Zac Brown Band at Shepherd’s Bush Empire

In Shepherd’s Bush on the evening of the 1^st July, countless people in cowboy hats, chequered shirts and boots are found heading in the general direction of the Shepherd’s Bush Empire. The reason is simple: Zac Brown Band.

Originally formed in 2002 by frontman Zac Brown and hailing from Atlanta, this country-folk group has produced five studio albums and nine number one singles on the Billboard country charts, as well as receiving several awards. Now, after just over a decade together, the seven-piece have come over to England to perform at the Shepherd’s Bush Empire.

It is easy to see why people want to look the part. The band’s general sound is feel-good country music that compels all of these committed fans to dance with each other and even on their own. It seems to transport them into private, individual worlds.

Though they do sound incredibly similar to famous country rock band Counting Crows (only just a bit more cheerful), this is no bad thing. The tracks they play are easy to sing along to and enjoy, especially the past hits such as Chicken Fried and Highway 20 Ride. Even the slower songs evoke mass swaying from the audience. There’s also a definite influence on their sound from The Eagles; at moments in the set you hear Glenn Frey’s distinctive voice emerge from Zac Brown’s mouth.  

Zac Brown Band is one of the biggest country-folk bands in America at the moment and at the Shepherd’s Bush Empire they showed us why. With their great rapport as a group and with the audience they put on a bewitching show that kept each spectator mesmerised. All those who made the effort and turned up in cowboy hats were not disappointed.

Verdict: ★★★★★

                                                                                                                                                                                James Alder

Photos: Helen Parish

For further information on Zac Brown Band and future events visit here.

Watch the video for Chicken Fried here: