Garth Brooks at BST Hyde Park

Hyde Park is lively with anticipation. Across the grounds, everyone is waiting for the headline performance from Hall of Famer and America’s best-selling solo artist, Garth Brooks. This is his first show in the UK for nearly 30 years, and between the excited buzz of the crowd and BST’s increased capacity for the night, it seems the gig is long overdue.

It’s nearly sunset when the band takes to the stage, and the opening notes of Rodeo send attendees into cheers. There’s already a sense of awe from Brooks as he looks out at the crowd’s size and energy. He’s quick to acknowledge it as this first song ends, appreciative despite his legendary status.

Two of a Kind comes next, just as the heavens briefly open and a refreshing bout of rain keeps a sweaty sea of people in good spirits. It’s impressive that Brooks walks the entire stage, watching faces, waving, making sure he’s seen across the large expanse of the barricades. This is a man who recognises showmanship and knows what concertgoers want, balancing performance with genuine connection.

Hit after hit, they make their way through their recognisable songbook, with every number met by fans singing back. When it comes to Two Piña Coladas, the performer lets the crowd sing the last chorus alone and is visibly astounded by the volume. “We should have come back here a hell of a lot sooner”, is a statement certainly felt.

Keeping the intimacy alive, Brooks checks in between numbers, paying attention to the throngs of fans. When he spots a sign asking for Bob Seger’s Night Moves, he’s jokingly offended by the ask before strumming the opening chords. Picking up his cue, the band erupts into the song, putting together a great impromptu cover. It’s moments like this that make a night so singular and so memorable.

Beyond Brooks’s exceptional stage presence, his vocal prowess and genuine talent remain strong after decades. The band match his expertise, joined for this special occasion by two of his “G-Men” studio musicians (also Hall of Fame inductees). Shameless, a Billy Joel cover, really demonstrates the collective skill as Brooks lets them take the spotlight. Gordon Kennedy, Grammy award-winner and lead guitarist, follows with a short rendition of Change the World.

The set finishes with The Dance, from the singer’s debut album. Slow, heartfelt, the song takes on added emotional weight as the audience immediately joins in. Brooks is visibly moved by this unanimous response, teary-eyed as he sings. He ends it by saying, “I’m not sure what the future is, but you can bet your ass I’m coming back to you”.

The encore restores the upbeat atmosphere for a wonderful close. The highly anticipated Friends in Low Places ends the night on a brilliant high with the band, Brooks, and the entire festival grounds united in this final, charged moment.

At the biggest show to ever play at BST Hyde Park, Garth Brooks delivers with charm, genuine emotion and true showmanship.