Erja Lyytinen O2 Islington Academy2

In a world where true musicianship sometimes struggles to cut through the noise, Erja Lyytinen stands as a beacon of authenticity. On a special evening at o2 Islington Academy2, the Finnish blues sensation delivered a performance that felt less like a gig and more like the unveiling of a best-kept secret. For those of us lucky enough to witness it, it was clear: Erja Lyytinen deserves a much bigger stage here in Britain.

Raised in Kuopio, Finland, in a musical family, Lyytinen’s roots run deep into the blues soil, even if the frozen north might seem an unlikely birthplace for such soul-drenched music. Over a career spanning two decades, she has carved out a remarkable path — winning acclaim across Europe and the US, sharing stages with legends like Joe Bonamassa, and earning her crown as the "Queen of Slide Guitar." Yet here in the UK, her profile still feels frustratingly under the radar. Last night’s show suggested that's something that’s about to change.

Opening with Ball and Chain, Lyytinen wasted no time showing why she’s so revered among guitar aficionados. Her slide work was nothing short of breathtaking, the guitar wailing and whispering at her command. Yet it’s not just her technical brilliance that captivates — it's her heart. Every note felt like a conversation, a confession, an embrace.

The setlist was a rich journey through her latest material and fan favourites. Wings to Fly was a soaring anthem of resilience, while Going to Hell crackled with a fiery defiance that lit up the room. Dragonfly and Abyss showed her ability to shift gears effortlessly — from delicate and introspective to dark and brooding — without ever losing the thread of emotional connection.

There’s something wonderfully old-school about the way Lyytinen commands a stage. No gimmicks, no posturing — just sheer, magnetic presence. Between songs, she shared snippets of her journey, from struggling early tours to recording sessions in Nashville, painting a picture of an artist who has earned every note of her success through graft, passion, and a fierce love for her craft.

Highlights of the night included the stirring Smell the Roses — a reminder to savour life’s fleeting moments — and the achingly beautiful Empty Hours, where the venue fell into a reverent hush. Stoney Creek and The Ring were equally affecting, showcasing a songwriter who knows how to lace her blues with vulnerability and depth.

As the set barrelled towards its end, You Talk Dirty and Wedding Day brought a raucous energy that had the crowd whooping and hollering for more. Lyytinen’s encore - glowing ablaze with guitar fireworks — was the final proof, if any was needed, that we were in the presence of a genuine great.

Erja Lyytinen’s music is rooted in the blues tradition, but her spirit is all her own — modern, restless, and unapologetically alive. Last night wasn’t just a gig; it felt like the start of a love affair between an artist and a British audience that’s been waiting too long to find her.

If you don’t know her yet, get to know her. The Queen of Slide Guitar has well and truly arrived.