HomeMusicC2C: Country to Country 2019 - Ashley McBryde live review

C2C: Country to Country 2019 – Ashley McBryde live review

Ashley McBryde was one of last year’s breakout acts at C2C: Country to Country. At the start of the festival many people hadn’t heard of her but by the end she was the name on everybody’s lips. Since then she’s been back to the UK supporting Luke Combs and she had her own sold-out headline show at Islington Assembly Halls, upgraded from Omeara due to demand. Tonight she returned to C2C on the Main Stage.

McBryde opened her set with Livin’ Next to Leroy and it was the first time we’d heard her with a full band. It didn’t detract from the magic she creates when she performs acoustic and she’s very much still in the centre of everything. Things really began to kick in with American Scandal where McBryde wowed with her vocals and really let rip.

Fat and Famous, a song which McBryde has threatened to retire, got a huge reaction from the crowd. It’s a funny middle-finger salute to the mean-spirited bullies many of us have endured during our youth. McBryde sings it with such a bite, it’s hard not to laugh and cheer her on.

Girl Goin’ Nowhere started off acoustic and it was an emotional moment. The crowd cheered throughout and McBryde looked visibly moved. She’s come such a long way these past 12 months and the UK has been a huge part of that for her.

Elsewhere in the set new song Rattlesnake Preacher had a Southern Rock feel, Home Sweet Highway was a love song to being on the road, and A Little Dive Bar in Dahlonega took us all back to when we first fell in love with McBryde. The set closed with Tired of Being Happy and it was a triumphant end to a show-stopping set.

McBryde has quickly established herself as one of the most-loved US Country stars that comes to the UK. We connect with her and her music in a way that feels special and unique. She’s such a rare talent that can bring emotion and passion, along with plenty of laughs when she performs. McBryde will always have a welcome home here in the UK for her music.

Set list: 1. Livinā€™ Next to Leroy 2. El Dorado 3. The Jacket 4. American Scandal 5. Fat and Famous 6. Girl Goinā€™ Nowhere 7. Rattlesnake Preacher 8. Home Sweet Highway 9. A Little Dive Bar in Dahlonega 10. Tired of Being Happy Performance date: Sunday 10th March 2019

Pip Ellwood-Hughes
Pip Ellwood-Hughes
Pip is the owner and Editor of Entertainment Focus, and the Managing Director of PiƱata Media. With over 19 years of journalism experience, Pip has interviewed some of the biggest stars in the entertainment world. He is also a qualified digital marketing expert with over 20 years of experience.

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