JACOB ALON PROVES WHY THEY’RE BRITS CRITICS’ CHOICE WITH STUNNING EDINBURGH STANDING OVATION

LIVE REVIEW | JACOB ALON w/ Lizzie Reid | ASSEMBLY ROOMS, EDINBURGH | 27th February 2026 by Hope Simmers

In the gilded surroundings of Edinburgh’s Assembly Rooms for BRITs Week for War Child, all eyes are on the 2026 BRITs Critic Choice winner, Jacob Alon. While the industry buzz predicts a meteoric rise, Alon’s sold-out performance in Edinburgh on Friday felt less victory lap and more like an invitation into their private sanctuary.

But first, let’s look at the support. Not that this crowd needed any warming up – they were already all-in – but Glasgow’s own Lizzie Reid absolutely killed it. Her set was the perfect mix: total “wholesome” vibes one minute, then surprisingly heavy and muscular the next.

Backed by the absolute dream team of Becky Sikasa and Russell Stewart, it was three of Scotland’s most soulfully divine voices for the price of one tonight. Their three-part harmonies gave tracks like ‘Bible‘ and ‘Company Car‘ this massive, cinematic feel that filled the whole room.

But the real “did you hear that?” moment was the vibe shift during her new single, ‘Sweet Relief‘. Lizzie has officially entered her “rock era”, trading in the quiet folk restraint for a much grittier, alt-rock edge. It was the perfect mix of the intimacy we love her for and a new, bolder bite that completely electrified the place. Honestly? The rock era looks – and sounds – so good on Lizzie.

Before Jacob Alon could take the spotlight, Alice and Edie from War Child were welcomed to the stage to shed light on the charity’s vital mission. They spoke passionately about their commitment to supporting children in conflict zones that often fall under the radar, emphasising that their work extends far beyond the headlines of countries like Lebanon. With £37,000 already raised, the evening sits on the brink of a major milestone.

To reach the £40,000 goal, it would only take a £5 donation from everyone in the room—a small gesture that yields a massive impact. You can contribute right now by texting HOPE to 70225.

Then it was time for the star of the show, Jacob Alon. Instead of your typical gig, it felt more like they were inviting us straight into their living room for a private jam session.

The room was packed and cosy, with a peaceful vibe you don’t usually get at a sold-out show. Jacob looked totally at home on stage – relaxed, professional, and completely effortless whether they were opening on the piano or showing off some incredible fingerpicking on the guitar.

The crowd work was a highlight, too. Jacob asked everyone’s names, gave a shout-out to a girl named Mary, and then had the whole room scream their names on the count of three. It was total chaos, but in the best, most intimate way possible.

Between songs, Jacob joked about their ‘sparkly boots’ and shared that they never really “got” Nirvana’s In Utero until recently – but now, they finally feel that anger. It was a cool moment of honesty, especially followed by a reminder to support War Child. As Jacob put it: “Hope is the most valuable thing we have.”

The solo set eventually grew into a full-band affair, including a gorgeous collab with Lizzie Reid. Their voices together were a dream. By the time they all took a bow to a standing ovation, it was clear: you don’t have to be a “rock artist” to absolutely command a room.

In a year where they have been crowned the BRITs Critic’s Choice, it would have been easy to lean into the spectacle but instead, Alon leaned into the room. From the playful chaos of the crowd work to the breathtaking harmonies with Lizzie Reid, the night was a reminder that true stage presence isn’t about volume but connection.