Gary Clark Jr. delivered an unforgettable evening of modern blues, rock and soul at the O2 Kentish Town Forum last Tuesday, treating the packed venue to a captivating 2-and-a-half-hour set. Fresh off his recent shows supporting Eric Clapton, Clark was in exceptional form, giving a performance that was both technically flawless and deeply emotional. The crowd filled the venue to capacity, eager to witness Clark's skill firsthand, and from the very first note, it was clear we were in for something special.
Starting the night with "Maktub," Clark instantly immersed the audience in his signature soulful sound. Known for his searing guitar solos and emotionally charged playing, he wasted no time showcasing his talents. Supported by a full band—complete with guitar, bass/synth, drums, keys, and backing vocals—the sound was rich, layered, and immersive, elevating the night beyond a traditional blues concert. The musicians displayed impeccable chemistry, while the backing vocalists added a soulful depth, particularly on the more gospel-inspired tracks.
From my spot in the pit, I was struck by Clark's initial stage presence. He appeared almost reserved at first, offering a glimpse into his introspective side. But as the crowd responded with enthusiastic cheers, he began to loosen up, moving more freely across the stage, and pouring even more energy into his blistering solos. It felt as though there was a constant dialogue between Clark and the audience—the more energy we gave, the more he reciprocated, creating a symbiotic relationship that intensified as the night went on.
The setlist was a carefully curated mix of crowd favourites and deeper cuts from Clark’s catalogue, showing off his versatility as both a guitarist and a songwriter. Early in the show, "When My Train Pulls In" stood out, with its extended instrumental breaks allowing Clark to lose himself in his playing. His transitions from delicate blues licks to ferocious, Hendrix-inspired riffs were seamless, and his voice—raw and powerful—added an extra layer of intensity to tracks like "JPEG RAW" and "This Is Who We Are."
One of the evening’s standout moments came during "The Healing," where Clark’s lyrics about struggle and redemption were accompanied by soaring vocals and the full weight of the band behind him. Throughout the set, Clark's ability to weave social commentary into personal songwriting was evident, especially on tracks like "What About the Children" and "Feed the Babies." These songs were delivered with urgency, underpinned by Clark’s emotive guitar work and the band's rich sound.
Midway through the performance, Clark shifted gears with "Things Are Changin’," offering a more intimate, soulful vibe. This quieter section of the set, which also featured "To the End of the Earth" and "Alone Together," highlighted Clark's range as an artist, effortlessly moving between blues, rock, soul, and funk. The audience was able to fully appreciate his versatility, as Clark's mastery of multiple genres was on full display.
As the night progressed and the band launched into "Don't Owe You a Thang" and "Black and Blue," the energy in the room reached a fever pitch. Clark’s magnetic stage presence had the crowd feeding off his energy, and the extended jams on "Bright Lights" reminded everyone why he’s regarded as a modern blues legend. Each note felt like an expression of pure emotion, with the entire band following Clark as he pushed the song into uncharted musical territory.
As the main set wrapped up, the audience was buzzing, but Clark wasn’t finished yet. Returning for an encore, he kicked things off with "In the Evening (When the Sun Goes Down)," paying tribute to his blues roots before launching into the funk-driven "Funk Witch U." With time running out before the curfew, he closed the night with the high-octane "Travis County," a fast-paced track that saw the band let loose in a final burst of energy, bringing the evening to a thrilling conclusion.
Gary Clark Jr.'s performance at the O2 Kentish Town Forum was nothing short of remarkable. Over the course of the night, he reaffirmed his status as one of today’s most important blues musicians, blending elements of rock, soul, and R&B into a dynamic and electrifying performance. His guitar work was as impressive as ever, but what truly made the night memorable was his ability to connect with the audience on an emotional level. Whether through his music or his socially conscious lyrics, Clark left a lasting impact on the London crowd, proving once again that music has the power to inspire, move, and uplift.
Setlist:
Maktub
When My Train Pulls In
JPEG RAW
This Is Who We Are
The Healing
Things Are Changin'
To the End of the Earth
Alone Together
What About the Children
Feed the Babies
Our Love
Don't Owe You a Thang
Black and Blue
Bright Lights
Habits
Encore:
In the Evening (When the Sun Goes Down)
Funk Witch U
Travis County
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