Elles Bailey — Taking It Back — Live in Islington
Elles Bailey opened her Can’t Take My Story Away tour at Islington Assembly Hall last week, and honestly, it didn’t feel like a typical tour opener kicking off at your biggest venue on the tour .
It felt like a reset song she had been writing for years.
From the off, there was something different about this one. Nothing over-polished, nothing trying too hard — just real. The kind of show where you can feel every moment landing as it happens, and you’re glad you’re there for it.
The set moved between blues, soul and something a bit more personal than we’ve seen from her before. Deep stood out early on — full band, brass, proper weight behind it. One of those moments where the whole room just locks in and nobody’s looking at their phone.
But the thing that carried the night wasn’t just the music — it was everything around it the crowd her for her biggest night .
Elles was open about being seriously ill just days before the show. Fever, stuck in bed, not knowing if she’d make it — and then there she was, back on stage in London. You could feel that in the performance. Not perfect, but honest — and honestly, that made it hit harder.
The newer material sits differently.
Can’t Take My Story Away feels like a real step forward — more reflective, more grounded, and a bit heavier in places. When she spoke about losing her voice and what that took from her sense of identity, the room went quiet in that way that only happens when something’s genuinely touched a nerve. And when those songs followed, they landed exactly as they should.
The band were solid all night — no overplaying, just serving the songs. Tight when they needed to be, but still giving everything space to breathe.
There were lighter moments too — funny stories, shoutouts, genuine appreciation for the people around her. None of it felt scripted, which is rarer than it should be.
And that’s the thing with Elles — the connection genuinely feels real. When she talks about fans reaching out and what these songs mean to them, you believe every word. And you can see it coming straight back from the crowd.
By the second half, the whole room lifts. Bigger sound, more energy, everything opens up. You could feel it building.
This wasn’t about everything being perfect although it was in my eyes .
It was about showing up, pushing through, and being completely honest about where she’s at right now.
And if this is where the tour starts, it’s only going one way from here.
