Randall King set Islington Assembly Hall ablaze on 28th August with a performance that was nothing short of a honky-tonk hurricane.
From the moment he fired up the already over-excited crowd with a booming, “Are you ready to honky tonk?” it was clear this would be a night to remember.
The venue was understandably packed with what was probably the best-looking crowd of cowpokes London has ever seen, all ready to two-step the night away.
This ain’t no different to Texas—it’s hot!"
King, backed by a killer band—three guitars, keys, and drums—delivered a set that was as tight as it was explosive. The production was top-notch, with lights and sound that made the whole place feel like the hottest spot in town. Early on, King joked, “This ain’t no different to Texas—it’s hot!” capturing the sweltering energy that filled the hall.
King’s band was a force of nature, driving each song with precision and passion."
The setlist was a knockout, featuring bangers like ‘Tonk Til I Die’ and ‘Hey Cowgirl.’ But it was ‘What Doesn’t Kill You’ that truly shook the rafters, with live drums pounding so hard they seemed to echo in the bones of everyone in the room. The guitar solo on ‘Hard to Be Humble’ was pure fire, leaving the crowd howling for more, while ‘Mirror, Mirror’ and ‘Damn You Look Good’ had everyone swaying like a cornfield in a summer breeze, the music binding them together in a collective dance of unity and energy.
King’s band was a force of nature, driving each song with precision and passion. Every note was spot-on, every beat perfectly timed, delivering a sound that was both gritty and polished. Tracks like “Burns Like Her” and “Coulda Been Love” hit hard, packed with the kind of raw emotion that only a true country artist can deliver.
a country star on a meteoric rise."
By the time King wrapped up, the crowd was floating on a wave of electric energy. Randall King owned this sweaty London night, leaving no doubt that he’s a country star on a meteoric rise. This all-out honky-tonk revival in London was an experience we were all lucky to witness.
Randall King played Islington Assembly Hall on 28th August 2024 – Support from Dan Smalley (separate review)
