Riley Green at the Forum
Kicking off his Damn Country Music tour last night at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, country artist Riley Green delivered a sharp, well-paced set that marked a solid start to his much-anticipated third studio album.
The sold-out crowd was treated to an unforgettable night of Southern soul, striking visuals and deeply personal stories that were as powerful as they were relatable. Inside the intimate 2,300-capacity venue, Green’s relaxed stage presence and genuine connection with the audience gave the performance a sense of intimacy, making every song feel personal and heartfelt.
The tone was set early, launching into a spirited medley of classic country rock before Green started with the high-energy Different ‘Round Here – a track driven by gritty guitar riffs and thumping percussion. Fans were instantly hooked, clapping along before Green even started singing, and then belting out the lyrics alongside him – showing just how Green’s familiar stories instantly connect. His setlist, which leaned heavily on his new 18-track album, was an exploration of small-town life, love and family, delivered with a sound that balanced traditional country roots with a modern edge.
Visually, the show was just as immersive as the music. With bold and colourful montages of rural Alabama, golden sunsets and winding backroads lighting up the screens, the performance strengthened the themes of nostalgia and simplicity that run through much of his music. A standout moment came during the emotional ballad I Wish Grandpas Never Died, when fans lit up the venue as phone flashlights raised in sync with a moving montage of young Green and his grandfather. Similarly, Jesus Saves brought the crowd to near silence, its emotional weight amplified by a stripped-back arrangement and Green’s fresh vocal clarity.
The guitar hooks also shone through, especially during his cover of Dixieland Delight, which featured extended solos and left attendees on a natural high. Green’s own acoustic guitar flourishes added another layer of depth, particularly during the slower love songs in the middle of the set, such as When She Comes Home Tonight, where steel guitar and fiddle intertwined with bluesy grooves.
While the whole venue was fully engaged during fan favourites, the energy dipped at times with some of the slower, lesser-known tracks. The interaction between Green and the audience was a bit limited, but he did manage to bring a few light-hearted moments, like joking about fake moustaches in the crowd before launching into one of his biggest hits, which was a playful touch that helped loosen up the room.
By the end of the evening, the concert had delivered exactly what Green fans have come to expect: an earnest celebration of real-life experiences, wrapped in traditional country instrumentation. For those who appreciate classic country storytelling with a contemporary twist, Green’s set hit all the right notes. He may be rooted in tradition, but he’s clearly got one boot stepping toward what’s next.
Dionysia Afolabi
Photos: Virginie Viche
For further information and future events, visit Riley Green’s website here.
Watch the video for Worst Way here:
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