Jake Bugg was famous and renowned for his songwriting in his teens, and while some might say the guy got a lucky break, others would say it’s more than justified. Isn’t that when we should be finding our future heroes? Absolutely.
Bugg’s announcement that he’d be playing at the magnificent Liverpool Olympia was quite the ticket. The night kicked off with an intimate acoustic set that put his vocal prowess and songwriting front and center. Armed only with his trusty guitar, he treated the crowd to a mesmerizing 10-song performance, featuring fan favorites like “Strange Creatures,” “Country Song,” and “A Song About Love.” Clad in black, he held the packed venue in thrall, with the audience singing every lyric, basking in the intimacy of the moment in a captivating venue. The first set culminated in thunderous applause – a testament to Bugg’s remarkable ability to command a stage with just a guitar and voice, a distinction, of course, made famous by the likes of Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Joan Baez, James Taylor, and John Denver before him.
Following a brief intermission, the second half kicked off with Bugg joined by his talented band, diving into tracks like “Me and You” and “Simple As This” – bangers to reignite the vibe. The setlist was a well-crafted blend of classics and fresh material, setting the Olympia ablaze with tunes like “Seen It All” and “Two Fingers.” However, it was the emotional resonance of “Broken” that truly struck a chord, prompting the crowd to raise their phone torches high and sing their hearts out. The Olympia transformed into a stunning spectacle – an old theatre with futuristic potential.
Jake Bugg’s fusion of indie and country, coupled with his unique voice, defined the entire evening. At not even 30 yet, his performance was nothing short of captivating, his voice effortlessly filling the venue’s expanse. The bluesy, punchy melodies showcased his prowess as a masterful songwriter. There could be another half-century of this if he gets it right both personally and professionally. A talent in his prime.
Photo Credit: @jakebugguk on Facebook
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The Broken Spine is a poetry and arts collective proudly published on the coastal edge of North-West England. Founded in 2019 by Alan Parry and Paul Robert Mullen – two school friends reunited after twenty years through a mutual love of poetry.
