arms pub), fans of all ages and backgrounds quickly grew in numbers, lining up outside Koko for 49 Winchester’s highly anticipated sell-out show.
The queue kept swelling and began to snake around the block, a vibrant display of cowboy boots, hats, plaid shirts, and baseball caps, proving that country music is back with a bang in the heart of London—yee haw!!
Inside the refurbished Koko, the excitement was palpable. The historic venue, with its opulent décor and top-notch sound system, set the stage for an unforgettable night. The crowd, a mix of die-hard country fans and curious newcomers, highlighted the genre’s broad appeal.
"surely the dream is no longer bullshit for him."
Drayton Farley is a genuine blue-collar beard, more hackneyed hipflask than Hackney hipster. Hailing from Birmingham, Alabama, he prefaced “Dream Come True” by recounting his former life and how six years ago his wife had suffered two miscarriages while he toiled away making car parts at Mercedes Benz. Now, on his eighth wedding anniversary, he has two daughters and is a professional singer-songwriter, and a man on a mission to grasp the opportunity and make his time in the spotlight count. Enamoured by the splendour of Koko, he still can’t quite believe his luck. His lyrics told of his hopes and dreams back in the day but betrayed a fear of it all being taken away.
Opening with a number about feeling blue despite life going well, the descending chords served as a metaphor for his paranoia of a decline back to a life of car parts. “Losing My Mind” was about the self-doubt that keeps him awake at night, “Touring Blues” told of losing his mind after years of relentless touring, and in “Blue Collar Days” he took us back, you guessed it, to his blue-collar days and wondered if he was living or just alive.
His first release, “American Dream,” spoke of this ‘bullshit American dream’ and a time when he played bars and restaurants for 4 hours straight alongside his assembly line job. It will be interesting to see how he develops lyrically as his star ascends. With songs the calibre of “Whiskey and Guns,” which moved onto tales of whiskey and guns, “Evergreen Eyes” with talk of ‘evergreen eyes’ and chord changes full of soul and heart, followed by “Dream” (indeed the third song of the set featuring the word ‘dream’), surely the dream is no longer bullshit for him.
Before their Glasgow show 49 Winchester issued this statement - 'Our brother Drayton Farley has headed home to be with a family medical situation, and is unable to join us in Glasgow, Belfast and Dublin. We’ve had a blast together these past few weeks and will miss him dearly, please join us in sending all the best to him & his family'
No one could say they didn't get enough bang for their buck."
49 Winchester hit the stage to thunderous applause, diving straight into their set with unrelenting energy. Lead singer Isaac Gibson’s powerful voice captivated the audience from the first note, delivering the band’s poignant lyrics with raw emotion. Their blend of alt-country, rock, and Appalachian folk created a truly dynamic sound that was both nostalgic and refreshingly modern.
an ultra-electrifying performance that left everyone very satisfied ponies."
No one could say they didn’t get enough bang for their buck. The setlist was a super huge (we counted 19 songs) masterful mix of tracks from their albums “Fortune Favors the Bold” and the upcoming “Leavin’ This Holler.” The crowd joyously sang along to “Russell County” and swayed with drinks held high to the moving “Tulsa,” each song showcasing the band’s storytelling prowess and musical versatility.
Standout moments were aplenty—it was a standout show, after all."
“Chemistry,” a tune that captivated many, had a spellbinding effect with its introspective lyrics and haunting melody, while the bluesy barroom tune “Hayes Kansas” painted a vivid picture of Americana that struck a chord with the crowd. The distinct ’70s vibe of “All I Need” brought an anthemic quality to the night, with lyrics referring to being happy the dog doesn’t shit in the house, encouraging the audience to sing along in a powerful chorus of voices, not that they needed encouragement.
49 Winchester proved they are a force to be reckoned with."
Standout moments were aplenty—it was a standout show, after all—including “Make It Count” from the new album. A thing of beauty was Bus Shelton’s searing guitar licks and Noah Patrick’s haunting pedal steel melding perfectly, filling the venue with a rich, textured sound. The chemistry between the band members was palpable, their history and friendship shining through every interaction. Isaac Gibson’s anecdotes between songs added a heartfelt touch, deepening the connection with the audience—a connection that was obviously unique and very special. With their raw talent and genuine passion, 49 Winchester proved they are a force to be reckoned with, and the enduring appeal of country rock is very real.
The toe-tapping humping beat of "Hillbilly Happy" almost brought the recently refurbished house down."
The performance of the super hooky and oh-so-country “Yearnin’ For You” showcased the band’s ability to blend vulnerability with beautiful musical arrangements, creating another emotional high point of the evening while “Leavin’ This Holler” and “Fortune Favors the Bold” highlighted the band’s deep roots and storytelling prowess, drawing the audience deeper and deeper into their world with every verse.
The toe-tapping humping beat of “Hillbilly Happy” almost brought the recently refurbished house down. The crowd, high on music, beer, and camaraderie, went absolutely wild, dancing and singing along in a swell of unity, perfectly encapsulating the joyous and unrestrained spirit of the night. It was a fitting end to an ultra-electrifying performance that left everyone very satisfied ponies.
For those who missed this sold-out show, keep an eye on their tour schedule—49 Winchester is a band you won’t want to miss.
49 Winchester played KOKO, Camden, London on 27th May 2024, with support from Drayton Farley.
