Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit at the Royal Albert Hall

Acclaimed Alabama songwriter Jason Isbell is visibly delighted to be playing the Royal Albert Hall – more than once, he mentions how nice it is, and reflects on early gigs played to zero people on sticky floors with a broom closet for a dressing room.

He’s plied his trade since 2001, when he joined the Drive-By Truckers before going solo a few years later; Isbell’s songwriting is considered to be among the best in his genre, and it’s gained him some noteworthy fans like John Mayer and Frank Turner. Even the mighty Bruce Springsteen has praised his work.

He’s regularly performed in London over the last few years – tonight marks the last UK show on this current European tour for Jason Isbell and his band, the 400 Unit. The hallowed hall is buzzing as they await their arrival; when they emerge, there’s a warm Southern greeting from their frontman: “I’m Jason Isbell, this is the 400 Unit, we sure hope y’all have a good time!”

It’s a punchy start, with the reflective heartland rock of 24 Frames followed by an Eagles-reminiscent Hope the High Road. The strong musicianship of the 400 Unit gets an early showcase with Bury Me, an acoustic folk number from Isbell’s 2025 solo album requiring the volume turned down – keys player Derry deBorja picks up his accordion, Anna Butterss plucks at the double bass, and guitarist Sadler Vaden is now on the mandolin, complete with a chirpy solo.

Isbell himself frequently solos across the set and showcases his own guitar skills, whether furiously fingerpicking on an acoustic for Volunteer or sliding across the fretboard on electric during Decoration Day. It’s a seated show, yet fans cheer him on regardless and applaud every solo. That being said, he knows how to even the pace out, as quieter tracks like the gut-wrenching Elephant and Cast Iron Skillet‘s melancholy allow a momentary breather, gently reverberating around the room.

Part of Isbell’s appeal lies in his direct approach to crafting songs and hard-hitting lyrics, regularly tacking themes of loss, addiction and love in all its complicated forms. This culminates in his signature song Cover Me Up, an intense and raw take on recovering from alcohol abuse; in the majesty of this legendary venue, its gradual build-up sounds breathtaking.

Every band member is introduced throughout the set, helping the audience feel comfortable as they perform. Lengthy jams and knowing glances make the set feel intimate, almost like the band are back on a cramped, sticky stage, yet this time with a room very much onside and listening.

Whether the 400 Unit are rocking with him or he stands alone for a solo number, Jason Isbell’s brand of pure Americana is the perfect fit for the Royal Albert Hall. Stepping back out onto the Kensington streets, 5000 happy fans head home with ringing ears and a song in their hearts. Thank you, Jason Isbell – we hope to see you again soon.