Young talent Magnus Berg opened the nights proceedings, and despite the short set, the Norwegian Blues guitarist made a lasting impression with his fiery guitar work and soulful vocals. His raw energy and technical prowess captivated the audience, blending traditional Blues with a modern, Rock-infused edge. Magnus was first to admit to the audience that he never got to play venues this size back home in Norway, his stage presence exuded confidence far beyond his years. Berg's performance was a powerful introduction to his talent, setting the tone perfectly for the main act and leaving the crowd eager for more. I’m looking forward to seeing him again on his next visit to the UK.

Gary Clark Jr brought an unforgettable night of modern Blues and Rock to the O2 Forum, where he barely flinched performing an impressive two and half hour set. Coming off the back of his recent support slots with Eric Clapton, Clark was clearly in top form, delivering a performance that was both technically masterful and emotionally charged. With the venue at capacity, and the crowd eager to see Clark take the stage, we were in awe from the moment the first note rang out.

Opening the night with ‘Maktub’, Clark immediately took us into his rich, soulful soundscapes. His guitar playing, renowned for its blistering solos and deep emotional resonance, was on full display from the start. The full band - with guitar, bass/synth, drums, keys, and backing vocals - created a layered, immersive experience that elevated the night beyond just a Blues gig. The chemistry between the musicians was tight, and the backing vocalists added an extra dimension of Soul, particularly on the more anthemic and Gospel-tinged numbers.

Standing in the pit, I was taken aback by Gary’s presence. He seemed almost rigid at first, however this was giving us an insight to the man behind the music. As the crowd engaged and roared in appreciation of the first few songs, he came out his shell. Movement increased around the stage, and solos became physically more emotive as each note screamed from his beautiful range of guitars. It felt that there was a dialogue developing between himself and the audience; in which the more one party gave, the more the other reciprocated.

Clark's setlist was a blend of fan favourites and deeper cuts, spanning his career and showcasing the many facets of his musicianship. ‘When My Train Pulls In’ was one of the early highlights, its extended instrumental section allowing Clark to lose himself in his guitar work. His playing was nothing short of mesmerising, seamlessly weaving between delicate Blues phrases and ferocious, Hendrix-inspired riffs. As he worked through tracks like ‘JPEG RAW’ and ‘This Is Who We Are’, Clark's voice, raw and soulful, carried as much weight as his guitar playing, adding another layer of intensity to the night.

One of the most powerful moments came with ‘The Healing’, where Clark addressed themes of struggle and redemption, his vocals soaring over the full force of the band. His ability to combine social commentary with deeply personal songwriting was evident throughout the set, particularly in songs like ‘What About the Children’ and ‘Feed the Babies’. These tracks were delivered with a poignant sense of urgency, underscored by Clark’s expressive guitar work and the depth provided by the band.

Midway through the set, ‘Things Are Changin’ brought a more intimate vibe, with Clark taking a step back from the heavier Blues-Rock sound to show off his softer, more soulful side. This section of the performance, which also featured ‘To the End of the Earth’ and ‘Alone Together’, allowed the audience to fully appreciate the versatility in Clark's repertoire. His ability to shift seamlessly between genres - be it Blues, Soul, Rock, or Funk - was a testament to his artistic range.

By the time the band launched into ‘Don't Owe You a Thang’ and ‘Black and Blue’, the energy in the room had reached a peak. Clark's stage presence was magnetic, and the crowd responded in kind, feeding off the band’s energy. The extended jams in ‘Bright Lights’ were a clear reminder of why Clark has become such a revered figure in modern Blues; each note seemed to come straight from the soul, with the entire band following him as he pushed the song into new sonic territories.

As the main set came to a close, the audience was left buzzing, but the night wasn’t over yet and barely had to wait for Clark to return to the stage with a trio of tracks that sent the crowd into a frenzy. Starting with a rendition of ‘In the Evening (When the Sun Goes Down)’, he paid homage to his Blues roots before the band rejoined him, transitioning into the funky, groove-laden ‘Funk Witch U’. With only minutes until the curfew hit, he flew into ‘Travis County’, a fast-paced, high-energy number that saw the entire band let loose, bringing the evening to a triumphant close.

Clark’s performance this night was nothing short of extraordinary. Over the course of the evening, he not only reaffirmed his place as one of the most important Blues artists of his generation but also demonstrated his ability to push the boundaries of the genre with Soul and RnB influences. His guitar work was as electrifying as ever, but it was his ability to connect with the audience - whether through raw emotion, social commentary, or pure musical skill - that truly set the night apart.

As the final notes rang out and the crowd roared in appreciation, it was clear that Gary Clark Jr had left an indelible mark on the London audience. This wasn’t just a concert; it was a celebration of the power of music to move, inspire and uplift.

Chris Griffiths

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