Outside the venue last night, one thing immediately struck me, the incredibly diverse crowd that The Dead South draws. It’s not often that you see a gathering quite like this, a mix spanning generations and musical tastes. I spotted plenty of older folks mingling comfortably with younger fans decked out in metal tees and punk attire, alongside those clearly dedicated to traditional folk. That overlap is really what makes The Dead South’s fanbase so uniquely great. Their blend of Canadian bluegrass has successfully transcended genre boundaries, drawing in a diverse and lively group, I must say. The presence of Canadian memorabilia peppered throughout the crowd really showed that communal vibe and pride surrounding this band.
Opening the show was Western Canadian singer-songwriter Corb Lund, whose performance was warmly received. Lund, who’s been touring with The Dead South for some time now, brought out tracks from his latest studio release, El Viejo, which set a great and engaging tone for the evening, as the crowd was totally into it.
Soon after, it was time for The Dead South themselves. Touring in support of their latest album, Chains and Stakes, the band wasted no time getting into their signature sound, a fusion of bluegrass underscored by a distinctively dark folk edge. What genuinely sets them apart live is how they infuse their bluegrass roots with a ferocious, punk-inspired intensity. The energy they deliver is relentless, infectious, and thoroughly unique. Their fourth album seems to mark a new peak for the band, elevating every aspect of their songwriting, and delivery. Live, that evolution was on stage last night.
With a few dates still ahead, including tonight in Manchester, followed by Edinburgh, and finally wrapping up in Dublin and Belfast, fans are in for a great experience. Last night in London was genuinely amazing, and being part of that energetic, genre-blending celebration felt incredibly special.
The Dead South
Corb Lund
