LAUREN MAYBERRY GOES SOLO TO LIGHT UP LONDON

LIVE REVIEW | LAUREN MAYBERRY w/ Aziya, WØLFFE | LONDON O2 SHEPHERDS BUSH EMPIRE 26th March 2025 by Kevin O’Sullivan

Lauren Mayberry’s performance earlier this week at O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire was a captivating evening, blending poignant music with her signature wit and warmth. The night opened with two incredible supporting acts, WØLFFE and Aziya, who helped set the perfect tone for the main event.

WØLFFE

WØLFFE, despite an amusing hiccup where she accidentally left her luggage in Leeds the night before, came through in style. Her set was emotive, and she immediately connected with the crowd, her presence filling the venue with a palpable energy. Her collaboration with Mayberry later in the show, performing Punch Drunk, was a highlight, the two musicians effortlessly complementing each other’s sound. Despite the logistical mishap, WØLFFE’s performance never missed a beat, and she proved to be a fantastic warm-up for what was to come.

AZIYA

Aziya, who took the stage before Mayberry, provided a perfect intro to the headliner’s set. With a soulful voice and captivating stage presence, Aziya entranced the crowd, drawing them in with her emotive and intimate performance. Her command of the stage was undeniable, and she left the audience in high anticipation for the main act despite almost forgetting to introduce her band members!

LAUREN MAYBERRY

And then, of course, there was Lauren Mayberry, who wowed the crowd with her stunning vocal range and engaging storytelling. Her set was a brilliant mix of powerful songs and humor, as she entertained the audience with anecdotes delivered in her familiar Scottish lilt. She’s always been known for her magnetic personality, and this show was no different. The banter between songs, whether sharing funny stories or her thoughts on the world, had the crowd laughing and feeling like they were part of something intimate.

The setlist was a perfect mix of new and familiar hits. Highlights included the haunting Crocodile Tears with its extended intro, the deep Change Shapes and Shame which got everyone moving. Anywhere but Dancing had an infectious energy that had the crowd swaying, while Something in the Air (with its extended intro) was a beautiful, reflective moment.

One of the standout moments came when she restarted Are You Awake? after missing a note, showcasing her down-to-earth nature and allowing the crowd to rally behind her even more.The show also featured an unexpected yet delightful cover of The Verve’s Bitter Sweet Symphony, and a powerful encore with Oh, Mother (featuring Dan McDougall on piano) and Sunday Best, leaving the crowd buzzing long after the lights came up.

Lauren Mayberry continues to solidify herself as a top-tier performer, and this show was a true testament to her skill, humor, and charm.

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