Elles Bailey live review: Elles Bailey Kicks Off the Can’t Take My Story Away Tour in Style

Islington Assembly Hall 19th March 2026

Dear Elles Bailey, Islington Assembly Hall called... they’d quite like their roof back after your tour de force performance.

Award-winning singer-songwriter, Elles Bailey returned to Islington Assembly Hall as she kicked off the Can’t Take My Story Away UK tour. The night felt both intimate and electrifying. Fans were eager to share in the latest chapter of her musical journey, singing along, reacting to every story, and celebrating the new album ten years in the making. From the first note, it was clear this was a memorable night. Elles owned the stage, with her band bringing each song to life with energy and finesse.

The opening three tracks from the new album set the stage, and from the first chord, the audience was completely drawn into her story. A return to Road I Call Home saw “Deeper” finally performed in its full glory, elevated by the superb brass work of Paul Jordanous and Sophie Stockham Brown. It’s touches like this that give an Elles Bailey show its depth, letting the arrangements expand naturally and come alive on stage.

Her gritty, characterful take on Bonnie Raitt’s “Love Me Like A Man” kept the energy moving, but it was the quieter, more candid moments that really stood out. Reading from her album ezine, Elles opened up about the challenges behind the record: career highs intertwined with personal lows, losing her voice, and finding it again. It was honest, heartfelt, and grounded in her journey as an independent artist. It’s these moments of honesty and genuine connection that make Elles so popular with her fans.

“Best Believe,” featured on the deluxe edition, sits as a natural companion to “Love Yourself” from Beneath the Neon Glow, carrying a simple but powerful message: don’t let comparison steal your joy. It’s a sentiment that clearly resonated with the audience.

That album also delivered crowd favourites “1972” and the haunting “Let It Burn,” while “Tightrope” became one of the night’s most moving moments. Originally almost left off the setlist, fan messages convinced Elles it had to be included and the audience response made it clear that it was the right decision.

A surging “If This Is Love” showcased stunning vocal interplay with Demi Marriner, before “Take A Step Back” closed the night on a high.

Backed by a band in top form, Joe Wilkins, Jonny Henderson, Matthew Waer and Matthew Jones, Bailey delivered more than just a performance; this was a statement. A decade into the journey, she’s not just telling her story, she’s owning it. And if this is night one, the rest of the tour promises to be something special.

Support on the night came from Caitlin Krisko & The Broadcast, performing as a newlywed duo. For Caitlin and guitarist Aaron Austin, this tour doubles as a honeymoon, something that translated into effortless onstage chemistry. Her vocals were rich, soulful, and captivating, proving why they’ve been tipped as a “best kept secret of the South East " by Rolling Stone. They are back in the UK later this year with the full band, consider this your early warning to catch them before the secret’s out.

Review Cathy Clark

Photos Gerry Driver