Gig Review: Elles Bailey - Guildhall, Lichfield. Saturday 10th October 2026
Stories were the theme of the night. For two minutes before the band took to the stage, Lichfield Guildhall echoed to the soaring chimes of Brandi Carlile’s definitive classic ‘The Story’. Moments after the five-strong supporting cast assumed position, instruments in hand, Elles Bailey bounded into the spotlight launching straight into her memoir of 2026, the hugely personal ‘Can’t Take My Story Away’. This is a story of ordinary charm, no fanfare or distorted narrative, just one person pouring her heart into a craft of connective majesty and a music presentation primed wth passion and soulful eminence.
The sold out sign went up days before a return to this historical venue in one of England’s blossoming cultural cities. The audience was reminded from the stage that it was five years since the Guildhall last hosted an Elles Bailey concert. A period where three imposing album releases have projected an artist past the established stage to one of influential. Evidence of an elevated standing spilled across a headline set which stretched to an hour and half, exhibiting a vocalist bursting with animated grace, while voicing powerful songs drawing praise in many circles from blues to Americana.
The band was in tip top shape. Long term guitarist Joe Wilkins continues to quietly shred his mastery in the backfield, surely by choice. Upfront Demi Marriner cuts a niche on acoustic guitar and various percussion with harmony vocals adding a significant touch. The two Matthews hold court in the rhythm slot, Waer the archetype bassist by look and poise, and Jones on drums. One change for this, and the last couple of shows, was Dan Moore on hammond organ offering a gorgeous keys accompaniment from a seasoned player on the Bristol music scene.
The setlist was carefully curated threading in fan favourites with new songs finding their feet. The pre-encore and evening finale coupling of ‘This is the Love’ and ‘Take a Step Back’ were momentum bangers. For moments of calmer reflection, ‘Tightrope’ and ‘Halfway House’ fitted the bill. On the covers front, ‘Better Days’ has been recorded on the latest album and featured in an identical setlist opening to how the the record is structured. A curveball cover was the iconic ‘Drift Away’ made famous by seventies soul singer Dobie Gray. The most memorable part of this evening’s version was how Bailey and Marriner rejigged the vocal ending. It was suggested a recorded version may surface.
Chat interludes swayed from appreciative to emotional. Anecdotes of millions of Tik Tok views to ‘Cheats and Liars’ finding their way into certain American cohorts raised a smile, while the message in the intro to ‘Love Yourself’ was strong. Touching personal insights added value to ‘Constant Need to Keep Going’ and ‘Leave a Light On’, ‘Enjoy the Ride’ and ‘Let it Burn’ went down a storm with dedicated fans along with widespread hip swaying to soulful shuffler ‘How Do You Do It’.
Elles Bailey is an effortless likeable performer. A smart songwriter in the background but totally focused on being a vocalist and storyteller on stage. She strips life and feeling down to the basics communicating in an inclusive way. Whether she has found her level remains to be seen but the present offering appears optimal in many facets.
Opening the show was Nashville-based New Zealander Jackie Bristow. A singer-songwriter surfing the divide where gritty East Nashville meets the more polished West. She was ably supported by guitarist Mark Punch, a Sydney native who has shared stages with luminaries from Jimmy Barnes to Joe Cocker. This established pairing raised the bar for opening acts and Bristow herself wasted not a single second in capably promoting a resourceful solo artist in a tight 30-minute set. This booking was a coup on a night where top quality all-round musicianship found favour in the English provinces.
